magic bus at the Overture Center!  Taking the city bus is always a fun adventure, but K-2 students were especially excited to have the chance to see Ms. Frizzle and other favorite characters from the Magic School Bus book series on the stage.

 

Community Announcements

 

Havdalah Disco Party

Sat. Jan. 21, 6-8 pm Goodman Community Center, 148 Waubesa

Come for Havdalah, stay for the dance party! All ages welcome. Email dina@jewishmadison.org with questions or to RSVP.

 

Women's New Moon Celebration

Thursday, Jan. 26, 7 pm at Beth Israel Center

Did you know that there's a holiday once a month just for Jewish women? Do you love to sing or tell stories? Want to build strong connections with other Jewish women in Madison? Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the Jewish month) is traditionally a holiday for Jewish women as a reward for their devotion to God. Shevat is a month about nature, regrowth and music. Please join us for a relaxed evening of song, learning and personal reflection in honor of Rosh Chodesh Shevat. This event is open to Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds.  Questions? Email Lily: lilynd@gmail.com

 

Todah Rabbah to Shulamit Elkayam, a wonderful retired music teacher who came and taught us songs at the beginning of the year, as well as Liz Whitesel, a teacher who taught us 

about sign language. We all loved learning how to "sing" Shabbat Shalom in sign language! 

 

The Madison Mensch Program was originally designed as part of the third grade curriculum as an integrated program connecting social studies and Jewish values.  It has since evolved into a third-fourth grade program that focuses on how Judaism affects people's lives. 

 

Our upper-grade students prepare for guests by first formulating strong interview questions. When our guest arrives he/she meets the students through a presentation that the students initiate.  Then the discussion and question session begins!

 

Larry Kohn, the education director of Temple Beth El, was our first upper grade guest. He was so engaging that we were almost late for dismissal. The Pressmans, Michael and Marsha, came next followed by Cantor Deborah Martin, who not only shared answers with us, but being musically inclined, shared songs with us too! Nancy Brower, a MJCDS Board Member, visited next. She shared that her relationship with Judaism has changed over the years, and that she loves the traditions and being connected.  

 

We thank all of our guests for sharing and teaching us. 

 

Here are some samples of questions that the students often ask:

 

Zoe: What does being Jewish mean to you?

 

Talia: How does Judaism affect you?

 

Nikko: Who was your rabbi for your synagogue/temple when you were young?

 

Anna: Do you have any Shabbat traditions? Please share what they are.

 

Vered: What is your favorite activity to do on Shabbat afternoon?

 

Lena: When and where do you like to study Torah?

 

Ilana; Did you go to Hebrew school when you were young?

 

Debbie: What are some of your favorite holiday memories?

 

So as you can read the Mensch Program is alive and well. It is merely appearing in

a new place and time with a bit of a different angle. Whatever the angle, though,

you can be sure that our students are learning to live lives as menches. Happy 2012. 

 

May your days be filled with doing mitzvot.

 

 Shlicha Maya made three-cornered hats for Purim with all the children and sang in Hebrew, "La Kovah Sheli Shalosh Pinot."

Josephine says, "I'm so proud I finished my Hebrew book!"

Fri. Jan. 20:  Kabbalat Shabbat Together 1:25 pm

 

Sun. Jan. 22:  Focus group, "Who is MJCDS's ideal graduate?"  9:30 am.

 

Mon. Jan. 23:  Education Committee Meeting, 7 pm

 

Mark your calendar:  Tuesday, Jan. 31  SMART night (Sandwiches, Music and ART) Sandwiches at 6, Art and Music Presentations at 6:30.