Jewish homeschooling Torah
HOME
PAGE
ABOUT ROOM613
ROOM613 CLASSES
BLOGS AND ARTICLES
CONNECT TO OTHER MEMBERS
MARKETPLACE (PAY FOR CLASSES)
LINKS FOR LEARNING
CONTACT US
LOGIN
HERE
MEMBER
BENEFITS
You are not logged in. Access is limited. Login or see membership information. • Room613 Jewish Homeschoolers

Welcome to the blog section of Room613.
Here we'll be sharing some thoughts about Jewish homeschooling,
out of our unique experiences and perspectives. Kids are welcome to blog too!
We look forward to an open exchange of ideas.

 Watch this short video about the search for a Jewish homeschooling community:

diuad-joinnow.jpg

 Room613 Community membership is FREE and allows you to take advantage of all of the networking and communications tools on this site. Become an Unlimited Learning member to take advantage of our complete Jewish Studies program. All members can sign up individually for any classes they like, on an à la carte basis. As a member, you will also be added to our e-mail list to receive occasional news from Room613. (You can opt out at any time.) 

As a service to families seeking to outsource some or all of their children's Judaic studies, we offer comprehensive, affordable classes for all ages and levels, in an interactive virtual classroom

Every day, students from around the world come together in our virtual classroom to learn...

• Chumash • Weekly Parsha • Mishna • Halacha • Rambam • Navi • Insights into Shabbat • Insights into Prayer • Hebrew Grammar • and much more!

Your children can join us starting today!
Come to one class, some classes, or all classes. Try a free sample class and get a taste of what we have to offer.

Don't miss another day of learning!

 Become an Unlimited Learning member

Go to the class schedule

 Register for classes

 Go to the discussion forum

Read what people are saying about Room613 

Get Room613 shirts, mugs, mousepads & more!

See current list of
member benefits

Learn more about
how Room613 can
help you connect with
Jewish homeschoolers
around the world!

Be sure to check out our Jewish Education Marketplace for books, supplies, and more. Please contact us to recommend products you'd like to see available, or to have your product or service considered for sale in our store.

Search Blogs & Articles

 

Browse Blogs & Articles Curriculum Materials Educational Insights Kids Share!
  • » Rivka Writes (rivka): I'm seven years old and I love to write and draw. I will post some of my poems and stories, along with my illustrations. These are my own work and no one edits them except me!
Members' Perspectives Rabbi Yosef Resnick
  • » News from Room613 (Weekly Newsletter Archive) (RabbiResnick): These are the weekly updates that go out to members at the end of each week, all about what we've learned in all subjects. Take a look! (Some have been edited to maintain the privacy of our students.)
    • Parshas Behar/Bechukosai - Assessing the family homeschool at the end of the year kenkyu jugyo: *Contents:* • Weekly roundup • Essay - Assessing your family homeschool at the end of the year; kenkyu jugyo! • Room613 Marketplace • Daily Davening Circle • Insights into parshat Behar/Bechukosai • Other announcement... [more]
    • Parshas Emor: The homeschooling conference long-distance reflections (5/11/02): *Contents: *• Weekly roundup • Essay - The homeschooling conference & the virtual community; long-distance reflections • Room613 Marketplace • Daily Davening Circle • Insights into parshat Emor • Other announcemen... [more]
    • Parshas Acharei/Kedoshim Ben Franklin, the Piacetzner Rebbe, and a sundial in the shade (5/3/12): Contents: • Weekly roundup • Essay - Ben Franklin, the Piacetzner Rebbe, and a sundial in the shade • Room613 Marketplace • 4th Torah Home Education Conference • Daily Davening Circle • Rav Kook on parshat Acharei/Kedo... [more]
    • Parshas Tazria/Metzora A Holy fire opening the hearts of our children (4/26/12): *Contents • Weekly roundup • Essay - A Holy fire; opening the hearts of our children • Room613 Marketplace • 4th Torah Home Education Conference • Weekly Davening Circle • Rav Kook on parshat Tazria/Metzora • Othe... [more]
    • Parshas Shmini: The family homeschool, in light of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy (4/12): *Contents • Weekly roundup • Essay - The family homeschool, in light of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy • Room613 Marketplace • 4th Torah Home Education Conference • Weekly Davening Circle • Rav Kook on parshat Shmini • ... [more]
    • Chol haMoed Pesach The Four Sons and Emotional Intelligence: *Contents: *• Weekly roundup • Essay - The Four Sons and Emotional Intelligence • Room613 Marketplace • 4th Torah Home Education Conference • Weekly Davening Circle • Rav Kook on Pesach • Other announcements; face... [more]
    • Room613 Newsletter Pesach edition (4/12): *Contents:* • Weekly roundup • Rav Kook on Pesach • Mercaz Machshava Tova • Room613 Marketplace • 4th Torah Home Education Conference • Other announcements; weekly davening circle, blogs. __ We had a short week; ... [more]
    • Parshas Tzav: Keeping Pesach interesting for kids...and adults! (3/12): *Contents:* • Weekly roundup • Essay - Keeping Pesach interesting for kids...and adults! • Free class this Sunday for adults: "Biur inner chometz & purity of heart meditation" with Rabbi Dr. Natan Ophir from Jerusalem • Ro... [more]
    • Parshas Vayikra: The Four Sons, in light of Kolb's Theory of Learning Styles: Contents: • Weekly roundup; "joy in one side of my heart, and sadness in the other..." • Essay - The Four Sons, in light of Kolb's Theory of Learning Styles • Exciting new weekly class for adults: "Jewish Meditation in the Light of ... [more]
    • Parshas Vayakhel/Pekudei: "Let’s talk!" Discussion-based learning in the Jewish family homeschool: *Contents:* • Weekly roundup; classes and more in the virtual classroom • Essay - "Let’s talk!" Discussion-based learning in the Jewish family homeschool • Exciting new weekly class for adults: "Jewish Meditation in the Light ... [more]
    • Parshas Ki Sisa: The four mitzvot of Purim & Service Learning in the Jewish family homeschool: Contents: • Weekly roundup; • Essay - Parshas Ki Sisa: The four mitzvot of Purim & Service Learning in the Jewish family homeschool • Room613 Marketplace • The Room613 photo section • 4th Torah Home Education Confere... [more]
    • Parshas Tetzaveh: Keeping our kids safe, in the family homeschool, and everywhere else (2/12): *Contents: *• Weekly roundup; virtual Purim costume & grogger show & tell (and your kids are invited)! • Essay - "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness;" Keeping our kids safe in the family homeschool, and everywhere else &b... [more]
    • Parshas Terumah: Lenny Bruce, democracy, & constructivist learning in the family homeschool (2/12): *Contents: • Weekly roundup; an iPad for every student (if you play your cards right)! • Essay - Lenny Bruce, democracy, and constructivist learning in the Jewish family homeschool • Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • The ... [more]
    • Parshas Mishpatim: The Holistic Jewish Homeschool Reaching the whole child: Contents: • Weekly roundup; keeping the virtual classroom secure • Essay - The Holistic Jewish Homeschool; Reaching the whole child • Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • In the Room613 photo section • In classes this w... [more]
    • Parshas Yisro: Freeing the angel using our imagination in the family homeschool (2/12): *Contents:* • Weekly roundup; Homeschooling news; "sports, or no sports?" • Essay; Freeing the angel; using our imagination in the family homeschool. • Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • Room613 photo section • In c... [more]
    • Parshas Beshallach: Mental Models Collecting manna in the homeschooling desert (2/12): *Contents:* • Weekly roundup, homeschooling news • Essay - Mental Models; Collecting manna in the homeschooling desert • New Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • Room613 Bookshop • New feature - Room613 photo section ... [more]
    • Parshas Bo: Using active listening to access the Divine spark in our children (1/12): *Contents: • Weekly roundup; Using Active Listening to access the Divine Spark in our children • New Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • New feature - Room613 photo section • In classes this week • 4th Torah Home Educa... [more]
    • Parshas Va'eira: Applying the principles of MLK to resolve conflict in the Jewish homeschool (1/12): *Contents:* • The week in review; My yom huledes, or, In pursuit of becoming the "Possible Man." • MLK day in the virtual classroom • New Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • New feature - Room613 photo section! • 4t... [more]
    • Parshas Shmos: Montessori, bedtime, and choosing the right path (1/12): *Contents: • The week in review; How I became the poster boy for kabbalah. • New cd from homeschooling dad/musician/composer/producer Daniel Gil - The Four Worlds - a must hear! • New Q&A feature with Mayim Bialik, PhD • 4th... [more]
    • Parshas Vayechi: "G-d has given you one face, and you make yourself another." (1/12): *Contents:* Weekly roundup Essay - "God has given you one face, and you make yourself another." Or, "Can you see the real me?" The Weekly Parsha - Vayechi Other announcements, Davening circle, blogs. "The Doctor is In," a new blog from Dr. Nicole... [more]
    • Parshas Vayigash: Applying Neuro-Linguistic Programming in your family homeschool: *Contents:* - Weekly roundup; Our Chanuka party, and more - Essay - Applying Neuro-Linguistic Programming in your family homeschool - The Weekly Parsha - Vayigash - Other announcements, blogs __ [image removed] I hope you had an inspir... [more]
    • Parshas MiKeitz, Chanuka, Shabbos Mevorchim: News from Room613: *Contents:* - Virtual Chanuka Party! Next Tuesday, 1:45 - 2:15 PM! Live music & Chanuka songs, games, sufganyot (bring your own), menorah & dreidle show & tell (bring yours to show), and more! All are welcome! Bring your friends! - W... [more]
    • Parshas Vayeishev: Applying Montessori principles in your homeschool: Contents: • Essay - Applying Montessori principles in your homeschool • This Week in Classes • The Weekly Parsha - Vayeishev • Other announcements, blogs ___ I hope you had a good week. We had a great week in the virtual c... [more]
    • Parshas Vayishlach: "Good teacher, lousy teacher. Or, “Roy G. Biv in 12 short years!”: *Contents: • Essay - Good teacher/lousy teacher...or, “Roy G. Biv in 12 short years!" • Upcoming session with Mayim Bialik • This Week in Classes • The Weekly Parsha - Vayishlach • Other announcements, blogs* ___ ... [more]
    • Parshas Vayeitzei: Homeschooling blocks, twigs, and dirt...or, back to basics!: The month of Kislev has begun! Here in Room613, we are eagerly counting down the days to Chanuka! This coming week we will begin studying the laws of the festival of lights. Prospective students are welcome to join us to informally try out classes.... [more]
    • Parshas Toldos: Staying positive about homeschooling...with King David (10/11): Contents: • Essay - Staying positive about homeschooling...with King David • Upcoming session with Mayim Bialik • This Week in Classes • The Weekly Parsha - Toldos • Other announcements ___ We had a great week... [more]
    • Parshas Chayei Sarah: News from Room613 (10/11): What a banner week! Last Sunday we celebrated the Global Day of Jewish Learning, where we had the distinct honor of having Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz join us live from Jerusalem. We had participants from over 10 states, as well as from other countries.... [more]
    • Parshas Vayaira “From Pong to Facebook...a Tribute to the Homeschooling Mom”: Contents: • Essay - “From Pong to Facebook...a Tribute to the Homeschooling Mom” • This Week in Classes • This Sunday - Steinsaltz Global Day of Jewish Learning...with special guest Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz! • The Weekl... [more]
    • Parshas Lech Lecha: A Homeschooling Lesson from Dr. Buckminster Fuller: *Contents: • Essay - A Homeschooling Lesson from Dr. Buckminster Fuller • This Week in Classes • Steinsaltz Global Day of Jewish Learning...with special guest Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz! • The Weekly Parsha - Lech Lecha • Other ... [more]
    • Parshas Noach: Staying Strong in the Face of Homeschool Criticism, or "Bucky Made Me Do It!" (10/11): Contents: • Essay - Staying Strong in the Face of Homeschool Criticism, or..."Bucky Made Me Do It!" • This Week in Classes • Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning...with special guest Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz! • The Weekly Parsha - N... [more]
    • v'Zos haBracha/Yom Kippur: Helping Your Child Achieve Their Personal Vision, and more!: Dear parents, students, members and friends, I hope everyone had an inspiring Rosh haShanah. We just finished the first week of classes for the new year of 5772. Yom Kippur is almost here...and then we are busy building our sukkas! Look for an an... [more]
    • Parshas Nitzavim/Vayeilech: News from Room613: Dear parents, students, members and friends, This week's parsha states "lo ba'shamayim hee." It, the Torah, is not in the heavens. However, this is apparently not true of the bus-sized space junk which is slated to drop from the skies tomorrow, e... [more]
    • Parshas Ki Tavo: News from Room613: *Contents: • The first week of new classes in Room613! • Simplicity, homeschooling, and resolving conflict • New class for teen boys - “The Thinking Jewish Teenager's Guide to Life" • This Week in Classes • Steinsaltz... [more]
    • Parshas Ki Teitzei: News from Room613: Contents: • Summer is Gone! So Let the Games Begin! • Classes begin Monday! • Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning • The Weekly Parsha - Ki Teitzei • Virtual Learning Circle for Adults: Always free, live and interactive...an... [more]
    • Parshas Shoftim: News from Room613: *Contents: • Irene, Hype...and Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is! • This year in Room613 • Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning • The Weekly Parsha - Shoftim • Weekly Summer Learning for Adults: Always free, live and int... [more]
    • Parshas Re'eh, Shabbat Mevarchim Elul: News from Room613: *Contents:* • Earth-Shaking News! • The upcoming year in Room613 • Free - Rosh Chodesh Elul Women's group - next week! • Free- Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning in November • The Weekly Parsha - Re’eh • Weekly S... [more]
    • Parshas Re'eh, Shabbat Mevarchim Elul: News from Room613: This picture was created by Yaakov Kaszemacher a"h of Tsfat. He just passed away. I remember him from my time in Tsfat. He had a studio in the old city, and was an interesting fellow who created unique and inspiring Jewish artwork. His memory shoul... [more]
    • Parshas Re'eh, Shabbat Mevarchim Elul: News from Room613: *Contents:* • Earth-Shaking News! • The upcoming year in Room613 • Free - Rosh Chodesh Elul Women's group - next week! • Free- Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning in November • The Weekly Parsha - Re’eh • Weekly S... [more]
    • Parshas Eikev: News from Room613: *Contents: • Masoret: Tradition, Herman Wouk, your family, and homeschooling. • The upcoming year in Room613; a brief glimpse • Rosh Chodesh Elul Womens' group • Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning in November • The Weekly Pa... [more]
    • Parshas Vaeschanan, Shabbos Nachamu News from Room613: Contents: - My memory loss, or "from Kitty Hawk to Moshiach..in 12 minutes or less!" - The upcoming year in Room613; a brief glimpse - Rosh Chodesh Elul Womens' group - Steinsaltz Global Day of Learning in November - The Weekly Parsha - Vaesc... [more]
    • Parshas Devarim, Shabbos Chazon: News from Room613: Contents: - Home School Goings-on: Different Strokes for Different Folks! - The upcoming year in Room613 - a brief glimpse - Rosh Chodesh Elul Womens' group - Global Day of Learning in November - Understanding the 42 Journeys...in Light of th... [more]
    • Parshas Masei, Shabbos Mevorchim Menachem Av News from Room613: Contents: - The Bad News Bears..and the Jewish Response to Difficult Situations - Announcements: a Home School Victory in Michigan!, and more - The Weekly Parsha - Masei - Summer Learning for Adults: Free, live and interactive...and other anno... [more]
    • Parshas Matos: News from Room613: Contents: - More Thoughts on Moving, or “Lucid Dreaming...and the Geulah!” - Learning for Leibe Kletzky, a”h - Support Your Fellow Home-schoolers - NEW! Rosh Chodesh Women’s/Girls’ group - The Weekly Parsha - Mat... [more]
    • Parshas Pinchas: News from Room613: *Contents:* - Moving: “shinui makom, shinui mazel” - Mi-sh’Gan? Who is a Garden? One home-schooling family in Michigan, their vegetable garden...and the law! - Response to the Tragedy in Brooklyn; What to Say to Children, from... [more]
    • Parshas Balak News from Room613: *Contents:* - Summer Thoughts - Program for Girls for next year - Registration closing soon for two exciting Summer Programs - Room613 discussion board to try list serve feature - Essay: Profound Knowledge pt. II - Examining the Systems We Ar... [more]
    • Parshas Chukas News from Room613: *In This Issue:* - Transitioning to Summer...Some Thoughts - Looking Ahead to Next Year! - Registration Open for Summer Programs - Essay: Profound Knowledge - Applying Deming's Ideas to the Jewish Home s-chool - The Weekly Parsha - Chukas ... [more]
    • Parshas Korach, Shabbos Mevorchim Tammuz New from Room613: We did it! Our second year of classes (sadly) came to an end on Tuesday. I am so very pleased with how things have gone in Room613! However, only a small percentage of our members have taken advantage of what we have to offer. I feel a strong de... [more]
    • Parshas Naso: News from Room613: I am writing this 27,000 feet above the eastern seaboard, as I return home from the 3rd annual Torah Home Education conference. I am taking this opportunity to share some thoughts, as I have time to reflect, way up here in the sky. On the way her... [more]
    • Parshas Bamidbar, Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan: News from Room613: bs"d [image removed] I hope everyone had an inspiring week, and Lag baOmer. I am excited about this upcoming Shabbos! I am flying down to Baltimore early Friday morning. On Sunday I will be attending the 3rd annual Torah Home Education Confer... [more]
    • Parshas Bechukosai: News from Room613: This Sunday is Lag baOmer! Yesterday was Pesach Sheni. Next week is the Torah Home Education conference... Time seems to keep marching on. As another week draws to a close, let's consider again the words of Albert Einstein, who, in later years, ... [more]
    • Parshas Behar: News from Room613: Another exciting week draws to a close. Einstein wrote that there is no such thing as past, present, or future. The way time flies, it indeed feels that way! We all arrived in class Monday morning to our newly refurbished digs (ie: updated Adobe r... [more]
    • Parshas Emor: News from Room613: Another week draws to a close. It was our first full week after Pesach. And what a week it was! Without going into specifics, we are all watching as world events unfold in spell-binding fashion. Codes seem to have come into play in interesting a... [more]
    • Parshas Kedoshim, Shabbos Mevorchim Iyar: News from Room613: Pesach has come...and gone! I hope you found the chag inspiring and uplifting. What an amazing opportunity, z'chus, and experience to go through every year. There is an interesting custom to bake a key into the challah this Shabbos. Several reaso... [more]
    • Parshas Acharei Mos, Shabbos haGadol: News from Room613: bs"d [image removed] As yet another week draws to a close, we are all busy making final preparations for Pesach. Isn't it exciting, as we prepare to experience true freedom, and attempt to go beyond our own spiritual and emotional boundaries ... [more]
    • Parshas Metzora: News from Room613: bs"d [image removed] Another week draws to a close! Everyone is busy getting ready for Pesach. We will continue with classes next week until Wednesday at noon, at which point we will begin our Pesach break. I am looking forward to the upcoming... [more]
    • Parshas Tazria, Shabbos haChodesh/Mevorchim Nisan: News from Room613: bs'd This week's newsletter is dedicated to the memory and recovery of the victims of the terrorist attack in Israel, the Fogel family, and the healing of the entire world with the coming of Moshiach. [image removed] What a week we had in cla... [more]
    • Parshas Shemini, Shabbos Parah: News from Room613: bs'd This week's newsletter is dedicated to the memory and recovery of the victims of the terrorist attack in Israel [image removed] Another week draws to a rapid close. I hope you all had a wonderful Purim. Ours was quite exciting! We did a... [more]
    • Parshas Tzav, Shabbos Zachor: News from Room613: Classes went well this week! (Although teaching on a fast day is a little trying.) We have such fun - I've never laughed so much before while teaching. Today we had an impromptu "Bug's Bunny" segment, as I changed my screen name to Wabbi Yosef Wesn... [more]
    • Parshas Vayikra: News from Room613: Yet another week draws to close! It occurred to me that I seem to be writing these words every week. It reminds me of how we so often view time as a purely linear phenomenon. As the saying goes, "time marches on." But I'll share one of my personal ... [more]
    • Parshas Pekudei, Shabbas Shekalim/Mevorchim Adar II: News from Room613: It was great to get back to regular classes this week! We began learning about Purim. Oddly, the kosher section in the supermarket here in Boston is already fully-stocked for Pesach...making it that much harder to focus on Purim. (Is is just us, or... [more]
    • Parshas Vayakhel: News from Room613: Another week draws to a close! As you may know, I was out of town for several days. I wrote most of this on the Amtrak train back to Boston. I had the unique experience this week of pre-recording classes that I would not be able to teach due to m... [more]
    • Parshas Ki Sisa: News from Room613: bs'd [image removed] In this week's newsletter: 1) Interruptions in service, irrational numbers, and the search for a high school! 2) Classes this coming week (important changes to schedule - please read!) 3) In classes this week 4) The weekly ... [more]
    • Parshas Tetzaveh: News from Room613: Another week draws to a close, as classes in our virtual classroom continue to grow, both in size and in knowledge! Based on my informal observations of the virtual homeschooling world at large, it seems that more and more families are choosing ... [more]
    • Parshas Terumah, Rosh Chodesh Adar1: News from Room613: Another week comes to a close, as we begin the month of Adar 1. The sages enjoin us to rejoice with the advent of Adar. That can be challenging when there are three feet of snow on the ground, ice and snow are raining down, and more snow is expecte... [more]
    • Parshas Mishpatim: News From Room613: I wrote recently about my trip to the chiropractor, and how contemplating the model of the spine inspired feelings of awe and gratitude to HaShem. I also wrote about the 32 paths of wisdom, and their intrinsic connection to the spinal column. Inter... [more]
    • Parshas Yisro: News from Room613: Another exciting week draws to a close. We celebrated Tu biShvat together in the virtual classroom, with the First Annual Room613 Tu biShvat seder! We enjoyed four cups of grape juice, many kinds of fruits, heard stories, and more! At the very same... [more]
    • Parshas Beshalach: News from Room613: This week's newsletter is devoted to the recovery, and memory, of the victims of the shooting in Arizona, and anyone else who is in need of a refuah shleimah Dear Members and Friends of Room613, "If childhood affords few experiences more pleas... [more]
    • Parshas Bo: News from Room613: We have officially begun the second semester of classes in Room613! And we have some very exciting new classes on the schedule. If you are interested in taking any of the new classes, please go to the Room613 shop and sign up without delay. (See be... [more]
    • Parshas Va'eyra News from Room613: We enjoyed a wonderful week of classes! More students are joining us, so classes are growing. Every new student enriches our group in untold ways. Registration is underway for the next semester, which begins next week! (See below.) Last week I wr... [more]
    • Parshas Shmos: News from Room613: A verse in Tehillim states "Mah rabbu ma'asecha, HaShem!" (How great are your works, G-d!) We often take for granted the miracles of nature. And that's why we call it "nature." The sun rising every day is clearly a miracle. The pristine orb of the ... [more]
    • Parshas Vayechi News from Room613: Imagine the following scene: Agents from the Government Bake Sale Squad burst into the high school gym. "Drop the brownies! NOW! Drop 'em!" they shout, waving their guns. Terrified parents and students flee, as the agents quickly collect all the br... [more]
    • Parshas Vayigash: News from Room613: As I write this, we are in the middle of the eighth day of Chanuka, also known as "Zos Chanuka," meaning "This is Chanuka," as it represents, with all the lights of the menorah burning, the peak of this beautiful holiday. In Room613, we celebrate... [more]
    • Parshas Mikeitz/Chanuka: News from Room613: Just one week ago we discussed Thanksgiving. Now we find ourselves celebrating Chanuka! One of the poignant things about Chanuka is the immediate result and benefit of performing the mitzvah of lighting the menorah. Namely, additional light in the ... [more]
    • Parshat Vayeitzei News from Room613: As I write this, we stand on the cusp of...Thanksgiving, the yearly day of giving thanks. (Some of you may even be reading this after it is over.) My inbox is currently full of emails (I subscribe to probably too many lists...), and most of them ... [more]
    • Parshas Vayishlach News from Room613: bs"d “It is necessary to be concerned about the importance of educating a really beautiful human spirit." Shinichi Suzuki The weeks continue to fly by, as Chanuka rapidly approaches! How exciting! I told my class a personal tip; when buying... [more]
    • Parshas Toldos: News from Room613: bs"d "To trust children we must first learn to trust ourselves...and most of us were taught as children that we could not be trusted." —John Holt ~~~ Dear Members and Friends of Room613, The news, as we saw last week, is full of rapid... [more]
    • Parshas Toldos: News from Room613: bs"d It seems I remark several times a week during classes that the days seem to fly by! What a privilege, challenge, pleasure, and z'chus to be able to learn Torah with your children in this amazing format. A recent article in the LA Times bus... [more]
    • Parshas Chayei Sarah News from Room613: bs"d "One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” Dr. Maria Montessori ~~~ Dear Members and Friends of Room613, Another week draws to a close, as we get closer to...Chanuka! I expect that we wi... [more]
    • Parshas Vayera News from Room613: bs"d Another great week, and it was only our second! Here's some of what we did in classes this week: Chassidus - We discussed the interesting and strange moshel of the Piacestzner Rebbe, of the poor shoemaker who lived in Israel. When his fami... [more]
    • Parshas Lech Lecha: News from Room613: bs"d What a banner week in the Room613 classroom! It was so great to get back to learning. We had a wonderful group of kids, new friendships have already been created, and some great discussions and talks took place. Here are some of the things we... [more]
    • Parshas Noach: News from Room613: bs"d How nice to be able to sit down and write another newsletter! The Yomim Tovim have come and gone in their own inimitable fashion, leaving us with a suitcase full of spiritual goodies to begin unpacking (not my original metaphor...). A few no... [more]
    • News from Room613 ~ parshas Nitzavim/Vayelech: bs"d Lots to discuss! Where to start? We begin saying slichos this motzai Shabbos (some have already begun). The new year is upon us! Chassidut explains the profound effect that the simple shofar has, reaching to the very depths and essence of... [more]
    • Parshas Ki Tavo: bs”d What an exciting time, as we gear up for a new year of homeschooling! I am impressed by what I have read on many of the homeschool lists, to see how many families are so organized, and exhibit such zrizus (alacrity) in getting going. Le... [more]
    • Parshas Va'eschanan News from Room613: bs”d Shalom, and greetings. Tisha b’Av and the three weeks are over, and we now find ourselves only 7 short weeks away from...Rosh haShanah! (But don’t worry, they’re not too short.) I do hope you are enjoying your summer.... [more]
    • Parshas Matos-Masei ~ Room613 updates & news: bs"d Greetings, and shalom! I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. Here on the east coast, we had a blazing heat wave this week. And, in the midst of it, I was busy moving seemingly endless boxes (and other things - we moved to a new house) d... [more]
    • Parshas Pinchas ~ News from Room613 7/2/10: bs"d Another week draws to a close, bringing with it more landmarks, more goals achieved, and more plans made for the future. We began the Summer Life & Learning Project today! Although collaborative wikis are being used in schools around th... [more]
    • News from Room613 ~ parshas Chukas 6/19/10: bs'd I hope everyone had a wonderful week. The 2nd annual Jewish home schooling conference took place in Baltimore this week. My wife and daughters attended. I know some of you did, as well. I encourage anyone who was there to write about their ex... [more]
    • News from Room613 ~ parshas Korach: Will wonders never cease? The Torah has an uncanny way of tying in to current events. We have seen that time and time again this year in our classes. But why should that be a surprise? As it says in Pirkei Avos, "Turn it over and turn it over, as e... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Behaaloscha 5/27/10: It is hard to believe that it is almost the end of the year. This year has been an eye-opening, transformational year of Torah learning in the virtual classroom. I think we broke a lot of new ground, and I know for sure that we gained many new and ... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Bamidbar: "And true learning is not an orderly process to begin with." The Underachieving School, John Holt. In yeshiva, the daily schedule is called the "seder," meaning "order." Seemingly, Torah learning must be orderly. Or must it? The Baal Shem Tov, and... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Behar 5/6/10: "Unless we have faith in the child's eagerness and ability to grow and learn, we cannot help and can only harm his education." John Holt, The Underachieving School, 1968 Classes were absolutely great this week. In all the teaching I've done, I've n... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Emor 4/29/10: We had a great week of Torah learning in Room613. (I seem to say that a lot...but it is the truth!) The social aspect of home education has come up lately on various homeschooling discussion lists. How can we, as homeschoolers, help to satisfy ou... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Acharei Mos/Kedoshim 4/22/10: We had a great week of Torah learning (even though we missed two days). The students said they enjoyed the exercise of being able to go into the classrooms on their own and work on questions using the sticky note tool. I hope to do more of this typ... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Tzav 3/25/10: We had a great, but too short, week of Torah learning. A few things we covered in classes this week: *Chassidus* - The Piacestzner Rebbe explained that the main point of tefila is not to ask for our needs. This is really secondary. The main point... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vayikra 3/18/10: We had a great week of Torah learning (despite some technical glitches in the virtual classroom.) I pointed out that even in traditional schools, after heavy rains, for example, like we had here last week, schools might have to close for several da... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vayakhel/Pekudei 3/11/10: Another great week of Torah learning draws to a close. We shared some great experiences this week in the virtual classroom. One of our Unlimited Learning member families had a baby girl...and we all got to see her today in the virtual classroom! Th... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Ki Sisa 3/4/10: Shalom, and greetings! Another week draws to close! And a banner week it was; Room613 just welcomed our 100th member into our global homeschooling community! Please welcome her and her family in our discussion forum. I encourage everyone to con... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Tetzaveh 2/25/10: Shalom, and greetings! Another week draws to close. Hard to believe. Here are some things we covered in classes this week: *Chassidut* - The Piascestzner Rebbe is currently discussing several verses; how we have been shown to know that Hashem i... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Mishpatim 2/11/10: Another banner week in the virtual classroom! More and more homeschooling students are joining us each week. It's exciting to see the class size slowly growing. Today, Thursday, was the first day in Room613 with our new rules (appropriate for Pars... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Beshalach 1/28/10: I cannot believe I am writing another end-of-the-week summary. Is it just me, or is time flying? I wish I could convey in writing the great pleasure it brings me to learn Torah with your wonderful children in the Room613 virtual classroom. This is ... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Bo 1/21/10: Shalom and greetings. As another week draws to close, here are a few of the things we covered in classes this week. *Chassidut -* We have been discussing the negative feelings that some people have if others express disapproval of them, and how t... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vaeira 1/15/10: We had a great week of learning! In Chassidut we are still discussing the ills of egotism. The Piaceszner Rebbe has given us his sage advice as to how to overcome arrogance towards our friends. We also continue to make a lot of progress in Chumash,... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Shmos 1/7/10: Another week draws to a close. What a wonderful week of Torah learning we had! It is hard to convey the great pleasure it brings me to learn Torah with your children in the virtual classroom. I look forward to classes every day. We have a great gro... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vayigash 12/24/09: Your children and I had another great week learning Torah together. In Chumash we are finally learning about Hashem creating Adam and Chava. We discussed the melachim being jealous, and therefore Hashem consulted with them, to placate them. Next we... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vayeishev 12/10/09: Another week draws to a close...with Chanuka close on its heels! Some of the ideas we learned about in class this week ~ We learned about more of Hashem's amazing creations; giant fish, whales, birds, and small, swarming things. We examined a pic... [more]
    • News from Room613 - Parshas Vayishlach 12/3/09: We had a great week of learning Torah lishmah. It is amazing how fast time is passing, and how much progress we are making. This week in Chumash, we learned about the sun, moon, and stars. We talked about all the different functions the sun and m... [more]

© Room613.net / Jewish Education Alternatives