Shorashim

Shorashim (Roots) (For students and their families entering Years 5-6) 

Year 5 students, who are now eligible to study both on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons, explore their family history and create a family tree. The "adoption" of a bubbe or zayde in the NSTE community and the undertaking of an oral history give added meaning to this year. Students strengthen their feeling of belonging at NSTE while learning the importance of the mitzvah kibud z’kenim (honour due to the elderly). A formal presentation (August) will give students the opportunity to "introduce" their family and the school to their "special friends".

Year 6 students and families enjoy a hands-on "laboratory of Jewish life” at which time students learn about their Jewish community from area guest speakers, travel to Jewish sites of interest including the Jewish Museum, the Great Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. Year 6 students  also participate at services held at other area synagogues.  A strictly "hands-on" year, families are assisted to build their very own sukkah, create a havdalah set, wrap tefillin and learn bima etiquette. Hebrew reading and comprehension intensifies as students start looking forward to the "big day" of their bar or bat mitzvah.

Year 6 students will receive their new Mishkan Tefilah Siddur in a special ceremony taking place on Shabbat (November).