Teacher:

Morah Elaine Atzmon

Curriculum

Torah: Shemot/Exodus
Students will review the book of Bereshit, then focus their study on the book of Shemot.   Exodus is our Jewish communal experience which connects us to God, our people, our land, and our history, and inspires us to treat people with chesed (kindness).  Each student will create an “I was there” journal adding to it as they learn through experiential activities: fleeing slavery from Egypt, rejoicing their freedom with song, hearing the lighting and thunder at Mt. Sinai, receiving the Torah, being guided by mitzvot, debating the creation of a golden calf, and building a sacred space—mishkan. The journal will include their reflections and photos of the students in Exodus scenes that they can illustrate.  Integrated into the Shemot curriculum is Hebrew vocabulary, holidays, mitzvot (laws), prayers, music, and art.

Holidays and Shabbat:
My Jewish Year
Through engaging, experiential, and age-appropriate activities, students will explore the meaning of the Jewish holidays, including their rituals, mitzvot and the way they are celebrated in Israel.  Students' holiday experiences outside of class will enrich their understanding of and personal connection to each holiday.

Spirituality and Prayer:
Students practice and explore the meaning of selected prayers from the Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat service and the Shabbat morning service.  Students will prepare in class to lead prayers in Junior Congregation.

Click here to listen to the shabbat and holiday prayers and songs.

Hebrew:
Sarah and David Hebrew Textbooks

• Mastery of letter and vowel recognition and vocalization
• Mastery of 15-20 Hebrew site words
• Fluent reading of basic words

Israel:
Israel is integrated throughout the curriculum in their Torah and holidays studies.