RELIGIOUS SCHOOL | CURRICULUM

Kindergarten and First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth and Ninth Grade
Retreat Requirement
Worship Requirement
Tenth Grade

Kindergarten and First Grade: An Introduction to Jewish Holidays
Jewish holidays are the most tangible subjects in Religious School. They are filled with symbols and rituals, food and stories. We begin our study with holidays because it grounds our students and parents in the rhythm of Jewish life. Our kindergarten curriculum focuses primarily on the holidays of Sukkot*, Tu B'shevat*, Purim, Passover, and the "Jewish Home*." In first grade, the curriculum emphasizes the study of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Shabbat*, Chanukah, the Sanctuary, Havdalah*, Passover*, Rosh Chodesh, Yom Ha-Atzmaut, and Shavuot.

*These units culminate in a Celebration Circle.

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Second Grade: Life Cycles

Jewish Life Cycles express beliefs and ideas that lie at the heart of living as a committed Jew. Our students trace the path of a Jewish life and explore the meaning behind these life-moments. In second grade we explore the connection between the Jewish Naming ceremony and our Brit (covenant) with God, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and adult responsibility, wedding and personal commitment, and remembering as a way to show honor to our past.

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Third Grade: God Talk

Children have profound questions about God, but teachers and parents may find it difficult to talk about this most intangible and personal of subjects. As a result, an awareness of God is often missing from many religious schools. Our third graders participate in open and thoughtful discussions concerning their belief in and relationship with God. With stories from our tradition, modern photographs, illustrations, and inventive activities, children explore ideas of God and holiness and discover a Jewish vocabulary for thinking and talking about God.

Among other things, children will learn:

We cannot know what God looks like, but we can see the things God creates.
We are all made in God's image.
Life is a miracle, and our world is filled with holiness.
Our souls connect us to each other and to God.

Fourth Grade: Genesis

Our students begin their study with the stories of Genesis, which focuses on the larger questions: What is God’s role in the world? What is humanity’s role? How should we wisely use our human powers for good?

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Fifth Grade: Exodus

The story continues in the Book of Exodus where we study the role of Torah as an instruction guide for life. We also explore the central role of geulah (redemption) in the life of the Jewish people by exploring the connection between the Book of Exodus and Passover.

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Sixth Grade: Temple, Torah and Tefilah

In sixth grade we extend the Torah story to focus on the role of the ancient and modern Temples in enhancing our connection with God. We then prepare for our roles as active adults (Bar and Bat Mitzvah) in Jewish communal prayer by exploring sections of our worship service and by developing the skills to write and deliver a D’var Torah (interpretive Torah speech).

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Seventh Grade as a transition

The seventh grade will use the Union for Reform Judaism's Chai curriculum which draws upon the latest research in curriculum design. The award winning curriculum is divided into three sections: Torah-all sacred Jewish writings, Avodah-the spiritual and ritual aspects of one's Jewish life, Gemilut Chasadim-bringing goodness and healing to the world through acts of loving kindness. The curriculum poses challenging and fundamental questions about Jewish belief and practice.

Chevra Time
Each week, during Religious School, our seventh graders are treated to a special part of their program called Chevra Time. Chevra Time is designed as a Judaic/social time when our students can deepen their relationships with Judaism and each other.

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Eighth and Ninth Grade – KADIMA!

KADIMA! is designed to afford students as much flexibility as possible by providing a framework for making their own educational choices. Students must simply complete three types of requirements: Education, Retreat and Worship.

Education Requirement
Students may earn their education requirements through our regular Sunday classes. Topics for our Sunday classes include:

Eighth Grade: Modern Judaism (first semester) and Holocaust Studies (second semester)
Ninth Grade: Love and Jewish Values

Students may also opt for our alternative track*. Possible learning activities may include: a once-a-month extended class (Team KADIMA! or Rosh Chodesh), performing mitzvah work, writing reviews of books or movies on Jewish themes, or any other reasonable learning activity.

*IMPORTANT: All students wishing to explore an alternative track must meet with Sarith Abramowitz, our KADIMA! coordinator, or with Macki Ellenbogen in order to develop a personalized plan.

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Retreat Requirement

Our retreat requirements provide opportunities for students to develop deeper relationships with positive Jewish adult role models and Jewish peers inside and outside of Temple. A retreat is also an opportunity to learn about Judaism and Jewish concepts in a relaxed and informal environment. Jewish summer camps and youth group retreats may fulfill either half or all of the retreat requirements. See the KADIMA! page on our web site for more details.

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Worship Requirement

Worship is an important part of the life of all Jewish adults. The worship portion of KADIMA! is designed to make worship an ongoing part of our students’ lives. Students must attend fifteen worship services throughout the year. We count all Shabbat, High Holy Day, and our monthly Sunday morning services toward this requirement.

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Tenth Grade: Confirmation: God and Community

Confirmation is a year of in-depth study and community building. Confirmation provides an opportunity for tenth graders to learn with our rabbis and other sophisticated teachers. Our students address real-world problems as a vehicle to explore the nature of our Reform Jewish community, God's role in our lives, and Jewish ethics.

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