Curriculum - Hebrew/Judaica

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW  

Pre-Kindergarten will be a hands-on, multi-sensory introduction to Religious School and the rhythm of Jewish time. Families will follow the holiday adventures of Sammy Spider during monthly “Sit and Spin” story sessions, and students will begin to learn the aleph-bet and basic Hebrew phrases.

Kindergarten is a celebration of creation, as students are invited to discover all that is holy in the world around them by making contributions to the “Natural Wonders” table with a weekly round of “Show and Kvell”.  Students also build on their emerging Hebrew vocabulary through dedicated weekly Hebrew class and a concluding song session with Lisa Silver.

First Grade marks the formal introduction to Jewish learning with a Consecration, where students receive their very own illustrated Torah during Shabbat services.  Students explore Jewish holidays, ritual objects, heroes, and synagogue life.  There is a weekly “Family Favorites” session that invites parents to participate throughout the year, including a Shabbat backpack that goes home with a student each week.

Second Grade begins a two-year cycle of Torah study, exploring the stories of Genesis.  Hebrew lessons are supplemented through midrashim, or stories, that relay Jewish values to each letter of the aleph-bet.  The rituals and blessings associated with havdallah are also practiced regularly.

Third Grade continues the discovery of ancient Biblical stories, this year in the book of Exodus.   Students will also learn related Hebrew vocabulary as they explore ideas of God and humanity, and the ongoing interaction and covenant between them.

Fourth Grade begins a journey into the land of Israel, where students encounter the people, places, food, and other cultural and historical experiences that have shaped our Jewish homeland.  Our 4th graders conclude this year as hosts of the community-wide 1st grade program “Shalom, Israel!” ~ a trip to Eretz Yisrael that features a ride on El Al with stops at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and a kibbutz.

Fifth Grade concentrates on the teachings of the Jewish prophets and how they apply to modern-day life.  Students will consider the dual role of prophecy ~ to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable ~ paying particular attention to the call of our congregation’s namesake to “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”  Families heed the prophetic call by helping run the weekly mitzvah market.

Sixth Grade explores the Shabbat morning service and the sacred process of studying Torah. Whether or not students plan to participate in the official B’nai Mitzvah program, all students become Bar or Bat Mitzvah at age 13.  Here, students learn the history and symbolism behind the prayer service, as well as critical tools for reading and interpreting Torah texts.  Parents participate in several sessions, learning to join with their children and “come to Torah together – b’yachad.”  Students also look to historical fiction and the ketuvim to support their understanding of Jewish tradition and wisdom.

Seventh Grade focuses on the power of living a life of mitzvot, as encountered through the rich Reform tradition of “informed choice”.  Students consider the commandments conceptually; the question of what it means to be “commanded”; and the challenges and rewards of observing certain commandments to their secular lives.  Students will plan and participate in several social action projects over the course of the year.  Additionally, students and parents participate in the URJ’s Sacred Choices sexual ethics program.

Eighth Grade moves students beyond the Torah of b’nai mitzvah preparation to Judaism’s midrashic and mystical literature.  Modern ethical issues are also addressed, such as on-line conduct and finding ways to move from “MySpace” to “OurSpace”.  Students begin to give back to their Religious School community through interaction with the Kindergarten students where they write a book explaining Judaism for a Chanukah gift. Students then conduct an oral history project with senior synagogue members (the Schmoozers) while studying Pirke Avot, learning first-hand “who is wise.”

Ninth Grade considers the unique and enduring experience of Jews in America through exposure to a variety of texts, films, and guest speakers.  Students have the chance to participate in the national L’Taken social-action seminar in Washington D.C., helping them to understand the historic and ongoing roles of social advocacy in Reform Judaism.  Students also participate in an exchange curriculum with peers in Israel, preparing them for an anticipated trip to Israel in the 11th grade.  

Tenth Grade (Confirmation) is a special experience through which students are challenged to reflect upon how they define and practice their Judaism while also engaging with traditional and comparative texts from other faith traditions. Outside the classroom, students put the teachings of prophecy into practice with their 10th grade peers from West End Synagogue.  Students conclude the year by hosting a brunch for the community’s senior citizens, leading a special Shabbat morning service and traveling to New York City.