To start this important unit on our holy land, Eretz Yisoel (Israel) we looked inside the Torah. Using a chumash (printed 5 books of Moses) , we read to the children- the verses in the torah, where Hashem is lovingly telling us the portion of this land was given to us as a gift!
Our big idea for this unit was for the children to feel that each of them is not only connected to the land, but belongs and owns a part of it.
We looked at a globe of the world to find Eretz Yisroel
Kotel - Western wall Center
The Holiest place in Eretz Yisroel is where the Beis Hamikdash (Temple, Hashems home) once stood and where the third and final one will be!
The western wall was the outer wall of the Beis Hamikdash and the closest wall to the Holy of holies. It's a place that Jewish people from all over the world come and pray.
We placed small notes for children to ask or tell Hashem anything they wanted.
Sweet notes being placed on the wall. Pictures of the actual Kotel were placed to have the children have a real experience.
Menachem, rozie and Ava all asked about their younger siblings!
Dovi wanted us to write for him, "Please Hashem help me do more Mitzvas!" After placing his note on the wall he beautifully sang the Alef beis.
Blocks and leaves was a fun way for them to build their own Kotel wall.
Evan and Muka working on their Kotel projects.
Where is East?
Ever wonder why in shuls when people pray they are facing a certain direction? We learned that we face east which is the direction of where the Beis Hamikdsash stood! Even from all the way in Camarillo we can join our fellow brothers and sisters at the kotel!
The children looked on a compass to locate East in our classroom.
The children looked on a compass to locate East in our classroom.
Davening circle facing East!
Israel picture scenes around the classroom was a fun way to have the children get a glimpse of all the beautiful cities in our Holy land.
Gates of Jerusalem
The children were invited to look at different gates of the old city in Jerusalem. Each one boasting different architectural design and historical background.
Some children had fun tracing 'bridge blocks' .
Science with the Dead sea!
The Dead Sea is quite unique. It has a salt content of 33% which causes you to float in the water! Menucha drew herself on top of the water floating! "Swimming with out floaters!"
This was a great opportunity for a science lesson.
Malka helped us create one measuring cup as the 'Dead Sea' by pouring a 1/3 of salt.
we then took pairs of different toys two beads, two shapes etc. and documented what happened.
In our 'Dead sea cup' it floated!
Max tried switching them to see what would happen!
Tsfat- Art
There are a lot of beautiful , inspiring art galleries in the holy city of Tzfat. We placed actual pictures of different paintings to inspire the children, in coming up with their own art.
Happy 5th birthday Devorah Leah!
