Kol HaKavod 6th Grade, everyone in class successfully passed the Torah Trope Challenge!  I am so proud of your hard work, and commitment to learning Torah Trope.

Over the past few weeks, we have been exploring two important concepts: Holiness and Revelation.  The students went on a search throughout the temple for objects that one might consider holy.  They took a picture of the object and then presented their findings in class along with an explanation of why they considered it holy.  Students chose objects such as: the Torah, the Ark, memorial plaques, a mezuzah, a kiddush cup, a tallit, and people.

We discussed the idea that an ordinary object could become holy depending on the circumstance, or if perhaps we blessed it.  We defined what a blessing is, what Hebrew words create a blessing, and how blessings are prayers, but not all prayers are blessings. We examined the Nisim B’Chol Yom, or Blessings for Daily Miracles, in our siddurim, and discussed their meaning.  Then the students wrote their own blessings.

We also began discussing the concept of Revelation, or how God reveals God’s self to the Jewish people.  We talked about different situations in the Torah where God revealed God’s self, such as the plagues, the rainbow after the flood, and the burning bush. By examining God’s relationship with Jews throughout history, we are able to understand God’s role in our own lives.  We will be continuing to discuss this topic through out the rest of the term.