what students say about...

REACH FOR THE STARS by Sylvia Rouss

Over 400 students from 20 religious and day schools on Long Island participated in the SAJES 3rd Annual 4th Grade Read-On! this year. They all read the book Reach for the Stars by Sylvia Rouss. The book is the story behind the Torah that was taken into space by Ilan Ramon, as well as his story as well. The comments from the students were moving and enthusiastic as they discovered the history of this special symbol as well as the exploring the ideas of who is a hero? Click here to read student comments and artwork.

Temple of Sinai of Roslyn has created a unique and meaningful project based on their reading of Reach for the Stars by Sylvia Rouss. The sixth grade class was learning about the Holocaust and decided to tie the content together. After reading the book, the students were taught to tie tzitzit and then each student designed and decorated his or her own tallit. Each tallit is based on the major themes of the book, as discussed by the students. Those are: Hope, the Jewish People, the Holocaust, Tradition, Never Give Up, the Future and Stars. The educators who designed this project are librarian Burnette Groveman, and art teachers Judith and Helene Fastow. The students found the experience enriching and have truly deepened their understanding of the book’s themes.

I liked this book because:

“I liked it (the book) because I learned stuff I did not know about my culture. It was like traveling to the time when it happened.” Paige, Sharei Shalom, Bellmore, NY

“I liked this because it show how courageous and brave the Jews are.” Sara, North Shore Jewish Center, Pt. Jefferson Station

“I liked it because it made me feel that my life is lucky because they had to hide to study the Torah and we are safe to study the Torah.” Jake, Temple Beth Sholom of Smithtown

“I liked this book because it was about people helping people and fulfilling their dreams.” Matthew, Central Synagogue of Nassau County

“I liked this book because it reachs you that just because you’re in a concentration camp it doesn’t mean you can’t have a Bar Mitzvah and just because you’re Jewish it doesn’t mean that you can’t treat people different. We’re all the same, but just different religions.” Hallie, Huntington Jewish Center

“I liked this book because it was very meaningful when the boy risked getting caught to study for his Bar Mitzvah.” Caroline, Huntington Jewish Center

“I liked this book because it was story about how Ilan Ramon became a hero.” Max, South Huntington Jewish Center

I would I would recommend this book, because...

“I would recommend this book to anybody because it teaches me how sometimes life is not fair and you have to deal with it.” Samantha, Sharei Shalom, Bellmore

“I would (recommend the book) because I want other people to learn about Ilan and the Torah.” Nicholas, North Shore Jewish Center, Pt. Jefferson Station

“I would recommend this book because not only is it just a good book in general, but this book teaches you a lesson. If you try hard and believe in yourself you can achieve something amazing.” Zachary, Dix Hills Jewish Center

“I would recommend this book to someone because it would show people how to appreciate the things that they have.” Jakob, Dix Hills Jewish Center

‘I would recommend this book to my friends because it told you about reaching for your dreams even though life can be very hard.” Evan, Dix Hills Jewish Center

“I would recommend this book because it teaches you to make the best of times like Yoya did at his Bar Mitzvah.” Abigail, Huntington Jewish Center

“First, I think that all people should read this story, not just Jewish people, because it is a true story. Second, as a Jewish person, I am proud to know that the Torah is so important to other Jews, during difficult times like the Holocaust or during exciting times, like the chance to go into space.” Zachary, South Huntington Jewish Center

One time when I felt like Ilan/Yoya:

“When I learned how to read Hebrew I felt very proud. When YoYa got trained for hi Bar Mitzvah he was proud also!”
Tara, Temple Beth Sholom of Smithtown

“One time when I felt like Ilan was when I first found out what it means to be Jewish.” Brian, Dix Hills Jewish Center

“One time I felt like Ilan was when I got my Aleph award in Cub Scouts.” Laurence, Central Synagogue of Naussau County

“One time I felt like Yoya was when I was very proud to learn a Hebrew prayer because my brother helped me.” Jacob, South Huntington Jewish Center