Teacher:
Morah Ziva Barnea

Curriculum

Torah: Vayikra/Leviticus
Students will review the books of Bereshit and Shemot, then study the book of Vayikra in depth focusing on the theme of what it means to be holy.  How can I be holy?  How can a community or space be holy?  Students will explore and experience mitzvot (laws) and middot (values) in the book of Vayikra, including the power of our words, living on Jewish time, and caring for the earth.  

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

Spirituality and Prayer:
Students will personalize the covers of their own Siddurim in October, then use their siddurim to practice selected prayers in the Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service as well as 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:
Students will strengthen their Hebrew reading skills when practicing tefillot in their Siddurim.  They will build their modern Hebrew vocabulary as well as their reading skills with a text that includes dialogues in Hebrew.

Israel:
Israel is integrated throughout the curriculum in their Torah study, modern Hebrew curriculum, and study of the holidays.  Morah Ziva shares her own experiences in Israel with the children.  Students study basic Israel geography as well.