Curriculum

Summary of School Curriculum for Grades K-7
 

Students in grades K-2 begin their Jewish studies by attending school once a week for 1 hour and 20 minutes on Monday afternoons. The main objective of these grades is to provide enjoyable learning experiences, which will create pleasurable associations and identification with Judaism. The emphasis is on customs and rituals in the Jewish home as well as holiday observances in the synagogue. In addition, introduction to the Aleph-Bet begins in Grade 2 as part of the reading readiness program.

Grades 3-7 attend school twice a week: 2 hours on Sunday morning, and 2 hours on a weekday afternoon. One hour each day is spent on Judaica, and the other is spent on Hebrew. The Judaica curriculum also includes a musical component of about 15-20 minutes per week. In 3rd Grade, students are introduced to the Jewish concept of God, and learn Bible stories from the Creation to the Ten Plagues. Students begin Hebrew reading and are introduced to writing Hebrew script.

Students in 4th Grade, study the Early Prophetic Books of the Bible (Joshua, Judges, Samuel I and II). Students begin Hebrew comprehension with a series of books called “Kol Yisrael” which include interactive CDs to assist in the learning process. This series continues through the 6th grade year. Students study the Brachot for various occasions and the Friday night Kiddush, Sh’ma and V’ahavta prayers. Special concentration is also given to learning the Havdalah Service during this year.

In 5th Grade, students learn about the historical development of modern Israel, its cities, lifestyles and the importance of Israel to the Jewish people. They study of the history and stories of various communities of the Jewish people from around the world. In addition, our students study a parallel curriculum with our partner school in Haifa, which focuses on Jewish identity and builds a personal connection between the students of both countries. The schools exchange projects throughout the year and participate in a videoconference in May. Students focus on the prayers of the Amidah, including Avot, G’vurot, and K’dushah. The Ashrai and Hatikva are also learned.

In 6th Grade, students study the “greatest hits” of the Torah in translation and focus on a 3-part pre-b’nai mitzvah series to prepare for their ceremonies and services. Students look at how life cycle events are commemorated in Judaism, putting Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the continuum of birth, education, marriage, and remembrance. Hebrew reading and chanting skills continue to be learned. Students study the Torah and Haftarah blessings, and the Kaddish prayer.

The 7th Grade curriculum is made up of two courses. The first called "Modern Jewish Experience&: introduces students to the history of the Jews of Eastern Europe, the rise of AntiSemitism, and the onset of the Holocaust. The course continues with the birth of American Jewry and the creation of the State of Israel. The second course, entitled "Jewish Values&" is partly based on the B’nai TELEM curriculum, an innovative program that helps to promote social justice to Jewish youth in the Boston area. It integrates community service with learning, reflection, and volunteer work combined with the study of Jewish values.