I'm back from my break and taught today's lesson.

We began the Jewish Lens Curriculum in-depth today (Scott Rosen the substitute did a little bit last week).

We looked at the the idea of what is objective in a photograph and what is subjective. We then compared it to the Jewish textual commentaries of Pshat which means literal interpretation like objectivity and Drash which is deeper interpretations similar to a subjective perspective.

Additionally, I spoke to the students about the project we will be doing with a counterpart school in Yokneam, St. Louis's sister city in Israel. While in Israel, I met my counterpart and discussed the project with her. The project with the Yokneam school is on a tight deadline so weekly attendance to class is highly encouraged.

If your child can't make it to class, I need to be notified in advance so that I may adjust the lessons and keep us on schedule. I will need to know if your child won't be in class on Sunday at least by 10pm on Saturday nights.

Specifically, the kids will be taking pictures that represent the Jewish values of "honor your parents and/or respect your elders".

The kids will then pick there favorite photo that they took that represents this and write up an essay explaining why/how the photo:

1. Represents the value of Honor your parents and/or respect your elders.
2. How they relate to the value.
3. Pick a pasuk (line) from the Torah, Talmud, commentaries that explains these values and how that pasuk relates to them.

More information will be sent out in the subsequent weeks.

I also brought back a keychain for everyone from Israel. People in class today received them, and the others will get them next week.

Have a good week,

Daniel Iken