Hebrew School

Temple Beth El Hebrew School Outline:

Placement of students is loosely based on grade although advancement through demonstrated mastery of the material is encouraged.

Kindergarteners/ Preschool/ 1st Graders: Introduction to Jewish history, language, and rituals. Students begin to learn the basic Hebrew alphabet. An introduction to Jewish history is provided utilizing traditional biblical stories. Jewish holidays, prayers, blessings, and ritual foods are introduced and reviewed. The emphasis is on fun utilizing stories, songs, arts & crafts, and videos.

2nd&3rd Graders: Classes build on the skills introduced in the previous class. Students polish their Hebrew reading skills and are introduced to some basic Hebrew vocabulary. Their understanding of Jewish history is expanded, as is their understanding of the major Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions. Homework assignments begin as a way to measure commitment and progress.

4th & 5th Graders: Students receive separate classes for Hebrew and Jewish History. Hebrew is brought to an intermediate level with more complex reading and vocabulary exercises. Students are expected to achieve a heightened level of fluency and comfort dealing with multi-syllabic words and longer phraseology.

History is taught in two, one year semesters utilizing Abba Eban’s, History of the Jews. This comprehensive course begins with G-d’s covenant with Abraham and traces Jewish history through the creation of the modern State of Israel. Students are introduced to the geographic, archaeological, and social development of the holy land. Historical milestones including the Exodus, the creation and destruction of the temple, the Diaspora, Holocaust, and founding of the State of Israel are discussed. Films, puzzles, role playing, and current events articles are used to supplement the reading and stimulate discussion.

6th & 7th Graders: Separate courses are offered in advanced Hebrew and Jewish Ethics/Values. Students are expected to achieve a heightened sense of fluency in Hebrew in preparation for becoming Bar / Bat Mitzvah. Multiple sources are utilized including Siddurs, workbooks, readers and an occasional comic strip. Proficiency with traditional liturgical passages and prayers from the Siddur and Torah is reinforced to encourage participation in services. Vocabulary is enhanced to include basic Hebrew dialogue. Friendly competitions incorporating speed reading drills and word search games are conducted as time permits.

Jewish values and Jewish ethics are explored utilizing a variety of sources including lessons from When a Jew Seeks Wisdom, which analyzes readings from Pirkay Avot, and Why Be Different? A Look into Judaism, which uses real and fictional stories to illustrate fundamental Jewish concepts in philosophy, law, and theology. The emphasis is on developing a knowledge of and pride in Jewish contributions to civilization’s spiritual, intellectual and social development. Where ever possible, concepts of the past are contemporized to create a sense of living history and the timelessness of Jewish thought.

Jr. Congregation: Available to all students from 4th grade up. Selections from the Torah and Sabbath services conducted in the form of a scaled down service in a highly musical environment. Proficiency with common songs, blessings, and prayers is emphasized with the goal of increasing the students’ comfort level with, and participation in, religious services.

TEMPLE BETH EL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 2008-2009

Dear Parents,

This year will be an innovative and exciting one. We will be encouraging parental involvement and plan to include new ways to address Jewish studies. Our curriculum includes computer-supported studies. As in previous years, most Hebrew classes will be following a text that is supplemented by a CD-ROM to be used at home. We hope that this program will continue make learning Hebrew fun. If you do not have a computer at home, please let us know.

Religious school attendance is very important to your child’s growth as a Jew. Please attempt to have your student here every Sunday. If she/he will be absent, please phone the Temple and leave a message. Timely arrival is equally important so as to avoid disturbing a class with late entry. All classes begin at 9:00 AM. In the event of inclement weather, a message will be left on the Temple voice mail. Announcements will also be made on WCDO, WSRK, WZOZ, and WDOS. We will also be starting a phone chain.

There will be a start-up Parent-Teachers meeting on the first day of religious school, September 14. Please join us in the social hall at 9:00 AM, when you bring your child to school.

Work with your student, help her/him, and share the learning process. Please feel free to speak with any one of us to understand our goals, provide ideas, and add support. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Religious School Staff