Arts & Life

AMEIN

Liberal Values

Progressive Israel

ANIEINUIroice
ECHOES
with those who came before us

When progressive elements of the Jewish community estab-
lished the first kibbutzim, safeguarding the borders of the
emerging Jewish state, we were there.

When progressive elements of the Jewish community fought
the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto, we were there.

When progressive elements of the Jewish community built
the early institutions of Israel and the American Zionist move-
ment, we were there.

When progressive elements of the Jewish community, led by
Yitzhak Rabin, created a path to peace with the Palestinians
which continues to guide today's efforts, we are here_

CONNECT
with Ameinu and let your
VOICE be heard

For more information, contact Ameinu
25900 Greenfield Road, Suite 205D
248.967.3170
Oak Park, MI 48237
www.ameinu.net

954570

Learning Hebrew
The Artistic Way

Ann Arbor
The children then dec-
First-graders at
orated their letter with
Hebrew Day School of
paint, yarn and other
Ann Arbor have com-
materials.
pleted a project they
"Papier mache was
started at the begin-
messy --- and it was
ning of the year —
fun!" said first-grader
making a papier-
Miriam Hamermesh.
mache collection of
"It takes a lot of
the letters in the
work and you have to
The handmade letters spell out team together and
Hebrew alphabet.
Anachnu Lomdim Ivrit"
"I was looking for a
cooperate," said class-
(We
learn Hebrew).
project that would
mate Einav Glazer.
help the kids connect
"It was terrific!" said
to the Hebrew letters through tactile
Louis, Teitelbaum's son.
means," said teacher Aron Kaufman.
"They handled the papier mache
Kaufman approached Ruth
responsibly and were intent on doing
Teitelbaum, an artist working toward
careful work," Teitelbaum said. "The
her teaching certificate in art educa-
kids also really enjoyed envisioning
tion at Eastern Michigan University.
and mixing their own colors."
She also has a student in the class.
The letter project allowed the kids

TRUST YOUR AFFAIR TO
THE FINEST CATERER

WE'LL BEAT
YOUR BEST PRICE!

• Weddings • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• Showers • Banquets • Reunions
• Anniversaries • Birthdays • Etc.

We Cater At Most Synagogues,
Temples, Hotels and
the Halls Of Your Choice

PHILIP TEWEL

Food & Beverage Director

CLASSIC CUISINE

Approved by Council of Orthodox Rabbis

248.661-4050

Farmington Hills

Artist Ruth Teitelbaum with her son,
Louis, who is in the first gradeclass.

find what you're

looking for in the

marketplace section

3/24

2005

56

"He wanted a project that would
allow for some individuality and that
could also be hung from the ceiling so
the kids could see the collective results
of their work," said Teitelbaum, who
created each letter form out of corru-
gated cardboard.
After applying papier-mache to their
chosen letter, the kids were asked to
imagine what or who their letter could
become. Their ideas included a horse,
a bunny, a harp, people, faces, a fox, a
dragon, a snake, a hippo, a rhino, a
flower and a cheetah. Some thought
more abstractly and wanted to just
add textures and colors to their letters.

First-grader Elana Leflein shows off
her letter.

to develop techniques for using visual
media and processes, imagination and
individuality, fine motor skills, and
artistic expression while focusing on a
letter that became "theirs."
When the letters hang together on
the ceiling, they have a united mes-
sage: Anachnu Lomdim Ivrit (We
learn Hebrew). It's a fitting statement
for first-graders at Hebrew Day
School who speak only Hebrew in
their Hebrew language-immersion
classroom.

— Dina Shtull-Leber,
special to the Jewish News