|
Friday School Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed around two-year modules for our multi-grade classrooms and allows students to begin either year. Topics are revisited, with age-appropriate materials, as children mature, reflecting their expanded understanding.
Grades K-1
2010-2011: Intro to Torah
2011-3012: Intro to Jewish Holidays/Being a Mensch
Our youngest students are introduced to early Bible stories including Adam and Eve, Noah, the Tower of Babel, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and Moses through stories, art, music, and play. They will explore Jewish holidays, traditions and customs while building positive Jewish identities. Students are introduced to the concept of mitzvot – sacred obligations - as they study basic Jewish values and what it means to be a mensch.
Grades 2-3
2010-2011: Torah and Midrash
2011-2012: Prophets and Kings
Students in grades 2 and 3 continue to learn about Torah stories while learning to relate the concepts of mitzvot and gemulit hassidim (repairing the world) including their responsibility toward others and to take care of the environment. Biblical personalities are presented through historical, religious, and ethical viewpoints. Midrash stories will also be presented and students will also begin thinking critically about right and wrong, the importance of the choices they make, and the role that Judaism will play in their lives. Students continue their study of Bible stories with lessons from Prophetic literature. Biblical personalities including Joshua, King David, Solomon, Ruth, Samson and others are presented and connected to the children’s own lives.
Grades 4-5
2010-2011: Jewish Lifecycle and Customs
2011-2012: American Jewish History
Grade 4 and 5 students learn about the Jewish life cycle and the rituals and observances associated with Jewish life cycle events. They also explore Ashkenazi and Sephardic customs and rituals for Shabbat, holidays, the home and places of worship. They continue their studies by learning about the story of American Jewry from 1654 to the challenging events of today. Major topics include: the Jewish community, religious liberty, the contributions of Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, immigration, and civil rights.
Grades 6-7
2010-2011: Holocaust/Israel and the Diaspara
2011-2012: Comparative Religion/Ethics
Our oldest students learn about the Holocaust from life in pre-World War II Germany, through the Nazi rise to power, to Jewish survival and resistance in the ghettos and concentration camps. Students will develop their own conclusions about the causes and meaning of the Holocaust by examining the facts and evidence in greater depth. Continued studies look at the formation of the State of Israel and the role of Jews in the Diaspora. While exploring Jewish ethics, students are presented with a unique opportunity to discuss modern ethical dilemmas from a Jewish point of view. They also explore the history, beliefs and practices of other major religions and the practices and beliefs we share.
Hebrew
Hebrew is begun with reading readiness as part of the K/1 curriculum. Thereafter, families may elect to have their students continue with an hour of Hebrew instruction each week. Students may enter the elective Hebrew program at any time after 1st grade, though it is recommended that they begin in 2nd or 3rd grade. The Hebrew curriculum begins with phonics. After mastering Hebrew-reading skills, students are introduced to Hebrew both as the language of prayer for the Jewish people and also as a modern language.