A Christian's Guide to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

I am in love with Judaism, the Jewish religion. I love it and I have a lot to learn from Judaism. I believe everyone could learn life lessons from the wonderful Jewish culture, especially about tolerance and respecting others even if you don't agree with them. I will be doing a series of posts about notable Jewish holidays. Since Christianity's roots are Jewish, I think this is an especially good reason to learn about Jewish culture.

A few things you will need to know:

• Jewish holidays begin at sundown and ends at the following sundown. This is because the first day was actually a night and day, from Genesis 1:5.
• The Torah is the Jewish Bible. It is the first five books of Moses; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
• The TaNaKh is an acronym for the whole Old Testament.
• A synagogue is the Jewish place of worship, smilier to a church.
• Religious Jews do say or write the word God unless it is in utmost respect. If you are interested in this, you can do more research. But in respect for both God and the Jewish people, in this post I will write "HaShem". HaShem translates as "The Name" in Hebrew and it is what most religious Jews refer to God as. 

Rosh HaShanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, is one of the holiest days of the year. One of the main symbols of this holiday is a shofar; a ram's horn blown like a trumpet. The shofar blows a total of 100 notes each day, unless Rosh Hashanah falls on the Sabbath. Unlike the American New Year, Jews are not permitted to work on Rosh Hashanah and most of the day is spent in the synagogue, worshipping. Like American New Years, the Jewish New Year is spent trying to better oneself for the upcoming year.

When: The first and second days of the Hebrew month Tishri, normally around September.
Biblical notes: Leviticus 23:24-25
Common foods: Apples dipped in honey; to promote a "sweet" new year.
Rituals: Tashlikh, which means "casting off". On the first day of the holiday, some take bread crumbs in their pockets and "cast them off" in flowing water (like a river); symbolically casting their sins off.
Common greeting: L'shana tova, which means "Happy New Year" in Hebrew, and is pronounced exactly how it looks.
Prohibitions: Work.
Upcoming dates: September 4, 2013; September 24, 2014; September 13, 2015.

Making challah bread is easy, fun, a great way to learn about culture,
and SO yummy!

Yom Kippur

Ten days after Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, otherwise known as The Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. This is a very serious holiday, during which Jews repent for their sins. All adults fast for a total of 25 hours.

When: The first and second days of the Hebrew month Tishri, normally around September.

Biblical notes: Leviticus 23:26-32

Common foods: When a Jewish female is 12 and a Jewish male is 13, they are considered adults and responsible for their own sins. All adults must abstain from food for 25 hours. There are exceptions to the fasting rule; children, women who have just given birth, and the sick are allowed to eat as normal. If there is even a SLIGHT medical risk, pregnant women, and the elderly may eat/drink small portions.

Rituals: Going to the synagogue, fasting

Prohibitions: Work, marital relations, leather, eating, drinking, applying lotions, bathing, 

Upcoming dates: September 13, 2013; October 3, 2014; September 22, 2015.

Classroom Tour

*Let me preface this post by saying that my room is NOT even finished yet...so, this is totally a "sneak peek"! Please don't judge my bare walls, unfinished bulletin boards, and unlabeled library/center baskets--that's the plan for this week!*  I moved from my cozy classroom of 5 years to a new (bigger!) classroom, and although I loved my old little room, I have to say, this one is pretty glorious...

Here is what you see when you enter...I had an extra set of curtains that I decided to use in the doorway.  I bought the pink scalloped table at a store called Nadeau--I'm a little obsessed with their cool furniture!  The pink table will be *probably* be where I store the kids' supplies for writing workshop--the little drawer pulls out and has a stapler and tape, and I plan to purchase a paper organizer and more buckets for writing and drawing tools.  The plastic desks under the table (found at Michael's) will be available for students to grab when they would like to write somewhere in the room other than their desk!

Here is my "modified" Daily 5 board.  I have been working on a Daily Five Freebie for y'all {with the cards on my board} and will go into more detail about how I use the board in a later post!  Right now, just enjoy the cuteness of it.  ;)  I am also LOVING the tissue paper border that I used this year.  It was surprisingly easy and it is SO unique!!! I found the tutorial here.

Above the whiteboard I have my "Alphazoo" letter cards--which had to be split up due to my GIANT clock.  The OCD in me has serious issues with this.  Oh well.  I'm going to *try* not to think about it!  Also, you can see my "Brownie Points" pan, "Quiet Mouse" of the Day sign, and Brain Sprinkles container.

Moving over to the other side of the whiteboard, you can see my "Wondrous Words" board.  The pocket charts (from Target Dollar Spot) will hold my spelling pattern words of the week and sight words of the week.  I am also thinking about posting my vocabulary words on these too.  

AW!  And look, it's Richard, our class bird/mascot!  I have had Richard for forever and a day.  

You can read more about him here.

Y'all...this is where I get embarrassed!  Remember, it is NOT finished yet!!! (It's just so bare!!!) But here is a shot looking over to the other side of the room.  I have a little Smartboard...and of course, my Junie B. Jones!  Hooray, hooray!

My library is not labeled, and neither are the green station baskets below.  I may get rid of that system all together--I'm still deciding!  

My Math Meeting board will have my calendar, weather, place value straws, and...I'm not sure what else yet!  {I'm just keeping it real!!!}

Look below and you will see my favorite classroom rug in the whole world--I found it at a store called Garden Ridge.  I am praying that no one tears it apart or throws up on it.  

You can also see my shabby rag string of lights hanging (they weren't on for the picture).  They make the classroom feel super cozy, especially on rainy days when it is kind of dark outside.  

And, here are the computers.  These are in a super tricky place--right in front of a white board and bulletin board--I spent many days just staring at this mess and wondering why someone would put those outlets right there--I mean, who needs that part of the white board?!  {AHHHH!  ME!!!  I NEED IT!!}  It stresses me to have my boards blocked, but I am learning to work with it.  ;)

My math tub shelf!  You can read more about it here.

The GLORIOUS counter top, sink, cabinets, and drawers!  So much storage!  Makes me happy.

The tubs on top of the cabinets are labeled with each month, and they are filled with materials I need for each unit of study.  Picture books, crafts, centers, games, etc.  I am crazy excited that I finally accomplished making these tubs.  I've been thinking about making them for about...FIVE years!  I tend to procrastinate...just a little.  I found the tubs at Lowe's for $5 each!  A STEAL!  

This isn't much to look at, but I started my hallway work display today. This is where I am right now--tomorrow I am going to add Melonheadz kids clip art above each blue paper with my students' names and a title for the work display.  I have no idea what it should say above it.  If you have a creative idea, I would love you forever if you'd share it with me!!!!  I might just send you a little something special from my TpT store if I pick your idea.  Just sayin'.  

Thanks for visiting!  I will try to post more pictures when it is finally finished!  :)  

Don't forget to link up with Blog Hoppin' to share your classroom, too!

Teacher Week: 10 Fun Things About ME!!!

I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' for Teacher Week!  

Here are 10 new and FuN things about me!

*These are completely random.  And a some are a little ridiculous.*

1.  I didn't always want to be a teacher.  In college, I started out as a Journalism/Mass Communication major, thinking I would be the next big advertising exec.  The summer after freshmen year, I got an internship with an amazing advertising agency...and soon realized that it was not my calling!  Realizing that was a little scary, and a lot disheartening.  But, around the same time, I was also leading a group at Vacation Bible School at my church, and found that I LOVED working with the kids!  I prayed and prayed about it, and the next week, I changed my major to education.  I was filled with such an overwhelming feeling of peace and excitement.  I knew that teaching is what I was MEANT to do!  I totally believe God gave me those experiences to lead me to be a teacher.  I thought I knew what path my life was going to take, but He knew an even better path, and showed me the way.  He is awesome like that, y'all.  Seriously.

2.  I played a dandelion in a school play.  It was in 4th grade, and the play was Alice in Wonderland.  I had to sing a solo, and people, I am NOT A SINGER.  Never have been, and never will be.  Anyway, anything is cute when you are little and dressed like a flower, so I did it.  But I was so nervous that my music teacher had to hang a pink balloon at the back of the auditorium for me to stare at while I sang.  Thank goodness for pink balloons.

3.  I know ALL the words to Salt-N-Peppa's "Shoop"and can sort of rap it like a boss.  (It's the 90's kid in me!) Like I said above, I am not a singer.  I'm also pretty shy and have stage fright...but, for some cRaZY reason, I love to do Karaoke!!! My song of choice is always "Shoop"--I guess it's not really singing-- but fast talking, if you think about it.  

4.  I am afraid of clowns.  {I'm sorry if you love clowns, or if someone you love happens to be a clown...I just can't handle them--it's nothing personal.} I break out in a sweat and feel dizzy when I see one.  They FREAK me out.   

5.  In middle school, I went through a phase.  It was called, "I like to wear basketball jerseys with "skorts" and Timberlands Phase".  Yes, I said a "skort".  In case you don't know what that little gem of clothing is-- it is a skirt/shorts.  I had a Shaq jersey, because...I don't know why.  I didn't play basketball, and didn't really watch it, either.  And, Timberlands were the "in" thing at the time, so I kind of got something right.  Can y'all imagine all of that together on a short, slightly chubby, messy-haired teenager? You don't even want to imagine.  I thought it was cool.  Turns out, it was terrible.  My cheeks are turning red just thinking about it!  What. Was. I. thinking???  

6.  I snort when I laugh.  This fact usually surprises people when they hear me do it, and it makes them laugh, which makes me laugh harder, and then I snort some more.  

7.  In high school, I dated a popular football player...and then ended up with a band nerd.  The band nerd is now my husband.  {It's okay, I can say that, because I was a band nerd too.}  ;)  We started dating when we were 16--he was my best friend then, and still is.  I knew I loved him after 2 weeks.  We got married when we were 22, and I can't imagine my life without him!  

8.  I started my blog after having my first baby.  That was three and a half years ago (I can't believe it)!  While on maternity leave, I remember sitting around while she was napping--loving being a mommy, but missing the classroom a little, too!  While looking around on the computer one day, I found April Larremore's blog, Chalk Talk, and was immediately inspired.  I wanted to share ideas with other teachers, and I wanted to have a place to talk about my classroom adventures!  So, on a lazy afternoon, "First Grader...at Last!" was born!  I have loved blogging and watching the education blogging community grow by leaps and bounds.  I have made amazing friends, and have learned so much from all the amazing teacher bloggers out there!  

9.  I make the most delicious fried green tomatoes.  Y'all, I'm not bragging.  I'm just saying.  And my husband says it too.  I'm not great at cooking, but I can cook those--so, if you're ever in Alabama and having a craving for fried green tomatoes, stop by the Cooley house.  I'll hook you up.

10.  One of my bucket list items is to see the big Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.  I love Christmas trees, and that one is the biggest.  It looks magical, and I bet it feels magical to stand near it.  I had a sweet friend that once brought me back one of the branches that had fallen off it, and I kept it until all the little needles dried up and fell off.  Then it was just a stick.  And sticks aren't any fun.

Stay tuned...and join in on Teacher Week!  

Tomorrow I hope to give you a little tour of my brand NEW classroom!  

FREE Resources from Christian Book

I've been looking around, and Christian Book definitely has the cheapest prices for a lot of things. (New, obviously sometimes Amazon is cheaper)


Christian Book often has tons of FREE eBooks, especially lots of Christian fiction. Just download the Christian Book app and start reading!
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Nf=product.cbd_savings|GTEQ+100&view=default&Nao=25


Christian Book also has various giveaways all the time. You can see these here.

These two giveaways last from now until August 18, 2013.

K-3. To enter click here.

Grades 4-8. To enter click here.

The Only Way Forward ~ Ten Weeks

There are times when my breath catches in my throat ~
 it seems as though I may suffocate with the reality we are facing.

When I try to comprehend what it is that we've been called to,
 a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach rises up and threatens to overtake.
When the tears come, as they often do ~
it feels as though they might overwhelm me.
It's a difficult road we have been called to.  Almost crushing.

Austin's absence is felt.  
Keenly.  Everywhere. In everything.
We miss him so very, very much!  

Everything we do is shaded by the grief we are dealing with.
In the midst of this sorrow, however, there are happy times.  
It's the nature of life this side of eternity.
There is conflict in my soul over the reality of it.

How is it possible to be both happy and sad at 
almost precisely the same moment?
It does seem to be contradictory.  But, it isn't.
It is who we are.  Who we are becoming. 
This journey is being used to shape us.  
We are among those who have tasted bitter sorrow and continue to live.
To experience both sadness and happiness 
in this way is not unusual.  We are not unique.

To accurately put it all into words, 
however, is impossible.

~ Calvin, Fraser and Austin circa 2003 ~

Tomorrow marks ten weeks since the LORD called our
precious Austin Home to Heaven.  
Ten Weeks.  Such a long time.  Such a short time.
There is still more to come.  Much more.
It can be crushing to think this through to its end.
Life without our Austin here can be unbearable to imagine.

But, then we remember.  
We reign ourselves in.  We must!

We remind ourselves of the LORD's promises.  
We remember that He is Faithful.  And, that He is Sovereign.
We remember that He is Good and Perfect.
And, that His ways are always best.

 He will never leave nor forsake His own.
His ways are right.  He carries His people through.
Moment by moment.  Day by day.  One step at a time.
He truly does all things well.

It is not blind faith to live like this.
Rather, it is the only way forward through this maze of grief.
We cannot comprehend walking this path without our Lord.
By God's great grace, we do not have to!
He is with us each step of the way.

And the waters will not overflow ~
It's one of His promises to His people.

 ~ Emma and Austin circa 2003 ~

Throughout these days, we seek to remind ourselves of Austin's gain.

His gain, rather than our loss.  Our loss is great.  But, his gain is greater.
He is experiencing many, many blessings ~ we try to keep our thoughts fixed there.
We focus on what is True.  We focus on Heaven and its reality.
We focus on the Lord and His Word.
We point one another continually to these precious things.

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
~ I Corinthians 2:9 ~

It's then that the comfort comes.  Only then.

It's then that the breathing becomes easier.  Only then.
It's then that my mind is calmed.  Only then.

Only when my eyes are focused on the Truth.

The reality that Austin continues to live ~ in Heaven rather than here.
The reality that Heaven really is our Home.
The reality that we will soon be there as well.

While I ponder these things, I am able to rejoice.

I can rejoice in the fact that Austin is now free.

Free from sin and death and suffering.

Free from this world and all its vices.

Free to worship unhindered.

Truly free!

One day, we will be set free as well.

This is not our home.  Heaven is.
May we live like it.  May we be patient for it.
May the Lord enable us to be useful while we remain here.
For HIS Glory.  By HIS Grace.  In HIS Strength.

With Love,
Camille

Gettin' Fancy! A New Look! And a Facebook Page!

Y'all...can you even believe this gorgeous new blog design?!!  I mean, stop it right now.  It fits me perfectly, and I plan on keeping this one around for a long time ;).  The talented Kassie from The Cutest Blog on the Block was AMAZING to work with--so patient, quick, and understanding!!!  I couldn't be happier with this redesign!  Thanks, Kassie!!!

In other fabulous news, I have FINALLY started a Facebook fan page for First Grader at Last!  I mean, it's about time!  Hooray!  Please stop by my new page and "like" me!  {The link to FB is in the diamond header at the top of my blog!} I will try my best to keep you updated with new blog posts, freebies, and other fun surprises.  

Quotes on Socialism: Why It Doesn't Work

1. "Pennies don't fall from heaven, they have to be earned here on earth." -Margret Thatcher
2. "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." -Margret Thatcher
3. "Socialism is the same as Communism, only better English." -George Bernard Shaw
4. "The goal of socialism is Communism." -Vladimir Lenin
5. "All socialism involves slavery." -Herbert Spencer
6. "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherit virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
7. "Socialism never took root in America because the poor there see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporary embarrassed millionaires." -John Steinbeck
8. "Good conservatives always pay their bills. Unlike socialists, who just run up other people's bills." -Margret Thatcher
9. "The welfare state is merely a method for transforming the market economy step-by-step into socialism." -Ludwig von Mises
10. "No society ever thrived because it had a large and growing class of parasites living off those who produce." -Thomas Sowell
11. "Conservatives teach you how to fish. Liberals take your fish and give it to someone unwilling to fish." -Anonymous
12. "You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." -Adrian Rogers
13. "You are not entitled by what I have earned." -Anonymous
14. "You are not poor because someone else is wealthy." -Anonymous
15. "Socialism will never work because someone is always unwilling to work." -Anonymous
16. "Hard work and education will take you farther than any government program can ever promise." -Mia Love

Does Socialism Work? A classroom experiment. (brilliant.)

http://danieljmitchell.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/does-socialism-work-a-classroom-experiment/