Ohr Chadash Religious School, located in Queens, New York, is an example of a new model of supplementary Jewish education.

Comprised of a consortium of three Conservative synagogues in eastern Queens, Ohr Chadash combines classroom learning with experiential programming including ongoing opportunities throughout the year for parent, grandparent and guardian education as well as outstanding Shabbat experiences for young people.

Yom Ha’atzmaut 2021 Photos

April 15, 2021: Hebrew school resumed last Sunday at Hillcrest Jewish Center.

We focused a section of Hebrew school focusing on Yom Hashoah. In an age appropriate manner, we discussed and shared many stories related to the Holocaust and the  importance in never forgetting this part of our Jewish history. We are delighted to host on Zoom author Amalia Hoffman who talked about the amazing story of Gino Bartali, the subject of her recent book The Brave Cyclist. Amalia was born in Jerusalem, Israel and is a creative artist and writer and storyteller who has won awards for her work. 

Once a skinny and weak child, Gino Bartali rose to become a Tour de France champion and one of cycling’s greatest stars. But all that seemed unimportant when his country came under the grip of a brutal dictator and entered World War II on the side of Nazi Germany Bartali might have appeared a mere bystander to the harassment and hatred directed toward Italy’s Jewish people, but secretly he accepted a role in a plan to help them. Putting his own life at risk, Bartali used his speed and endurance on a bike to deliver documents Jewish people needed to escape harm. His inspiring story reveals how one person could make a difference against violence and prejudice during the time of the Holocaust. The stuendets were entralled at this story as they asked many questions and inquiries to the author. Overall, the students walked away with a greater understanding of this somber day.

This week we will be teaching about two more modern Jewish holidays, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. As we celebrate Israel in its 73rd year, we will have a day focused on the beauty of Israel. Each child will be offered individually wrapped falafels catered from Benny’s restaurant. In addtion, we will serve popcorn, chips, juice boxes and of course…hummus! Our teachers will share their experiences growing up in Israel as part of our exciting program. We can’t wait to see you all this Sunday!

Amalia put together a lesson plan whose highlights were:

Lesson Plan for Grades 3-6 

Class Discussions 

1. What is the main message of this story? 

Possible answers: 

1. We live in a diverse society and welcome those who are different from us.
2. One person can make a difference and each one of us can contribute to making the world a better place. 
3. Stand up for what you believe is right.
4. There are times and situations when the just person has to oppose the unjust leaders and authorities.  

This week’s Torah portion is Parshat Shmini. (chabad.org) 

On the eighth day, following the seven days of their inauguration, Aaron and his sons begin to officiate as kohanim (priests); a fire issues forth from Hashem to consume the offerings on the altar, and the divine presence comes to dwell in the Sanctuary.Aaron’s two elder sons, Nadan and Aviyhu, offer a “strange fire before Hashem, which He commanded them not” and die before Hashem. Aaron is silent in face of his tragedy. Moshe and Aaron subsequently disagree as to a point of law regarding the offerings, but Moshe agree to Aaron that Aaron is in the right.

Hashem commands the kosher laws, identifying the animal species permissible and forbidden for consumption. Land animals may be eaten only if they have split hooves and also chew their cud; fish must have fins and scales; a list of non-kosher birds is given, and a list of kosher insects (four types of locusts).

Also in Shemini are some of the laws of ritual purity, including the purifying power of the mikveh (a pool of water meeting specified qualifications) and the wellspring. Thus the people of Israel are enjoined to “differentiate between the impure and the pure.”

March 21, 2021: The students at Ohr Chadash are beginning to learn all of the traditional songs from the Haggadah and the entire story of the Exodus of Egypt. We look forward to the students making more hands-on arts and crafts projects and activities related to the holiday, culminating with our annual Model Seder. Your children will certainly impress everyone at your Seder with their vast knowledge of the holiday and their ability to lead in many of the traditional Passover songs. We thank you for choosing Ohr Chadash and may you have much Nachat from all that they have learned about the holiday and throughout the year.

These photos are from today’s guest author program when we welcomed Brianna Caplan Sayres, who read her delightful book “Asteroid Goldberg” that celebrates Passover in outer space!

Below is a grid for Sunday’s classes.

Please remember to have your child bring a healthy snack and a water bottle to Hebrew school. We will have snack at the beginning of period 3 at 11:00 am. 

In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Yitro, we are introduced to the Aseret HaDibrot – the Ten Commandments given on Mount Sinai. Among the commandments is to honor your father and your mother. It is clear, based on the fact that this Mitzvah made the list of the Ten Commandments, how important the Torah considers it to honor ones parents. We can never forgot all the things our parents have done for us. By honoring our parents, we develop a stronger sense of appreciation and gratitude to others as well. Perhaps, this expression of appreciation can then be carried over to serving Hashem and appreciating the beautiful world He has created. 

• Click Here for a section that remote learners can print out and have ready for Morah Judy’s class.

Rosh Hashanah Trivia Questions and Answers (Click Here)