This week, WTA students connected with Parshat Noach and the symbol of the rainbow as a sign of hope in the storm, particularly relevant given the efforts in tefillot for Israel and the world Jewish community. Early childhood students participated in Montessori works related to Noach—from sorting animals onto land and sea, to identifying colors in Hebrew and building a giant keshet (rainbow) out of found materials, and even filling up our giant teiva on the playground, the children immersed in the story of Noach. Lower school students explored the main vocabulary and themes of the parsha. Kitah Gimmel explored what leadership qualities Noach demonstrated and then led each other through a small obstacle course blindfolded to practice their own leadership qualities. This prepared the students for their upcoming biography unit on world leaders. Middle school students explored the text and vocabulary in preparation for their upcoming JSAT exams.

Additionally, last week WTA’s Vaad Horim coordinated a Shuk Shabbat—an opportunity for community members to cook and bake foods that were then sold as a fundraiser for Israeli troops. After raising over $6500 in its first week, the Shuk Shabbat returned again this week to rave reviews.