Sunday School - Curriculum Guide

Preschool program

Pre-school meets 7 times during the academic year. Children attend with their parents to experience hands on Jewish learning. Class themes revolve around the holidays and Jewish values. Children are introduced to the Secular Jewish celebrations and rituals.

The class themes for 2007-08 are
September/Fall Holidays, November/Shabbat, December/Channukah, January/Tu B’shevat, February/My Jewish Family, March/Purim, April/Israel

Kindergarten/First Grade

The curriculum rotates through a two year cycle. The theme for Year A  is Our Circle of Jewish Community and Jewish Values through Bible Stories and Holidays. The overriding theme is Family. The theme for Year B is Our Circle of Jewish Community and Jewish Values through Holidays and Mitzvot. The overriding theme is Family. Students explore through art projects, stories, songs, cooking, games and holiday celebrations.

Second grade

The curriculum follows the theme Life Cycle and Secular Jewish Values through Bible Stories. The overriding theme is friendship. Students learn life cycle events including bris/baby naming , Simchat Limud, Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Wedding, Respect for the Elderly and Death and Mourning. They also learn about Secular Jewish Values through Bible stories as an extension of what they learn in K/1.

Third grade

The curriculum follows the theme Israel and Jews Around the World with the overriding theme Social Responsibility. Students explore the geography, history, culture, foods, music and landmarks of Israel through hands on activities, stories, music, movement, cooking, and dance.

Fourth grade

The curriculum follows the theme Movement of the Jewish communities: from the Fall of the Second Temple to the Expulsion from Spain with the overriding theme of Communities. Students will explore the cultures, music, philosophy, holiday practice, values and important historical figures and events of the Jewish communities in ancient Babylon to the Mediterranean countries.

Fifth grade

The curriculum follows the theme History and Growth of the American Jews with the overriding theme Peoplehood and Celebration. Students will discover the rich history and impact of Jewish settlement on American culture, beginning in 1624 with the arrival of the first Jews from Recife, Brazil through to contemporary Jewish life in America. Students will study immigration, involvement in American and Jewish politics, culture and philanthropy and the development of American Jewish movements and organizations. American Yiddish culture will also be explored.

Sixth grade

The sixth grade curriculum follows the theme Tradition and Change:  Ashkenazic Culture and History from the Middle Ages through The Holocaust with the overriding theme Universalism. Students will explore the development of Eastern European culture from the middle ages through the mid 19th century, the Haskalah and Enlightment, development of Shtetl culture. Students will also learn about the Holocaust with a focus on Heroism and Responsibility for Others in the face of persecution. Students also begin their B’nai Mitzvah program in the 6th grade.

Seventh grade

The curriculum follows the theme Comparative Judaism and the History of the Bible. Students compare and contrast the history, practices and traditions of the different branches of American Jewish movements and explore in depth the meaning of personal Secular Judaism. Students also learn about the historical, political and social events that influenced the development and writing of the Bible. Students continue their B’nai Mitzvah program this year.

Eigth grade

The curriculum follows the theme Tikkun Olam and Developing Social Activism. Students meet twice monthly to discuss and examine relevant social, interpersonal issues, and Jewish issues. Students are involved in monthly Mitzvah projects that work toward Tikkun Olam and Tikkun Middot. Students learn how to empower their Jewish identity through social action and personal growth.

- back to top -