Hebrew School - Grades 3-7

WEEKDAY INTEGRATED RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW SCHOOL

The Goals of the Hebrew Program are limited but realistic: A fluency in Hebrew reading, a familiarity with, appreciation for, and ability to read key Hebrew prayers, and a familiarity with basic Hebrew words and expressions that are an integral part of Jewish life. It is our hope that the success the students will experience will motivate them to continue their Hebrew studies in future years.

By studying prayers that are frequently used and by giving the students an opportunity to participate in weekly worship services by reading and chanting these prayers, the students will not only reinforce their Hebrew reading, but will come to appreciate the value of prayer. Students will eventually become fluent enough at reading prayer to not only participate in services, but to lead them at their own Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.

Due to the limited class time and the nature of becoming fluent Hebrew readers, it is imperative for students to consistently attend class and practice their Hebrew at home in order for students to be successful with their Hebrew studies.

SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
All Hebrew students are required to attend a minimum of three Shabbat worship services during the school year in order to familiarize themselves with services and to use what they are learning in the classroom in the correct context. Sign-in sheets are located outside the sanctuary at the end of services.

ALEPH WEEKDAY RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW
Hebrew Curriculum:
1.Read all Hebrew letters and vowels
2.Write Hebrew in block print
3.Read fluently and understand the following prayers:
a.Barchu
b.Shema
c.Lighting of Shabbat Candles
d.Short Kiddush
e.Ha-motzi
f.Chanukah Blessings
g.Part of the Four Questions

Texts:Shalom U’vracha, Behrman House
Shalom U’vracha CD Rom, Behrman House
Hineni 1, Behrman House
Hineni 1 CD Rom, Behrman House

Judaic Studies Curriculum:
1.Study of modern day Israel including:
a.Geography of Israel
b.Famous Israelis
c.Israeli government
d.Important sites in Israel
e.Different lifestyles in Israel – kibbutz, army, etc.
2.Study of holidays with emphasis on comparing how we celebrate Jewish holidays in Israel and the United States
3.Study of the Hebrew Bible with emphasis on Prophets including:
a.Joshua
b.Twelve Tribes of Israel
c.Gideon
d.Samson
e.David

Texts:The Great Israel Scavenger Hunt, Behrman House
Book of Jewish Holidays, Behrman House
Prophets, Writings and You, KTAV
Welcome to Israel, Behrman House

BET WEEKDAY RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW

Hebrew Curriculum:
1.Review of reading Hebrew letters with emphasis on “problem pairs” of letters
2.Review of prayers taught in Aleph
3.Read fluently, understand and chant, when appropriate, the following prayers:
a.Shehecheyanu
b.Mi Chamocha
c.V’ahavta
d.Avot v’Imahot
e.Gevurot
f.Four Questions in their entirety
g.Sukkot Blessings
4.Introduction to Hebrew words used in short, simple stories

Texts:V’ahavta Prayer Packet, Behrman House
Hineni 2, Behrman House
Hineni 2 CD Rom, Behrman House
Hebrew and Heritage 1, Behrman House

Judaic Studies Curriculum:

2.Study of Jewish Life Cycle events including:
a.Baby naming and Brit Milah (circumcision)
b.Pidyon Haben (redemption of the first-born son)
c.Consecration
d.Bar/Bat Mitzvah
e.Confirmation
f.Marriage
g.Joining a Synagogue
h.Death
3.Study of Kashrut (dietary laws)
4.A study of Holidays with emphasis on the customs and their origins

Texts:Life Cycle Workbook, ARE
Journey of a Lifetime, Behrman House
When a Jew Celebrates, Behrman House

GIMEL WEEKDAY RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW

Hebrew Curriculum:
4.Review of prayers taught in Aleph and Bet
5.Read fluently, understand and chant, when appropriate, the following prayers:
a.Ki Mitziyon
b.L’cha Adonai
c.Torah Blessings
d.Haftarah Blessings
e.Aleynu
6.Continuation of Hebrew vocabulary used in short stories.

Texts:Hineni 3, Behrman House
Hebrew and Heritage Book 2, Behrman House

GIMEL WEEKDAY RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW - continued

Judaic Studies Curriculum:
1.A study of Torah with emphasis on the books of Genesis and Exodus
2.An introduction to the Holocaust

Texts: Tanach, translated and published by Jewish Publication Society

Diary of Anne Frank
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Daniel’s Story by Carol Matas

DALED

Hebrew Curriculum:
1.Review of reading and chanting all prayers taught in Aleph, Bet and Gimel to ensure complete mastery
2.Read fluently, understand and chant, when appropriate, the following prayers:

a.V’shamru b.Kaddish c.Chatimot
3.Torah and Haftarah Trope

Judaic Studies Curriculum:
1.Study of Comparative Judaism (Reform, Conservative, Traditional and Reconstructionist)
2.Study of Mitzvot including:
a.The 10 Commandments
b.Lashon Hara (gossip)
c.Tzedakah (righteousness)
d.Rodef Shalom (making peace)
e.Ahavat Tziyon (loving Israel)
f.Bikur Cholim (taking care of the ill)
g.Tzniyut (modesty)
h.Bal Tashchit (taking care of the earth)
i.Kashrut (dietary laws)
3.Study of Anti-semitism
4.Study o f Israel and its current condition

Texts:Many Faces of Judaism, Behrman House
Making a Difference, Behrman House

TALLIT
The making of a Tallit (prayer shawl) has become an integral part of the Daled program. Each Daled student, along with his/her parents, will have special time set aside during school hours to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind tallit. Schedules for each class will be mailed in August.