Teacher: Hedva Yitzhak                

 

This year the Vav and Zayin classes of the Academy are continuing a new and exciting program called Etgar, which means challenge. In the Etgar program, students are asked to work in groups, called kvutzot, and in pairs called chavrutah. This new and creative approach uses a different way of working with the material and, we all hope, will engage your child in a more meaningful Jewish educational experience.

 

We began with the unit on Sifrei Kodesh, Holy Texts. Students have been given historical background on the sources and opportunities to ponder religious questions, both ancient and current, using our Sifre Kodesh as source material.   Additional units include Friendship, Kashrut and Bikkor Cholim (visiting the sick) in Vav, and Freeing Captives, Zionism, In God’s Image and Responsibility in Zayin,

 

Both classes participate in t’fillot (services) every Thursday with Dean Kupchan, covering  minchah (the afternoon service) in the Fall and Spring, and ma’ariv (the evening service) in the Winter. On Tuesdays, we participate in music with Beth Lobel, our music specialist. After t’fillot or music, there is a 10-minute hafsakah (break) and the students have the chance to mingle with each other. After break, the students change classrooms and switch between our Hebrew and Etgar curricula.

 

On Tuesdays, the Zayin students start with Etgar and then Hebrerw, and on Thursdays the Vav students start with Etgar and then Hebrew. This way we are sure that all students get both subjects in case they have to leave early/come late. The students are well behaved and know the schedule.

 

What I particularly like about Project Etgar is its complete understanding of the middle school student and this particular age group. What we are and will be learning is different and quite relevant to what the child goes through in their daily lives. This makes learning and studying so much more exciting and approachable.

 

Etgar is still new to all of us. With the cooperation, and that of your children, I hope we will work together to meet the “etgar” and gain the benefits of this excellent program. If you have any questions I would be glad to try and answer them. Please feel free to call me at 847/972-1777, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

For more detailed information on the Etgar program, you can check out the website: