These are the JEWL class offerings for the Fall Term of 2024-25, which runs Sept. 22nd – Dec. 18th, 2024.

Sign-ups are live! Please email talmudtorah@tbieugene.org to request the link to the JEWL Sign-Up Genius form.

Please note the grade level range and day of the week for each class. All students in grades 2-7 are enrolled in the full Talmud Torah program and are encouraged to take multiple JEWL classes each semester, one on Sundays and one on Wednesdays. All the JEWL class topics are intended to offer important elements of Jewish education, so we encourage you to stretch your comfort zone and learn something new.  If fewer than 5 students sign up for a particular class, it is possible that the class will not proceed this term, and students will be re-assigned to the alternate option for their grade in that time slot.

 

Sundays, 12:30-1:15pm

Jewish Ritual Items (Grades 2-5)
w/Rabbi Yisraela Tubman

Students will learn about Jewish ritual objects and will create some of them for home use.  We will be learning about why and how ritual objects are used. Some might be familiar, such as a kiddush cup, and others not so much, such as a mizrach.  A great opportunity to be creative while also discussing how our current community and family practices relate to the traditions handed down from our ancestors.  Projects will be geared toward younger students.

 

Growing Mensches (Grades 2-5)
w/Madalyn Reed

Why should I be kind to my sibling?  Is it ok to criticize my friend?  What does it mean to be created in God’s image?  How can I make a difference in the world?

Explore Jewish answers to life’s toughest questions and grow Jewish values through real-life examples and interactive activities.   Drawn from the book A Kid’s Mensch Handbook:  Step by step to a Lifetime of Jewish Values.

 

Becoming a Jewish Writer (Grades 4-7)
w/Danielle Richard

This class will provide an opportunity for students to enter into the long-standing Jewish tradition of storytelling. Students will get their own composition notebook in which they will write every class. Students will read short excerpts of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction by Jewish writers and writers their own stories and poetry in response to prompts related to the reading. There will also be time for free writing as well as an opportunity to share work at the end of class each day.

 

Diaspora (World Judaism) (Grades 4-7)
w/Simona Lahav

What does Judaism look like around the world? We live as Jews every day, but what does that look like in Israel? In Morocco? In the Philippines? Students will discover what it means to live as Jews in different parts of the world, through traditions, food, stories, anecdotes and discussion. We will travel around the world through the lens of history and tradition, to discover what it means to be Jewish no matter where you are.

 

Wednesdays, 5:15-6:00pm

Jewish Comedy (Grades 2-5)
w/Rob Stein

Students will become familiar with classic jokes, stories and books highlighting Jewish comedians and writers.  They will be able to use these techniques to create their own jokes and stories.

 

Diaspora (World Judaism) (Grades 2-5)
w/Simona Lahav

Every family has their own traditions, but where do those traditions come from? Jews live all over the world, and we all celebrate the holidays, but we all do it differently. Explore what it means to celebrate Passover in Iran, or Russia. Discover Chanukah in Israel. What do Moroccan Jews eat? And is it different to what we call “Jewish food?” Kids will explore holidays, food, and traditions from Jews around the world.

 

Jewish Ritual Items (Grades 4-7)
w/Rabbi Yisraela Tubman

Students will learn about Jewish ritual objects and will create some of them for home use.  We will be learning about why and how ritual objects are used. Some might be familiar, such as a kiddush cup, and others not so much, such as a mizrach.  A great opportunity to be creative while also discussing how our current community and family practices relate to the traditions handed down from our ancestors.  Projects will be geared toward older students.

 

Ancient Stories, Modern Meanings (Grades 4-7)
w/Aliza Benor

Learners will explore many colorful tales and famous stories from the Talmud brimming with imagination and creativity, and then work with their teacher to create a dramatic presentation showcased at the Chanukah celebration at the end of the term.  No previous knowledge or understanding of the Talmud is required, but we hope to cultivate curiosity and interest for future learning!