A Day of Reflection

I really enjoyed getting to hear everyone's thoughts and ideas on self improvement and forgiveness this week during class. It was a very interesting and thought provoking class and I learned a lot from all of you. Thanks for sharing! I wanted to share a few things with all of you. I read this book to the students on Sunday:
The Hardest Word 
 
It is Yom Kippur story about saying "sorry" on Yom Kippor and all year. It is a really great book with a really nice message and the kids loved it. You might want to consider checking it out from our library or getting our own copy.


I promised you all our class ashamnu, or list of community wrongs. So here they are. I think they are pretty great! good work everybody!

Yad b’ Yad Class Ashamnu

A - arguing with/annoying parents or siblings

B – bothering friends

C – calling names

D – doing dangerous things, damaging property 

E – eating too much candy (lollipops)

F – fighting with or making fun of others

G – getting on your brother’s/sister’s nerves, goofing off

H – hitting

I – ignoring/irritating parents

J – junk creation

K – kicking people

L – loving too little

M – messy rooms

N – not sharing

O – outside voices inside

P – punching people

Q – quiet

R – rock throwing

S – scared to do the right thing

T – talking too much, tattling

U – using bad language 

V – violence, violent video games too often

W – whining, whacking others

X – x-box when you aren’t supposed to

Y – yelling/yodeling in class

Z –Zucchini being left on your plate

Here is a nice link to some information/history about the traditional Ashamnu if you are interested: 

Jewish Virtual Library 

By the way the Jewish virtual library is a great source of all sorts of Jewish texts and liturgy 

 

 I thought I'd share some pictures from class, you can see how much the kids enjoyed throwing their targets!

 Finally,

I came upon this in the Yom Kippur section Over at Ritual Well one of my favorite Jewish websites dedicated to rethinking Jewish traditions and ritual. : 

A Parent's Prayer for Patience

Found In: Yom Kippur, Parenting Day-to-Day

Tags: Rabbi Naomi Levy

By Rabbi Naomi Levy | Prayer

When my child tests me, teach me, God, how to respond with wisdom.
When I grow irritable, send me patience.
When my fury rages, teach me the power of restraint.
When I become fixed in my ways, teach me to be flexible.
When I take myself too seriously, bless me with a sense of humor.
When I am exhausted, fill me with strength.
When I am frightened, fill me with courage.
When I am stubborn, teach me how to bend.
When I act hypocritically, help me to align my deeds with my values.
When mundane pressures threaten to overwhelm me, help me to remember how truly blessed I am.
When I lose my way, God, please guide me on the road back to joy, back to love, back to peace, back to you. Amen

 I thought it was a nice addition to our discussions we started in class.

I hope you all have an easy fast and look forward to see you all for a FAMILY DAY IN 2 WEEKS on 10/16 (no class next week). 
-Suzan