Dear Grade Four Parents,

We are excited to share with you that the grade 4 class is starting an exciting program called והדרת פני זקן (Vehadarta P’nei Zaken: ‘Respect the Elderly’ ).  It is an intergenerational program that will link the children with residents at Hillel Lodge. The goal of Vehadarta P’nei Zaken is to provide the children with an enriching opportunity to establish a relationship with an elderly person and learn about his/her lifetime achievements. In return, the Hillel residents will have the opportunity to get to know a young person.

This project is done in cooperation between the Judaic and General studies teachers. In groups of twos, the students will be devising a list of interview questions in class. They will then be assigned a resident to interview and get to know better. We will have several opportunities to get together with the residents to ask these questions and learn about their lifetime achievements.

As well as the interview we will have other opportunities to share time together, (such as Shabbat, Sedder tu-Bishvat, Passover Sedder, lunch time chat/games, etc…) build a rapport with the residents and thus enhance the students’ appreciation of the elderly, while engaging in this worthwhile activity. 

A final presentation will be prepared both in class (Language Arts, Judaics) and at home to be presented to the residents and then displayed at Hillel lodge.

The students and us are very enthusiastic about this program and are looking forward to getting started. 

Sincerely,  

Morah Ada, and Mrs. Bennett.