Weekly Torah Portion:

Parashat Yitro Exodus 18:1 – 20:23

This week’s parashah is named after Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro. Yitro advises Moshe to delegate leadership roles to other capable people in the community, to ensure his leadership and responsibilities do not wear himself out (so he can have time with his family and to ‘Sharpen the Saw’). The Israelites continue their travels in the wilderness and camp at the base of Mount Sinai. Moses ascends the mountain to receive the Aseret HaDibrot (The 10 ‘Utterances’ – also known as the 10 Commandments). The whole community of Israel stands at the base of the mountain, which trembles with lightning, thunder, fire and the sound of Shofar blasts to experience the revelation.

Family discussion

Why are rules important? What would our world be like without rules?

What are the ’10 Commandments’ for your own family

 Yiddish Word of the Week: Kvetch

Kvetch – to complain, grumble, express one’s unhappiness, discontent.

A person who constantly complains is a kvetch.

We have all heard kvetching before and quite possibly we do it ourselves (but only rarely and when absolutely warranted). We unfortunately come from a long line of kvetchers. Recently we have been reading in the Torah about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, constantly kvetching to Moses and God about the lack of food and water and reminiscing on how good life was as slaves back in Egypt. A bit of a kvetch every now and then may be helpful and therapeutic, but offering solutions and acting to make changes are often more constructive.

Hebrew Word of the Week: קודש

This week the whole school came together for a special dedication ceremony for our new school Ark, called in Hebrew ארון הקודש – Aron HaKodesh. The shoresh (root letters) for the Ark are ק ד ש – which describes something separate, unique, holy and connected to God. These shoresh letters form many other Hebrew words, which all connect to the concept of being separate, special, unique and holy.

* The Jewish wedding ceremony is called ק׳דוש׳ן – Kiddushin

* We acknowledge the sacredness of Jewish festivals by reciting ק׳דוש – Kiddush

* In the blessing before performing a mitzvah we say אשר ק׳דשנו במצוות׳ו – asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vezivanu – who sanctifies us with God’s commandments

* The land of Israel is called אדמת קודש – Admat Kodesh, Holy Ground

* The Hebrew language is called  לשון הקודש – Lashon HaKodesh, the Holy Language

* The Jewish people are also known עם הקודש – Am HaKodesh, a Sanctified people

* A dedication for something הקדשה – hakdasha

* Mourners recite the prayer קד׳ש – kadish to remember their loved ones.

Year 5 reflecting on Jewish wisdom found in Pirkei Avot

Year 5 students are continuing to reflect on the questions raised by the 2^nd Century CE scholar, Shimon Ben Zoma, who asks us what constitutes a good person and a meaningful life.

Ben Zoma asks: “ איזהו עש׳ר – Who is rich?”

Year 5 student responses:

• someone who is kind and full of love
• a person who is kind, honest and well respected
• a person who is happy and enjoys their life
• someone who has made great achievements in their life
• a person who tries and gives their best
• someone who works had and gives to others.

Ben Zoma responds: “השמח בחלקו – one who is happy with what he/she has”