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All grades begin with a unit on Jewish Identity and Secular Humanistic Judaism.
Preschool meets 9 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 are: September-Fall Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), October-Fall Holidays (Sukkot), November-Mispacha (family), December-Hanukkah, January-Mitzvot, February-Tu B’Shevat, March-Purim, April-Passover, and May-Israel.
Kindergarten/Grade 1 curriculum rotates through a two year cycle. The theme for Year A is Our Circle of Jewish Community and Jewish Values through Holidays and Mitzvot. The overriding theme is Family. The theme for Year B is “Our Circle of Jewish Community and Jewish Values through Bible Stories and Holidays. The overriding theme is Family. Students explore through art projects, stories, songs, cooking, games and holiday celebrations. For the year 2009-2010 the K/1 class will be following the Year B curriculum.
Grade 2/3 curriculum follows the theme Life Cycle and Secular Jewish Values through Bible Stories. The overriding theme is Friendship. Students explore the lifecycle events, Jewish holidays through Bible stories, and Jewish values including: G’milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Bal Tashchit (Not Destroying), and Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming the Newcomer). Classroom activities will include hands-on activities, music, cooking, dance, games and stories.
Grade 4/5 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 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.
Grade 6/7 curriculum follows the theme of Tradition and Change: Ashkenazic Culture and History from the Middle Ages through The Holocaust. Students learn about Fall Holidays and European Jewish Life in the Middle Ages, The Polish Kehilla and the Rise of Shtetl Life, Ashkenazic holiday observances and traditions, The Haskalah and Enlightenment, Holocaust, Israel and Zionism. Students continue their B’nai Mitzvah program this year.
Grade 8 curriculum follows the theme of Tikkun Olam and Developing Social Activism. Students meet once per month 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.
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