RELIGIOUS SCHOOL | CURRICULUM

Below are the themes for each grades’ curriculum. A full description of the curriculum for all grades is contained in the Youth Programs and Religious School Parents’ Guide. Click here for the Guide.

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

Kindergarten and First Grade: An Introduction to Jewish Holidays

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.

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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.

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Third Grade: God Talk

Children have profound questions about God, a most intangible and personal subject. Our third graders participate in open and thoughtful discussions concerning their belief in and relationship with God.

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Fourth Grade: Genesis

Our students begin the school year with the study of Genesis, focusing 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? The students develop their own answers to these questions.

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Fifth Grade: Genesis (continued) and Exodus

The story of Genesis continues and then we move into the Book of Exodus where we study the role of Torah as an instruction guide for life.

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Sixth Grade: Temple, Torah and Tefilah

We 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: Transition

Students focus on Torah – all sacred Jewish writings; Avodah – the spiritual and ritual aspects of one’s Jewish life; and 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.

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Eighth and Ninth Grade – Educational Choices

Students have as much flexibility as possible by providing a framework for making their own educational choices. Students must complete education and worship requirements. Studies include Israel, Comparative Religion, and an elective. Or students may choose a once a month program that is coupled with independent study.

Worship is an important part of the life of all Jewish adults. The worship portion of eighth and ninth grade is designed to make worship an ongoing part of our students’ lives.

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Tenth Grade: Confirmation:

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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