This week's Parsha Vayechi, is not only the final chapter in the story of the Avos (forefathers), but it also carries with it big blessings. In Parashas Vayechi, we read about Yaakov as he prepares to bless his children before his passing. Yaakov, calls together his 12 sons and gives them special blessings that are connected to their futures and the tribes they will form.
Nechama and Leah blessed each other 💗
When Yosef brought his two sons to Yaakov for a blessing, Yaakov crossed his hands—he placed his right hand on Efraim’s head (even though Efraim was the younger son) and his left hand on Menashe’s head (the older son). Yosef was surprised and tried to switch Yaakov’s hands, but Yaakov said that this was the way it should be. Efraim would be the leader of the future generations, and Menashe would be a great leader too, but in a different way. This shows us that Hashem has a plan for everyone, and sometimes things don’t go the way we expect. Yaakov's hands teach us that being a leader isn't about being the oldest or the biggest—it’s about the special qualities inside of us.
The kids helped us bring this moment alive!
Mordy's project!
We took this opportunity to touch up on our
left and
right directions. Crossing over our midline actually is very good for our brains. It helps integrate the two hemispheres of the brains promoting better coordination, communication adn cognitive functioning.
What a challenge it was to move our bodies while learning about our right and left!
We tied red and blue strings to make it easier for us to remember which as left and right! Red on the right and blue on the left.
We encourage a positive physical connection between the kids through holding hands, playing team games, and working together on projects, which helps them build trust and friendship.
Yaakov, gave a special bracha (blessing) to Yosef, "Hamalach Hagoel" which means "The Angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless these boys," talking about his grandsons Efraim and Menashe, and asking Hashem’s protection and guidance for them as they grow. It is a powerful reminder that Hashem's is always protecting us. Today, we can apply this blessing by asking Hashem to guide and protect our children, keeping them safe from harm and helping them grow in kindness, strength, and faith.
Making beautiful blessing card.
This week, we had a Chazak party in our class to celebrate finishing the book of Bereishit! We ate a yummy treat, and talked about all the amazing stories we learned since the beginning . Everyone was so proud to finish the first book of the Torah! It was so much fun, and now we’re excited to start learning the next book, Shemot, and keep going on our Torah adventure!
"Chazak chazak v'nitchazek!" - Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened!
Gan's family is growing! 😆
Pre-K Kria
The children were exited to receive their new Alef-Beis book this week!
Learning the letter Kaf - for כּוכבים (stars).
K Kria
Sh'va party!
Practicing our writing and reading with the new Sh'va vowel.
Academics
We had fun reinforcing our reading skills by creating some funny (& very silly) sentences!
Bingo is so fun and interactive.. we hardly realize we are also learning 😆! This week we played Number Bingo to improve our number awareness.
Aftercare
Team building - The children were working together to connect the toys and were inspired that we are all connected to each other and Hashem.
Happy 5th Birthday Nechama!
Shabbat Shalom!
