Teachers:
Morah Sally Hendelman
Morah May Zamechek

Curriculum 

Torah: Book of D'varim/Deuteronomy
Students will review the first four books of Torah, then focus on studying the book of D'varim in depth.  5th graders will explore "Our Jewish Story" as described in D'varim.  They will prepare to read a couple verses of Torah in Junior Congregation and will use the Etz Hayim during their Torah study.

Holidays and Shabbat:
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:
Sarah and David Saturday Morning Prayer Book, students’ Siddurim
Students will meet weekly with Rabbi Fredda Cohen to study and practice the Shabbat morning service.  

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

Hebrew:
Students will strengthen their Hebrew reading skills when practicing tefillot in the Siddur.  They will build their moden Hebrew vocabulary as well as their reading skills with the dynamic, engaging program Let's Talk: Modern Hebrew for Teens. 

Jewish History:
Students will study Jewish history starting with ancient times.  In the context of their history unit, students will explore synagogue architecture  and investigate how each synagogue they study reflects:

o   Where we lived in the world

o   How we interacted with God

o   How we interacted with the community—hidden synagogue because of anti-Semitism or large synagogue when we were accepted and thriving

o   Assimilation—did the architecture reflect the architecture in the community?

o   The role of the synagogue—place for sacrifices, place to pray, helping others, including others, building community, observing mitzvot, celebrating hagim and life cycle, learning, playing, eating…

This unit will include a study of the architecture and kehillah (community) of Bet Am Shalom.  Students will conclude this unit by designing their own synagogues.

 
Israel:
Israel is integrated throughout the curriculum in their Torah study, modern Hebrew curriculum, Jewish history unit, and study of the holidays.  Morah Sally and Morah May share their own experiences in Israel with the children.