The Happiest Shabbat Circle, Ever.

Last week Rabbi Aaron told the kids that they are supposed to be happy on Sukkot, and boy did they take that to heart. The singing during Shabbat circle got so loud and so enthusiastic that the teachers were both giggling. As the parents walked in they were very surprised and pleased. A joyous sound filled the room and probably the parking lot. Y., the quietest boy in the kindergarten class was singing the lively version of Etz Hayim Hee so loud and with so much expression that the other kids started singing louder and louder and laughing. At some point R. stood up, raised her hands in the air and started dancing in place like a dancing Torah for Simchat Torah. It was the happiest way to finish the week.

This Week's Thoughts

They are learning something!

Isn’t it amazing when you realize that your child has learned something that you had no idea they knew. We went to Shaarei Yisrael for Kaballat Shabbat on Friday night and R. and a friend (both in kindergarten) recited the Veahavta by heart. The congregation was saying it quietly and Rabbi P. Herman had the two kids recite it outloud in the traditional tune with their little 5 year old voices. Boy, I was surprised and proud! I had no idea that they knew it that well. The whole place was smiles. It was very cute.

Teachers that communicate.

I received a 343 word email from R.’s Hebrew teacher reporting R.’s progress in class. I did a word count for the purpose of this blog because I was just so floored. Not only did it give a detailed account of what R. is learning quickly or struggling with, but it gave me an intimate view into how R. interacts in class with other children. While reading the letter I felt that I was as close as being a fly on the wall as I could be. This is definitely one of the enormous benefits of being in a small school.