Schechter Shavua: May 10, 2021

Analyzing Talmudic Debates Strengthens Critical Thinking

Schechter students develop strong critical thinking skills, in part, due to their in-depth textual analysis of Jewish texts. The Habonim students (grades 6-7) recently completed a Performance Assessment in which they had to support one of two points of view: either that people should have been created (Beit Hillel's position), or that they should not have been created (Beit Shammai's position). Students analyzed this talmudic debate through the lens of the first four Genesis narratives: Adam & Eve; Cain & Abel; Noah & the generation of the flood and the Tower of Babel (aka "People behaving badly"). In addition, they had to apply the words of Ben Zoma (Avot 4:1- "Who is mighty/strong?  The one who conquers their natural urges") to these four narratives. 

And did you know that there are 365 negative commandments ("Don't do this!") and 248 positive commandments ("Do this!")? Habonim does! They also interpreted how this relates to the positions staked out by Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai.
 

Wearable Inventions Spark Creativity in Makerspace

Makerspace is a time when students can let their imaginations run wild using a wide range of materials. Rimonim students (grades 2-3) are designing wearable inventions that will be shown at a Rimonim fashion show. They were charged with thinking of problems to solve, then sketching and building creative models designed to solve these issues. The inventions include puppets, a double door backpack, a full body umbrella, and many more! 

Meanwhile, Gesher students (grades 4-5) are designing wearable inventions that they will pitch to a panel of Shark Tank judges composed of Schechter's very own teachers! Students have been ideating and constructing their models using a variety of materials, like plastic tube, foam, LED lights, and fabric. There will be prizes for the winning pitches of Shark Tank Day that the whole class will be able to enjoy. 

Click HERE for pictures of Makerspace and Mask Making
 

Masks Serve as Tools to Understand Different Cultures

Habonim (grades 6-7) has spent the last few weeks researching and creating Cultural Art Masks for their Art History unit. Each student chose one or an amalgam of cultures to represent and research while creating their own 3-D mask for display. To construct their masks, students used mixed media of natural objects, recycled materials, and colorful elements to represent the dynamic and rich cultures they spent time discovering. Their works will be on display in the Rogow MS until the end of the year.

Click HERE for pictures of Mask Making and Makerspace