Gan (Kindergarten), Aleph (1st grade) and Bet (2nd grade)

Kindergarten, First & Second Grade: GAN, ALEPH, BET RISHONIM: BEGINNINGS Mondays or Tuesdays, 4-5:30 pm or 4-6:00 pm

Gan (Kindergarten)

This early introduction to Jewish topics exposes our children to the message and meaning behind important Jewish concepts. The class covers the celebration of Jewish holidays, with an emphasis on the symbols and blessings that help us welcome Shabbat on Friday night. They learn to recognize the importance of the Torah: A Special Book, they explore the very first stories of the Bible (Creation, Noah, & the Tower of Babel). The class also begins an exploration of personal faith and spirituality using a storybook “Godtalk” curriculum designed to help students begin a dialogue about faith and belief. The introduction of the Hebrew aleph-bet begins. The children experience music, art, Jewish Makerspace, dance and Israel in creative and experiential ways.

Aleph (First Grade)

In first grade, our children continue the exploration of Jewish holidays. More emphasis is placed on learning the rituals associated with each holiday. Students learn about the first Jewish family and other major Jewish personalities from Bereshit (Genesis). Students will have a basic introduction to the Land of Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people (past and present). A re-introduction to the basic Hebrew alphabet and phonetics is presented through readiness activities. An exploration of basic Jewish values also begins in this grade. The class also continues the exploration of personal faith and spiritually using a storybook and a “Godtalk”curriculum designed to help students begin a dialogue about faith and belief. The children experience music, art, Jewish Makerspace, dance and Israel in creative and experiential ways.

Bet (Second Grade)

In Jewish Heroes! You can be one too!, students review the heroes of the Bible and their special stories, including: Moses, Joseph, Deborah, David, Solomon, and Elijah. Students use the journal, “The Giving Book” to explore tzedakah, gemilut hasadim, and other Jewish middot (values).The students explore how and why Jews are compelled to fix broken in our world. Using games, and readiness activities, students begin Hebrew letters and phonetic exploration of the language.A favorite unit is Old Trutle, which gives the children the opportunity to consider God, faith and connection to spirituality. They even make a turtle mailbox! The children experience music, art, Jewish Makerspace, dance and Israel in creative and experiential ways.