January 25, 2018

January 25, 2018

January 25, 2018

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION

The mission of the TBT Religious School is to create a

strong Jewish identity within our students. We do this

through teaching them Torah, Jewish history, Hebrew

reading and prayer, and the study of Jewish holidays.

Our curriculum focuses on Jewish life and religious

practice, Tefilah (prayer), Bible, Hebrew, and Jewish

social studies. We hope that our children will feel

comfortable in any synagogue they go to with this

foundation. We want them to have a special feeling

inside of them for God, synagogue and Judaism. We

take all the aspects of Jewish education and help our

students to apply it to their own personal lives, which

strengthen their connection to our religion. We enhance

that connection not only through study, but also

through art, music, ongoing discussions with the rabbi

and by providing our students with meaningful Jewish

experiences throughout the year. It is our hope that

these wonderful components of our education program

create a positive attitude about Judaism that children

will carry into their adult lives.

The Goals of Temple Beth Tikvah’s

Religious School Program are:

-to be knowledgeable about and engaged in Jewish life and

religious practice.

-to develop a relationship with and reverence for God.

-to be connected to their synagogue community.

January 25, 2018

Dear TBT Families,

Bruchim Haba’im—Welcome to another year with the Beth Tikvah religious school community.

There is indeed a wonderful year ahead of us, filled with opportunities for students of all ages

(including parents!). You are receiving this handbook filled with important information about our

philosophy, policies and programs to illustrate Beth Tikvah’s commitment to substantive and

meaningful Jewish learning experiences for our students.

Every time we read the Sh’ma, we read “V’shinantam l’vanecha, we are instructed to “teach our

children diligently,” making it our responsibility to give our children the Jewish education they

deserve—an education shaped by vision, hope, and purpose, so that they will have the tools to look at

the world through Jewish eyes and know how to respond to the peaks and valleys we find in “real

life.”

The clergy and educators here at Temple Beth Tikvah see ourselves as your partners. To the very best

of our abilities, we will seek out ways not only to engage your children in Jewish learning, but to

deepen their understanding and commitments to their Jewish journeys. That means we are concerned

about how they learn, their self-esteem, and their capacity for compassion. It also means that we need

our students’ parents and families to journey with them. And we are here to support you in this

endeavor as you reinforce “doing Jewish” in your homes, in our synagogue, and places in-between.

As much as we are a people of thinkers and questioners, we are first and foremost a people of action.

We are not supposed to study about life, but to choose life, develop meaningful relationships, and

bring God’s Presence into our lives. So for all of you who seek out how to make Jewish choices for

yourselves and your families, we are here for you.

At Beth Tikvah we strive to create an inviting, interactive and safe environment for all our students to

learn about the history, heritage and customs of Jewish tradition and to grow to become skilled in

living a Jewish life. To further this goal, we strive to have students internalize the values of kavod –

respect and tikkun olam – repair of the world.

We stand ready to act in covenant with you to fulfill these responsibilities to benefit our congregation,

the Jewish people and each and every one of you. In addition to educating your children, we will

continue to offer many opportunities for adult learning, as well. We hope that you will participate in

one or more of these offerings during the year.

With warm wishes and shalom,

Hassia Levin Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Nancy Kassel

Director of Education Rabbi Cantor

January 25, 2018

Contents RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION .......................................................................................................................... 3

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND STANDARDS .............................................................................. 6

ADMISSION STANDARDS ................................................................................................................................. 6

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOURS ......................................................................................................................... 6

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS ....................................................................... 6

ATTENDANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

BAR/BAT MITZVAH ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 7

INCLEMENT WEATHER ................................................................................................................................... 7

HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................................................ 7

SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

CARPOOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

CARPOOL SYSTEM - DO’S & DON’TS ....................................................................................................... 8

STUDENT EVALUATION .................................................................................................................................. 9

TUITION REFUND POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 9

TZEDAKAH .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

DRESS CODE ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 9

SCHOOL PROPERTY ......................................................................................................................................... 9

STUDENT GUEST POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 9

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................. 9

PLAYGROUND ................................................................................................................................................... 10

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES .......................................................................................... 10

BOARD OF EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................. 10

OUR RABBI ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

OUR CANTOR .................................................................................................................................................... 10

POST BAR/BAT MITZVAH EDUCATION PROGRAM .............................................................................. 10

TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH BEHAVIOR CONTRACT ...................................................................................... 11

CLASSROOM RULES: ...................................................................................................................................... 11

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS: ..................................................................................................... 11

CONSEQUENCES: ............................................................................................................................................. 11

CURRICULUM: PREK THROUGH SEVENTH GRADE ............................................................................... 13

KINDERGARTEN CONSECRATION ............................................................................................................. 13

CALENDARS ............................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

FAMILY EDUCATION DAYS* ........................................................................................................................... 14

GRADE LEVEL SHABBAT SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................... 14

January 25, 2018

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND STANDARDS

Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Nancy Kassel Donald Tam

Rabbi Cantor Rabbi Emeritus

Hassia Levin Perri Kunofsky

Education Director Religious School Administrator

ADMISSION STANDARDS

Temple Beth Tikvah’s religious school provides education to students from Preschool through twelfth

grade. Our Preschool consists of students who are four by September 1st of the year of admission.

Children admitted to Kindergarten must be five years old by September 1st of the year of admission.

Children will be placed into the same grade as their public/private school whenever possible. There are

exceptions, however, if a child does not have the Religious School background required. In these cases,

placement will be at the discretion of the Director of Education after consultation with the parents.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOURS

PreK – 7th grades Sunday 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

3rd – 6th grades Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

8th-12th grades Monday 6:45 pm – 8:30 pm

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS

Temple Beth Tikvah

Religious School Office

9955 Coleman Road

Roswell, GA 30075

(770) 642-4168 phone

(770) 642-0813 fax

rschool@bethtikvah.com

www.bethtikvah.com

January 25, 2018

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential to a quality Jewish education. Temple Beth Tikvah’s Board of

Education believes that regular religious school attendance is so important that a policy has been

implemented to discourage excessive absences. Students who miss more than twenty-five percent

(25%) of class sessions of religious school during one school year period may be retained if their

Hebrew proficiency is insufficient to warrant promotion to the next grade level. If your child must be

absent due to illness or family emergency please notify the religious school office as soon as possible

The Board of Education also resolved in May of 2006 that “Because 7th Grade is a B’nai Mitzvah

preparation year, there will only be 3 unexcused absences allowed in 7th grade. Any other absences

must be medical or Jewish life cycle related with written documentation”. To discuss extenuating

circumstances please contact the religious school office.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS The following requirements apply to students who will become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Tikvah:

A minimum of five years attendance in mid-week Hebrew classes. Exceptions can only be

made by the Director of Education or Rabbi

To qualify for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparatory course, the Sixth grade students are tested on Hebrew reading. All

Sixth Graders are independently tested for reading fluency. Students MUST pass all tests to qualify. After testing,

parents are notified of the results in writing by the Education Director.

With the exception of students attending Jewish day schools, enrollment in our Religious School and Hebrew

classes through completion of 7th grade is required.

For students who have completed 7th grade and become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 8th

grade, the student must be enrolled in our Kesher program.

Additional Bar/Bat Mitzvah information may be found in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook.

INCLEMENT WEATHER To accommodate our students religious school will try to follow the lead of Cobb and/or Fulton

county schools closures*. Announcements may be made on television channel 11 (WXIA). Please

watch this channel for the announcement. If you are still in doubt, call the religious school number and

we should have an answering machine recording confirming or denying the cancellation.

*If Cobb and/or Fulton County cancel after school activities, the Religious School may not always

follow their lead. In case of threatening weather conditions we will keep our parents informed.

HOMEWORK Teachers at their discretion may assign meaningful homework. While we are aware that students have

homework from their public/private school, homework can be an important reinforcement of Religious

School studies and is designed to facilitate excellence in our student’s Jewish knowledge.

SECURITY The safety and security of our students is our number one priority. Roswell police officers will patrol the

premises during religious school to help make our building safe and secure. The police officers

constantly survey the building monitoring the coming and going of parents, congregants, and visitors to

our building.

January 25, 2018

In order to take a student out of class early, a parent must come to the religious school office no later

than 11:45 a.m. on Sundays or 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, show his/her driver’s license, and then sign

his/her child out of school. Students will be called by means of our intercom system. Teachers will not

release students unless a school staff member has instructed them to do so. On Sundays bring your

child on/after 9:15 a.m. and Tuesdays bring your child on/after 4:45 p.m. If your child arrives early

(i.e., more than 15 minutes before school begins) he/she will be required to sit and wait in the school

lobby until the appropriate time.

CARPOOL In order to make carpool a success, we must all work together and participate positively. This is for the

safety and best interest of your child(ren). Please read the following carpool information and Do’s and

Don’t list.

Carpool drop-off begins fifteen minutes before the start of the school day. Parking in the carpool line

does not begin until 9:45am on Sunday and 5:15pm on Tuesday. This will allow time for late-comers to

enter the building safely and efficiently. If you intend on staying in the parking lot throughout the school

day, please park in the lot until the above specified times. At the specified carpool times, you may begin

creating carpool lines.

The religious school will utilize our intercom system for carpool dismissal. Students will remain in their

classrooms during carpool. Carpool numbers will be called out over the intercom system. Teachers will

remain in the classrooms to supervise students during carpool time. PreK and Kindergarten students will

be escorted out of the building by a staff member and helped to their vehicles. If students do not hear

their number called the first time we will call the student by name. If your child(ren) do not come out

when their number is called you will be asked to pull over to the side of the parking lot so we can locate

your child and allow other parents to leave the parking lot in a timely manner.

CARPOOL SYSTEM - DO’S & DON’TS DO obtain a carpool number, teach it to your children, and display it properly in the right hand side of

your windshield.

DO explain to your children the carpool system. Be positive when mentioning carpool to them. It is

their responsibility to listen to the carpool numbers being called and to leave their classrooms when their

number is called.

DO stay in your car while in the carpool line; or else leave your keys in your car. This will enable

carpool staff the ability to move your car.

DO be an example to your children by behaving in a decorous manner. Please understand that safety is

our primary concern.

DO follow the directions of the carpool staff.

DON’T disrupt classes by checking your children out for “non-emergency” issues. The school’s primary

goal is to give our students a well-rounded Jewish education. Having children leaving prior to the end of

the day defeats the purpose and continuity of our teaching.

DON’T attempt to check out your children after 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, or 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Parents not participating in carpool must check their children out 15 minutes before the end of the

school day.

DON’T switch lanes. Please stay in your lane to avoid unnecessary clogging and delays.

DON’T use your cellular phone in the carpool line. We need your full attention and focus once our

children are dismissed.

January 25, 2018

STUDENT EVALUATION Teachers will evaluate students on an ongoing basis. Student reports will go home in the last session in

December and the last session of school in May.

TUITION REFUND POLICY Temple Beth Tikvah Religious School will not issue tuition refunds beyond the first 3 sessions of the

school year. Refunds will incur a $100.00 processing fee. Refund requests must be in writing. Approved

refunds will be issued within 60 days of the request.

TZEDAKAH On a weekly basis, the opportunity and obligation to observe the mitzvah of Tzedakah will take place in

the Religious School. Children should be encouraged to give of their own so they understand the

experience of sharing with others. Some organizations that have benefited from our children’s support

are: Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Alzheimer’s Association of Israel, Jewish National Fund,

Make a Wish Foundation of America, and many more. In addition, a portion of the money will be used

to benefit the Religious School and its students.

DRESS CODE Students must show respect for our school, sanctuary, teachers, and fellow students by wearing attire

similar to that required in public school. No head coverings, other than kippot, may be worn. During

special holidays or memorial days students may be asked to wear synagogue attire or a formal white

shirt. Please be respectful during these times by participating as requested.

CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS Toys, stuffed animals, electronic devices, cell phones, iPods, and similar items are not permitted in the

classroom (unless the child is participating in a teacher initiated “show and tell”). These items can be

distracting to teachers and other students and are not conducive to learning. For those children that carry

phones for safety reasons: Each classroom will have a cell phone parking lot. Students will be asked to

park their devices during school hours.

SCHOOL PROPERTY We need to take special care of our school because it is our "home." Because the school is joined to the

Synagogue, we must also preserve the sanctity of the building as a place of worship. Students will be

held accountable for any destruction or property damage that he/she may affect.

STUDENT GUEST POLICY In the spirit of hospitality, we are thrilled to welcome guests. However, due to our responsibility to care

for the welfare of all who enter our doors, no “guest” may attend school without the consent of the

Religious School Director. If a guest has prior approval from the director to attend classes we will need

the following:

Advance notification and approval from the teacher

A signed waiver from the parent of the guest.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM We desire all Temple Beth Tikvah parents to become involved. All parents are required to volunteer for

one event or day per child. There is always something to be done at the school. Please give of your time

January 25, 2018

generously by being a room parent, volunteering for holiday/special programs, be a substitute teacher or

assisting with school flyers and mailings.

PLAYGROUND Students will be allowed to play on the playground ONLY if supervised by a parent or teacher. The

playground will be open during religious school hours for our youngest students. After playing, students

must wipe their feet on the mats as they enter the school building. Students must stay off the fence and

not climb on top of the playground structures.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES Temple Beth Tikvah Religious School is eager to know about a student’s unique educational needs.

Parents are encouraged to share information on how their child learns best by submitting any educational

plans and accommodations that have been put into place in the secular school. We also encourage parents

to discuss any learning style concerns with our educational staff, whether or not an I.E.P. exists for the

secular school. The Director of Education and the student’s teacher are available to meet with parents at

any time to discuss alternatives and options to accommodate our children with special needs. As always,

any information that you share with us regarding your child will be kept confidential. The family is

financially responsible if a child has special needs that require a dedicated teacher or teaching assistant

for his/her success. Prior to any special assistance being received these services must be paid for in

advance in full for the calendar school year.

BOARD OF EDUCATION We are fortunate to have an active Board of Education. The Board is involved with overseeing events

and decision making that relates to religious school life. We encourage all parents to become actively

involved in the education of their children by participating with the Board members in their continuing

support of the ongoing programs.

OUR RABBI Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner is an important part of our education program. During the Religious

School year, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner will lead tefillah (prayer experiences), holiday assemblies and

discussion groups for all grades, provide classroom demonstrations, work closely with the Bar/Bat

Mitzvah students, and coordinate Shabbat Service participation. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner also teaches the

Confirmation class to our students in tenth grade.

OUR CANTOR Cantor Nancy Kassel is an active part of our educational program. Cantor Kassel co-leads our students in

weekly tefillah (prayer) and song. She also assists in preparing our students for grade-wide Shabbat and

family services. In addition Cantor Kassel works with our sixth grade students in the classroom teaching

them trope and liturgy, conducts our children’s choir, heads the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring program, and

works with our Confirmation students.

POST BAR/BAT MITZVAH EDUCATION PROGRAM

Temple Beth Tikvah’s leadership is devoted to its students of all ages. It is our position that Jewish

learning is a lifetime endeavor. As our students become b’nai mitzvah, they are not only reaching a life

cycle moment, they are affirming their commitments as Jews. Therefore, we are offering a program for

post-b’nai mitzvah students in grades 8-12. On Monday nights, all of these students will gather for

dinner as part of one single community, then they will break into their own classes.

January 25, 2018

TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH BEHAVIOR CONTRACT

In our tradition, we believe that each and every soul is created in the image of God. As such, the way in

which we interact is a sacred covenant. Our Brit makes sure that our school is safe and warm for both

teachers and students.

GENERAL STATEMENT:

Developing a positive school climate involves the use of (1) age appropriate consequences (2) a simple

structure (3) reasonable rules (4) and the child assuming an important role in his/her own educational

environment. In such an atmosphere, the class is neither teacher-dominated nor student-controlled;

rather, it is a joint effort to learn, relate, and experience.

The following policies are designed to help end student/teacher power struggles, free the administration

from having to deal with day-to-day disciplinary issues, and preserve instructional time in the classroom.

CLASSROOM RULES: The students and teachers in each class will compile a list of rules cooperatively.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS:

Students, teachers, administrators, and parents will show respect toward each other with appropriate

words and deeds.

Students will show respect toward all areas of the synagogue building. The teacher and/or room parents

permit food and drinks during designated snack times and special programs as assigned. Proper

treatment of landscaped areas, the playground, and restrooms is expected at all times, and students should

wear attire similar to what would be worn to elementary or middle school. NO head coverings, other

than kippot may be worn.

Students will come to class ready to learn. This includes bringing the necessary books and materials,

completed homework, a positive attitude, good questions, and an open mind.

Students will choose to either fulfill the expectations or accept the consequences listed in the behavior

agreement.

Parents will actively help their child(ren) fulfill expectations 1-4.

Parents will keep absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals to an absolute minimum. Excessive

absences (more than 25% of the sessions) make it very difficult to accurately assess progress and may

result in retention.

Parents will communicate positive comments, questions, or concerns to the child’s teacher, the Education

Director, or a member of the Board of Education.

Teachers will create a positive learning environment in the class with appropriate learning activities,

“incentives,” and “rewards”.

Teachers will notify the parents of positive achievements as well as difficulties experienced by the

student in class.

Teachers will be available to meet with students and/or parents to discuss and resolve behavior and

academic issues. If needed, the Director of Education is always available.

CONSEQUENCES: Should a situation arise in which behavior by a student (or group of students) results in the loss of

instructional time, the following procedures will be followed:

The teacher will positively refocus the student(s) by reminding the class of the expectations and that a

second infraction will lead to dismissal from the classroom.

January 25, 2018

If dismissal from class occurs, the student will be sent immediately to the office and parents will be

notified.

If a second dismissal from class occurs within a month, the student will need to be accompanied back to

the classroom by a parent with an action plan detailing positive behavior changes.

If a third dismissal occurs within four sessions of the first dismissal, parents will be notified immediately

to come get their child from school. Readmission to class will take place only after a satisfactory

resolution has been achieved in a scheduled meeting with the Education Director, the teacher, the student,

and the parents. The parents may also be required to attend class with their child during the next class

session.

If a fourth dismissal occurs, the student may face additional detention, suspension, or expulsion. This

decision will be made by the Education Director and parents will be notified.

When appropriate behavior has been displayed for one month without classroom dismissal, the student is

given a clean slate and the cycle of consequences starts over again.

If a situation arises in which property is stolen or destroyed, the repair or replacement cost will be

incurred by the student.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATS (VERBAL, WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC), AND

BULLYING BEHAVIOR:

Harassment is defined as:

Intentional, substantial, and unreasonable verbal, physical or written contact that is initiated, maintained,

or repeated. No student shall engage in harassment, intimidation, or abuse of or toward any other

student(s).

Bullying behavior is defined as: Willful attempts or threats to inflict injury on another person, when

accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or intentional displays of force such as would give

the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

1. No student shall engage in verbal or written harassment or bullying of or toward another student or

students or employees.

2. No student shall threaten, either verbally, in writing, electronically, or by physical presence, expressed

or implied, or conspire to cause bodily injury to any student or employee.

3. No student shall harass or bully another student or students. At least one parent/guardian will be

required to attend a conference with the Director and/or Rabbi concerning the student’s bullying offense.

Students who knowingly file a false report of bullying will also be disciplined.

At no time will physical or verbal abuse, stealing, or the use, possession, or sale of devices or substances

that are harmful to self and/or others be allowed on Temple property. This will result in immediate

suspension and/or expulsion from school. It has been Board mandated that religious school fees cannot

be refunded in a case of dismissal from religious school, based on reasons set forth above.

We at Beth Tikvah’s Religious School thank you for your cooperation in implementing our behavior

contract. Together, we can provide a safe and productive learning environment for our children.

January 25, 2018

CURRICULUM: PREK THROUGH SEVENTH GRADE

PreK Children will explore and learn about bible, and Mitzvot. The primary program we will be utilizing is

called A Child’s Garden of Torah. The series is made up of twenty-five lessons with stickers that

introduce and review bible stories. The lessons are written clearly so that beginning readers will find

themselves able to read and non-readers will be able to easily follow along. We will also utilize a series

called Look at Me. This is a four part series that talks about Mitzvah, Synagogue, Shabbat and

Hanukkah.

TEXTS: Look at Me – I Can Celebrate Series Holiday Activity Kit A Child’s Garden of Torah

Freddie Levin and Sunny Yudkoff Zelda Meshberg Joel Lurie Grishaver

KINDERGARTEN

Children will explore and learn about Jewish Holidays, Jewish Life, Shabbat, Bible, and Mitzvot. The

primary program we will be utilizing is called Let’s Discover the Holidays. The series is made up of

sixteen, 4-page folders highlighting each holiday with lively artwork, photographs, and activities. The

books are written clearly so that beginning readers will find themselves able to read and non-readers will

be able to easily follow along. Students will learn about biblical characters and review Bible stories in

Teach Me Torah. Each four-page Shalom Sesame Classroom Magazine provides content-rich

photographs, developmentally-appropriate text, playful Shalom Sesame characters, and thought-

provoking questions and activities designed to engage children and build Jewish identity. Jewish and Me:

Mitzvot, a set of eight 4-page folders for the early childhood classroom, focusing on mitzvot, values,

developmental skills, and social skills. Children will identify ways they can create shalom bayit (peace in

the home), practice recycling to take care of the environment, make a card or gift for someone who does

not feel well, and more. The students will use activity books to familiarize themselves with the Aleph-

Bet.

TEXTS: Let’s Discover the Holidays Teach Me Torah Shalom Sesame Now I know my Alef Bet

Sarah Feldman Vicki L. Weber Dena Neusner Bonnie Sharfmann &

Deena Bloomstone

KINDERGARTEN CONSECRATION Consecration is a tradition in many American Jewish schools where we “bless” our children as they begin

their formal Jewish education. It is a lovely, family-friendly ritualized moment to mark the beginning of

your child’s sacred journey. All of our Kindergarten students will be on the bimah during our Simchat

Torah service. Consecration will be at Temple Beth Tikvah on Sunday, October 23rd. Please be sure to

inform the school office if your child will be attending the ceremony. We can be reached at

rschool@bethtikvah.com or 770-642-4168. RSVP's must be received by Friday, October 14th in order

to give the office ample time to prepare your child’s certificate.

FIRST GRADE The study in First Grade continues to develop the student's understanding of the Jewish holidays and

being Jewish. Children will be presented with an overview of the yearly cycle, with its observances,

symbols, and activities in the form of drawings, exercises, games and other activities. The concepts of

tzedakah (acts of justice through giving) and mitzvah (Jewish sacred obligations) will also be taught

enabling the children to understand the many dimensions of charity, justice and kindness. Through the

discussion of holidays, their symbols, and their meanings, students will begin to explore the concepts of

January 25, 2018

miracles, determination, heroism, and freedom. They will discover these not only through the holiday

cycle, but through stories in the Bible and other Hebrew literature. They will see these themes emerge

specifically in studying the stories of God’s creation of the world, Noah’s ark, the Macabees, and the

scroll of Esther. Students will also acquaint themselves with berachot (blessings) for Shabbat and the

holidays. The holiday classroom text, BJL Beginnings allows our students to learn about the Jewish

holidays, symbols, and customs through easily readable stories, drawings, exercises, and games. The

secondary program Let’s Discover the Aleph Bet to further teach the children the Aleph Bet.

TEXTS: Let’s Discover Israel BJL Beginnings Let’s Discover the Alef Bet

Gila Gevirtz Sarah Feldman

SECOND GRADE In second grade students deeply examine their Jewish heritage. Children will explore classic Bible tales

through the text, Let's Discover the Bible, which will re-orient them with Bible stories, vocabulary, and

history. Students will also use the holiday series entitled, Let's Celebrate, in which students will learn

more about the rituals, customs and traditions that accompany every Jewish holiday. The discussion of

Jewish heritage stretches back in history to figures from Torah and Midrash (rabbinic writings) and

extends forward into the discussion of modern Israel, its people and its culture. The exploration of

Jewish culture extends into the study of the students’ lives and homes, where they will see how the

practice of mitzvot and celebration of Jewish holidays ties them spiritually to their foremothers and

forefathers. Students will continue working with the Alef-Bet through Shalom Alef Bet.

TEXTS: Let's Discover the Bible Let's Celebrate Shalom Alef Bet

Shirley Rose Project Editor - Adam Siegal Pearl Tarnor

THIRD GRADE Third grade children will study the Bible through the text, A Child’s Bible: Lessons from the Torah. This

text allows students to utilize their linguistic and comprehension abilities, as well as reinforce the history,

ethics and archaeology of times past in relation to how we live today. Students will continue to learn

about the Jewish holidays and customs through the text, My Jewish Year: Celebrating Our Holidays.

This book expands upon the holidays, emphasizing Jewish traditions, ritual, symbols, legends and history

through stories and exercises. With the assistance of their teachers, students are asked to make

connections between the lives of biblical figures and their own lives, to see how the choices that figures

from the Torah and the prophets effected the lives of the Jewish people, and how faced with difficult

decisions, the students themselves might choose. Returning once again to the concepts of freedom and

heroism, students are asked to look for these treasured values in their own lives. Using Reading Hebrew,

students will learn a step-by-step mastery of the Alef-Bet, involving decoding and reading fluency. Some

technical skills introduced will be visual discrimination, auditory discrimination, manuscript writing,

speed-reading, prayer practice and fluency of vocabulary. Students are assisted in expanding their

introductory knowledge of Hebrew consonant and vowel recognition, putting these sounds together to

form words. Children are encouraged to read aloud and grow comfortable with their reading ability.

TEXTS: A Child’s Bible: Lessons from the Torah Derech Binah

Seymour Rossel Lillian Adler

My Jewish Year: Celebrating Reading Hebrew

Our Jewish Holidays Castberg and Adler

Adam Fisher

January 25, 2018

FOURTH GRADE Our Fourth Grade students will use the book, Welcome to Israel, to take an informative and fun filled

“tour” of Israel. It introduces students to Israel history; geography; and political, commercial and cultural

life. Students will further explore Jewish holidays and life cycle events with the text, The Book of the

Jewish Year. Hebrew reading skills will be further developed by introducing the children to prayer.

Students will use the book Hineni 1: Hebrew Through Prayer, to build upon their Hebrew fluency and

prayer comprehension. Students will use their growing Hebrew reading skills to learn the meaning of the

Saturday morning Shabbat prayers. They will also learn the months of the Hebrew calendar, as well as

Hebrew numbers, and these vocabulary words are used to enhance the discussion of the Jewish Holiday

cycle. Also included in the curriculum is a book and study workshop called, Sedra Scenes. This book

provides the students a chance to focus on the Torah portion of the week by acting out and reliving events

and personalities. By doing so, the children feel much more in touch with the stories of the Torah and

see the importance and practicality of their studies. The students will utilize The Childs Bible : Lessons

From the Prophets and Writings for authentic and moving retellings of the great Bible stories. This book

highlights their timeless moral and spiritual truths and applies them to the personal concerns of today's

children.

TEXTS: Welcome to Israel The Book of the Jewish Year

Lilly Rivlin with Gila Givirtz Steven Wylen

Sedra Scenes Hineni 1- Hebrew Through Prayer

Stan J. Beiner Terry Kaye

FIFTH GRADE Fifth Grade students will advance in their study of Hebrew, prayer and Shabbat worship. The curriculum

emphasizes the above three aspects that lead to a natural transition into formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies.

The primary focus of this year is to provide a complete understanding of the Shabbat service in

preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Students will use the text Basic Judaism:Torah as their primary Bible/history text. The chapters highlight

Jewish history through stories, photographs, artwork, and historical time-lines. The Book of Jewish

Holidays is a combination of Bible stories, holiday customs, and Jewish traditions. The book contains

everything about feasts, fasts, and festivals that mark the Jewish year with innovative activities and

creative projects to bring it all to life. Hineni 2: Hebrew Through Prayer is the Hebrew text for 5th grade.

This text continues with the Shabbat morning service and selected prayers for Friday night. The students

will also focus on the weekly Torah Portions by reading skits and participating in group discussions.

TEXTS: Basic Judaism: Torah Parasha Plays

Naomi Pasachoff Richard J. Allen

The Book of Jewish Holidays Hineni 2: Hebrew Through Prayer

Ruth Lurie Kozodoy Terry Kaye

SIXTH GRADE An emphasis will be placed on prayer study and Hebrew reading fluency in preparation for the student's

Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The Siddur (prayerbook) will serve as a pertinent text to assure that each student will

be prepared for his/her place as an active participant in Jewish life. Students will begin to perfect the

prayers necessary for advancement into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.

January 25, 2018

The Jewish Lifecycle Book and the Time of Our Lives explain Jewish lifecycle events and the pertinence

they have to our lives. The ultimate purpose is to introduce, explain, interpret, and illuminate the

fundamental concepts of Judaism which weave together the basics of history, belief, ritual, halacha and

tradition into the fabric of Jewish life. Students will study the different ways Jewish lifecycle events are

observed in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform traditions. Modern traditions are compared to a basic

understanding of Torah and the teachings of rabbis. Why Be Different? A Look at Judaism focuses on

Jewish values and ethics important for every Jewish child. It helps answer questions like, “How can we

believe in G-d if there is suffering in the world?” and “Who decides what is right and wrong?” Students

will be taught to think about morality in society as a whole. Additionally, our sixth grade will study both

Holocaust and Israel through the texts Joseph and Me: In the Days of the Holocaust and A Young

Person’s History of Israel.

TEXTS: The Jewish Lifecycle Book Why Be Different? A Look at Judaism

Rabbi Michal Shekel Janice Prager and Arlene Lepoff

Mishkan T’Filah The Times of Our Lives

CCAR Nina Beth Cardin and Scott Blumenthal

SEVENTH GRADE The 7th Grade curriculum focuses on the modern history of Judaism and Israel. We live in a world today

that struggles with issues pertaining to the existence of Israel; with our children facing questions and a

culture that makes it difficult to explain the complex situation to themselves and others. For a strong

Jewish identity, the study of their own heritage and the State of Israel is so important. The students will

discuss Jewish life in Europe (Eastern and Western) as well as Jews discovering the New World, the

history of Zionism, the rise of anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel and

its political, social, and cultural life.

Our students will be developing their own book by using documents, personal histories, literature, films,

and creative activities to enrich their learning. Our goal is for our students to feel confident and have

pride in their Jewish heritage and strengthen their identity as Jews.

As a part of the curriculum, students will have speakers and field trips as well as participate in hands-on

mitzvah and tzedakah projects that will help them discover their own roles and responsibilities as young

adults and as Jews in the community.

January 25, 2018

FAMILY EDUCATION DAYS*

6th grade – Sunday, November 12th @9:35am 3rd grade - Sunday, @9:35AM

4th grade - Sunday, @9:35AM 1st & 2nd grade - Sunday, @9:35AM

5thgrade – Sunday, @9:35AM

*All family education days begin with Tefilah services at 9:35 in the Sanctuary.

After services parents are asked to gather in the social hall.

Schedule subject to change

GRADE LEVEL SHABBAT SCHEDULE

1st & 2nd Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, October 20th @6:30 PM

3rd & 4th Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, January 19th @6:30 PM

5th & 6th Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, April 20th @6:30 PM

Kindergarten Consecration Wednesday, October 11th @6:00PM

10th Grade Confirmation Friday, May 4th @6:30 PM

All graded Shabbats start with an Oneg at 6:00PM