Volume 26 Issue 12 05 May 2017 9 Iyyar 5777

Ma Koreh

Weekly Torah Portion

Parashat Acharei Mot – Kedoshim Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27

In the Torah portion Acharei Mot, God instructs Moses and Aaron on the procedures surrounding Yom Kippur. The Torah describes all the laws surrounding intimate personal relationships. In Kedoshim, God describes to Moses many ethical and ritual laws aimed at helping people live lives of holiness. The laws described include some of those recorded in the Aseret Hadibrot, Ten Commandments, such as respecting one’s parents, keeping Shabbat and not stealing. God also introduces laws about farming and how to treat others ethically.

Family discussion:

  • Jewish living involves ritual practices (that connect us to God and the community) and ethical codes to guide how we relate to each other. What Jewish rituals and ethics are important for your family to live by?

The ‘Yoms’ at Emanuel

Emanuel Primary students performing the Combined Schools Choir with Mount Sinai at the communal Yom HaShoah Commemorations, Clancy Auditorium UNSW

Jamie Schneider performed a solo in Yiddish called Shtller Shtiler

This term we marked three significant days on the modern Israeli and Jewish calendar. On Friday Years 6-12 participated in our Yom HaShoah commemorative assembly, where we were privileged to hear the testimony of survivor of Dasia Gutman and a moving rendition of Israeli Concerto by Yael Grunseit. On Monday we lowered the Israeli flag to half-mast and Yom HaZikaron commemorations were held across the School to remember and honour the brave men and women who lost their lives defending the State of Israel.

The sombre mood of remembrance and reflection transformed to celebration on Tuesday as we marked Israel’s 69th year of independence with a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration. Coming to school in Israel’s colours of blue and white, students came with great ruach (spirit) to celebrate and learn about Israel. School, activities and celebrations included:

  • Learning about the meaning and significance of Israel’s emblem and flag
  • Designing a new Israeli flag
  • Creating a tourist campaign to promote a region of Israel
  • Creating a presentation
  • Reflecting on the meaning of Israel’s national anthem Hatikvah, and creating a music video to accompany various versions of the anthem
  • Learning about their class name and creating posters of those cities
  • Israeli flag face painting and biscuit decorating
  • Experiencing songs and stories about Israel
  • Israeli dancing and Israeli games at lunch
  • Giant Israel true/false quiz and Israeli dancing
  • Youth movement-led Israel discussions
  • Performance by the Sabres band from Israel
  • Delicious falafel lunch provided by the canteen. 

    A short video for families explaining the Israeli High Holidays of Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmautwww.bimbam.com

    To read more about Israel, its history, culture, politics and people: www.myjewishlearning.com/category/study/israel/

    A Yom Ha’Atzmaut message from Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin:
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a5YQK9o-P0