At CESJDS, I taught Toshba, a course on selected topics from Mishna & Gemara or Torah She'Baal Peh (Oral Law) to 7th grade students. I also taught the book of Shmuel to 8th grade students. Please see showcased projects and rubrics available below.
Kashrut Website
In this project, students were asked to build restaurant websites in accordance with Kashrut guidelines we studied in class. They needed to include a menu, explanation of the overall laws of kashrut, and specific information regarding their view on swordfish, gelatin and wine. The project was originally conceived by Mr. Etan Weiss and thus the rubric and right to distribute it is his. Please click this link to visit the Kosher KupKakery website constructed by Anna Missner '18, Rani Zimand '18 and Josh Myers '18. Especially creative is their Ten Plagues cupcake line!
Shmuel פרק א Children's Book
In this project, students were asked to write the events of שמואל א פרק א as a children's book. They could craft one by hand or use various book creator websites. Many students chose to use Storybird (which provides free, beautiful artwork). While their final product is no longer available, please feel free to click here to view project instructions and grading rubric.
ShMuel פרק ג Screenplay
In this project, students were asked to write a screenplay of שמואל א פרק ג. This is the iconic scene in which Shmuel is called by God and given his terrifying first prophecy, which is a tale of destruction and doom upon the House of Eli. Please click here to view the exceptional screenplay "Awake at Dawn" by Jordie Priesman '18 and Zoe Friedman '18. Please click here to view project instructions and grading rubric.
Shmuel Television Promo/ trailer
In this project, students were asked to create television promos or short trailers highlighting specific events in שמואל ח-י. Students could do this in one of two ways. The first option was to create a live-action version in which the student or their family members starred. The second was to take clips from a film or TV series and redub them to fit with the Shmuel storyline. Below please see excellent work by Beryl Hovis-Afflerbach '18 and Eli Winkler '17. Please click here to view project instructions and grading rubric. (Please also note that I plan to revise this rubric should I assign this project again.)