We had a great first day yesterday!  We got to know one another, discussed the expectations of our classroom, passed out books and materials and started our first trope lesson.  In the last few minutes of class I requested the students’ email addresses (if they wanted to receive email notices of new blog posts) and talked briefly about the blog.  I encouraged them to add the blog address to the home screens of their devices, and/or save the address to their favorites.

I want to encourage you and your student to look around the blog and get to know it’s resources.  The Home page will contain posts in their newest date order, the About page tells you a little more about me and my family.  The Resources page lists online and app resources for Hebrew language, Prayer, Torah/Tanach, and Great Podcasts to listen to. The Schedule page lists our daily schedule on Wednesdays and Sundays as well as the dates of B’nai Mitzvah Seminar and Assemblies with Rabbi.  The T’filah Project page is a long term project that you will be hearing more about in a few weeks.  Last, but certainly not least, is the Trope page.  The Trope page contains all the information in the packet that each student was handed yesterday for their folders (every worksheet that we use in class).  It also has links to audio recordings of each trope clause as well as the Blessings Before and After Torah and Haftarah.

I have created this class blog so that the students (and parents) will use it and benefit from it.  If there is a resource or additional information you would like me to provide, please let me know and I will be happy to add it.

Tomorrow is a special Shabbat evening service for families with 3rd-6th graders.  I encourage each of you to come and worship with us.  Erev Shabbat will begin at 7:30 (and will end no later than 8:30 pm).  Dinner is available beforehand at 6:30 for those who are interested.  RSVP here for dinner.  A lovely kid-friendly oneg will take place afterwards.

Shabbat Shalom!

Marla Aviva Bentley
מורה מרלה