Blog

It was meaningful for our students and community members to honor Rosina Slater OBM at a procession that brought her by the institution she cared so much about, Slater Torah Academy. Traditional prayers as a merit for the deceased were recited and we walked alongside the hearse until it was no longer in sight. She was buried in Cholon, Israel earlier this week. Rabbi Chesney and community members who now live in Israel were able to join the funeral to pay their final respects. 

In Mrs. Golay's 2nd-3rd grade class, learning about government isn't just a matter of reading textbooks. It's an interactive experience where students get to explore how government works, who represents them, and how they can make a difference. Through a unique classroom project, students learned about letter writing in their Language Arts class, and then used their skills to connect with local and national government officials. The results were nothing short of inspiring.

Learning About Government and Letter Writing

Mrs. Golay introduced her students to the fundamentals of government, teaching them about the people who represent them and the process of voting and elections. This education extended into their Language Arts class, where the children were tasked with writing letters to government officials. Each student was encouraged to write to someone who represents them. The diversity in responses demonstrated how this project connected students with their community and beyond.

Presidential Response

One student, Gita, wrote to President Joe Biden. To her surprise, she received a personal response from the President himself! In his letter, he shared insights into his life story, mentioning that his wife was an English teacher for 30 years. He also gave a glimpse into life at the White House and revealed his favorite ice cream flavor: chocolate chip. Gita's letter and the President's response became a memorable moment for the whole class.

Addressing Local Concerns

Menachem, who lives in Jefferson Parish, wrote to Scott Walker, highlighting a concern about the condition of the sidewalks in his neighborhood. Walker responded, showing that local officials listen to their constituents' concerns and are willing to engage with the community.

A Personal Touch from Local Leaders

Rani, another student from Jefferson Parish, received a personal note from Cynthia Lee Sheng, who emphasized the value of education. Sheng also sent an autographed picture and a t-shirt, adding a personal touch that delighted Rani.

Sheriff Lopinto, the sheriff of Jefferson Parish, proved to be the most responsive. Devorah Leah and Mushka wrote to him, asking if he could visit their classroom. Not only did he agree, but he also brought a ton of swag for the students, which he took the time to autograph. During his visit, Sheriff Lopinto answered the children's questions about being a sheriff, including what jail is like and whether anyone has ever escaped. His warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on the students.

A Big Thank You

This project demonstrated the power of engaging with government and inspired a love of learning among the students. A big thank-you goes out to Mrs. Golay for creating this unique learning experience. And a special thanks to Sheriff Lopinto for connecting with the students in such a meaningful way. This project not only taught the children about government but also showed them that their voices matter and that they can make a difference in their community.