Safra-Knit

With school starting in only 11 days, (but who is counting?) this may sound like a weird topic, but the middle one missed the last day of her childcare because of a fever. I went to pick up her art work, and the teacher said to me some weird statements:

“All the children who are out today (6 had a virus) are very sensitive children (רגיש) that have difficulties with endings, that is why they are sick” Uh huh

“I haven’t liked a child like yours in a very long time…you will have many evaluations (ivchunim) with her, but just remember she is a very special child” Ummm…should we have been discussing this during the year? Exactly what problems does she have?

I can’t say I’ve particularly liked this teacher. She had a horrible tendency to tell the children if they did X then they would get a treat…but the treats never came. Her lack of follow through was horrible for these 4/5 year-olds.

She also said that she didn’t believe in “time-out,” but on more than one occasion I saw a child sitting away from the group for a period of time…what do you call that?

Anyway, we are done with her, and this coming year is with a very experienced pre-k (trom chova) teacher, about whom we have heard very good things. I just hope it is a good group of children.

(Benji says you need a catchy title to draw people to your posts)

Well, last night was the First(?) International Jewish Blogger Conference. They had a meat buffet, Bibi Netanyahu spoke, and a good time was had by most.

Some interesting points:

• I met some people that I really wanted to meet, and visit (however briefly) with others who I haven’t seen in a while.
• I agree wholeheartedly with Gil who said that Jewish bloggers aren’t a “community” but “people who share the same hobby”….although there are people in every community that you want nothing to do with, and the Jewish bloggers have those types as well.
• The speaker from the Foreign Ministry spoke too long, and only got to an interesting point in the last three minutes. I wish she had known her audience better.
• Bibi Netanyahu is a wonderful speaker, I’d love to see him as Foreign Minister or Finance Minister. (Notice, I didn’t say Prime Minister.)
• I was happy that Carl gave a shout out (well, really just a mention) to Tachlis. It was there way before NbN existed.
• Nefesh B’Nefesh has a new website for asking questions and answers are voted on. If they don’t hyper-moderate, and they allow honest but not pro-aliyah answers, this could be a good thing.
• I’m kicking myself for not talking to The Big Felafel. She has done such a great job in such a short period of time. (Plus she is a crafter…what more can you ask for?)
• You can accomplish quite a bit of sock knitting while listening to bloggers speak.

Please see some other blogs for a more detailed summary.

In conclusion, I enjoyed myself, and I hope this will inspire me to spend more time blogging.