Temple Emanuel
Religious School
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Lower School – Holiday Simcha - Kitah Zahyin
(Preschool – Grade 7)
Parent Handbook
Mark Strauss-Cohn, Rabbi
Laurie Shapiro, Education Director
5767 (2006-2007)
(336) 722-6640
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Letter from the Rabbi
4 Letter from the Education Director
5 Religious School Mission Statement, Goals of Reform Jewish Education
6 About out Faculty
7 Administration, Religious School Standards, Discipline Statement
8 Arrival/Departure, Attendance Policy, B’nei Mitzvah Training, Homework,
Special Needs awareness
9 Tzedakah, School Cancellation, Student Evaluations, Assistant Teacher Program
10 Special Programs
11 Parent Participation, Education Committee, Procedures for Parent Concerns,
12 Joe Davis Fund, Guest Policy, Accident Policy, Directory
13 Religious School Curriculum
18 School Calendar
2
Letter from the Rabbi
In the Talmud we read: "V'talmud torah k'neged kulam - - and the study of Torah
weighs equally to all the mitzvot (commandments)." Which is greater: the study or the
doing of mitzvot? The rabbis of old take the position that the doing is the more
important but study is equal to all the commandments, because it leads to them all. In
our religious school, we are actively engaged in helping our students learn what it
means to be and to do Jewish. However, what we do in our walls at Temple Emanuel
is meaningless if you, in your own homes, are not living out the teachings and
practices of Judaism. I once saw a quote: "Can I be Jewish without Judaism? Sure,
but what's the point?" In sending your child(ren) to religious school, you clearly have
made a commitment to Judaism. So now the question arises: what will you do about
it? As a school, it is our goal and requirement to teach. May our students be ready to
learn, to study, and to participate in Jewish life and learning while here at 201
Oakwood Drive, but so too in their hearts and in their homes, as they walk along the
way and sit in their homes.
May our year ahead be one of good learning, sounds of happiness in
the hallways, and deeds of loving kindness between teachers and students, families
and friends. May our religious school truly be a Beit midrash- a home for learning,
laughing, interpreting and creating. Kein y’hi ratzon- May this be God’s will.
Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn
3
A Letter from the Education Director
Dear Parent(s);
Welcome to a new and exciting religious school year! Our school theme for 5767 is
kehillah, community, and this year, we will strive to build a sense of community,
kehillah, in our school. As you know, children look forward to coming to religious
school for a variety of reasons. Some children enjoy the excitement of learning a new
language. Other children especially enjoy Jewish music and arts and crafts. Your
children may love doing mitzvoth or may be especially intrigued by text study and the
reading of the Torah. Religious school attendance also encourages children to make
new friends and to gain a sense of belonging to a community, the community of Israel.
All children look forward to seeing their friends, and having friends from religious
school is important too.
We encourage you to help your child make one new friend from religious school this
year. Invite a family from your youngest child’s class to your home for Shabbat dinner
or invite your child’s classmate over for a play date. Encourage your older child to
invite a classmate over for a fun, family outing or arrange for the entire class to attend
Shabbat services together. Encourage your child to always include and be kind to
others in his or her class. Invite your child to be mensch by your own example.
Together, we can create a fully inclusive, religious school community; a true kehillah
for all of the children, in 5767 and beyond. Thank you.
Laurie Shapiro
Director of Education
4
Religious School Mission Statement
The mission of the Temple Emanuel Religious School is to provide an education for all children of the
Jewish community, which will develop in them a strong and positive Jewish identity. The ten goals of
Reform Jewish Education, created by the UAHC Commission on Jewish Education, are the basis for our
standards. We hope to instill and nourish in the children a sense of spirituality and a bond to the Jewish
people and Israel though the
-Study of Torah, Hebrew, Tefillah(prayer) and History;
-Practice of Mitzvot (commandments and values);
-Celebration of Jewish holidays and life-cycle events; and
-Participation in the life of the Jewish community.
Through the use of creative programs, educational strategies and techniques, including music and art,
teachers will nurture the youth of Jewish families who cherish our sacred religion.
Goals of Reform Judaism
The goals of Jewish education within the Reform Movement is the deepening of Jewish experience and
knowledge for all Liberal Jews, in order to strengthen faith in God, love of Torah and identification with
the Jewish People through involvement in the synagogue and participation in Jewish life. We believe that
Judaism contains answers to the challenges and questions confronting the human spirit, and that only a
knowledgeable Jew can successfully discover these answers.
The Commission on Jewish Education therefore, calls upon every synagogue to provide a program of
Jewish education, which will enable children, youth and adults to become:
1. Jews who affirm their Jewish identity and bind themselves inseparably to their people by word and
deed.
2. Jews who bear witness to the brit (the covenant between God and the Jewish People) by
embracing Torah through study of mitzvot (commandments) as interpreted in the light of historic
development and contemporary liberal thought.
3. Jews who affirm their historic bond to Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel.
4. Jews who cherish and study Hebrew, the language of the Jewish people.
5. Jews who value and practice tefilah (prayer).
6. Jews who further the causes of justice, freedom and peace by pursuing tzedek (righteousness),
mishpat (justice), and chesed (loving deeds).
7. Jews who celebrate Shabbat and the festivals and observe the Jewish ceremonies marking the
significant occasions in their lives.
8. Jews who esteem their own person and the person of others; their own family and the family of
others; their own community and the community of others.
9. Jews who express the kinship with K’lal Yisrael (the Jewish Community) by actively seeking the
welfare of Jews throughout the world.
10. Jews who support and participate in the life of the synagogue.
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About our Faculty
Our teachers are dedicated to achieving the goals of our school. When available, we provide our teachers
with the opportunity for professional growth such as attendance at URJ training sessions, CAJE events
(Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education) and on-line courses. We have reviewed the
accreditation standards of the National Association of Temple Educators and we meet the standards to the
best of our ability.
Faculty – 5766 (2005-2006)
Holiday Simcha
Gan (Kindergarten)
Kitah Alef (First Grade)
Kitah Bet (Second Grade)
Kitah Gimel (Third Grade) Judaica
Kitah Gimel (Third Grade) Hebrew
Kitah Dahlet (Fourth Grade)
Kitah Dahlet (Fourth Grade) Hebrew
Kitah Hay (Fifth Grade) Judaica
Kitah Hay (Fifth Grade) Hebrew
Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) Judaica
Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) Hebrew
Midweek Hebrew Kitah Vav
Kitah Zayin (Seventh Grade)
Judy Breakstone
Laura Gura
Kathy Levy
Charles Peller
Richard Weinberg
Naomi Greenberg
Richard Weinberg
Naomi Greenberg
Bobby Stern
Michael Backfield
Bobby Stern
Michael Backfield
Laurie Shapiro
Faith Shifrin
Specialists
Music
Art
Library
Rebecca Shorstein
Linda Rubin
Jan Lefkowitz
Assistant Teachers
Holiday Simcha
Gan
Kitah Aleph
Kitah Bet
Kitah Gimel /Dahlet Judaica
Kitah Gimel/ Dahlet Hebrew
Kitah Hay / Vav Hebrew
Office assistants
Music
Megan Lesser
Emily Brodkin and Melissa Knudson
Erica Kassman and Elissa Ettinger
Kerry O’Rourke and Todd Nelson
Sam Rosen and Joey Peller
Jessica Warren and Alan Beny
Michael Savage and Ryan Hollander
Aaron Backfield and Elliot Wagoner
Austin Bloom
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Administration
Rabbi
Education Committee Chairperson
Education Committee vice chair
Vice-President Liaison
President
Education Director
Preschool Director
Mark Strauss-Cohn
Meredith Savage
TBA
Regina Lobree
David Freedman
Laurie Shapiro
Fran Thull
Religious School Standards
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A student must be 5 years of age or older by October 17 to be eligible for admittance into the
Kindergarten program.
A student is expected to take responsibility for his/her own behavior.
Students are expected to attend classes regularly.
Parents of all students must be members in good standing at Temple Emanuel.
Proper behavior and respect for the teachers, students and building property must be
maintained at all times.
Children will be promoted on the basis of merit and effort in studies and attendance in class.
These rules are subject to change by the Education Committee with approval from the General
Board of Temple Emanuel.
Students must not leave the Temple grounds during school hours without a note from the
parent, accompanied by the parent or in while participating in a class trip.
Discipline Policy
All students are to follow the rules and policies in this handbook. These rules and policies have been
established for the welfare and safety of the entire student body. All students are to be
1. obedient and respectful of teachers;
2. helpful and courteous to other students;
3. honest, hardworking an cooperative in classes;
4. respectful of the School building and Sanctuary; and,
5. respectful of the property of others.
Unless specifically requested by a teacher, all toys, radios, tape recorders, electronic games and hazardous
substances and articles must remain at home.
If a child is creating a disturbance that takes time away from the teaching at hand, the student will be
disciplined. Every effort will be made to use assertive discipline methods in the classroom. However, if
such efforts prove ineffective, the following measures will be taken:
First Offense:
Child is removed from the classroom and sent to the office for disciplinary action.
A note will be sent home for parent’s signature stating the reason for disciplinary
action.
Second Offense:
Parents are notified by telephone at the time of the offense or when they pick up
their child after school.
Third Offense:
A conference will be arranged for the parent, child, teacher and an Education
Committee representative. If a child persists in preventing the other students from
learning, a temporary suspension from Religious School will be a consequence.
Conditions for reentry will be determined at a conference.
7
Arrival/Departure
Students are expected to be in their classrooms five (5) minutes before class begins (Sundays: 9:25
a.m. and Wed. and Thurs. 3:55 p.m.). Students will not be dismissed early unless a note from the
parent is brought to the teacher or accompanied by a parent. Classes will meet during the following
times:
Sunday morning
9:30-12 noon
Wednesday and Thursday afternoon
4:00-5:30
Attendance Policy
Parents are our partners in providing students with a full and comprehensive religious school
education. This education includes teaching of the culture, history, language, and religious beliefs of
the Jewish people. Together we hope to convey to our children an understanding of K'lal Yisrael; a
sense of belonging within the community of people with whom they study, learn, and celebrate.
All students must be in attendance for no less than seventy-five percent of their religious school
classes, although full attendance is strongly encouraged. In the event of illness, please contact your
child's teacher for any make-up work required.
In the event that a student is frequently absent, the classroom teacher will inform the educator and a
call will be made to the parent. Students who risk failure due to excessive absences may be asked to
complete work prior to receiving a passing grade. Parent(s) may be asked to hire a tutor, at their own
expense, to assist a child in meeting curriculum standards.
B’nei Mitzvah training
One year prior Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a student will begin working with a tutor on a weekly basis. After
six months, the student will begin working with the Rabbi on preparing the Torah portion, Haftarah
portion and d’var Torah. During this time students will be required to attend Shabbat services on a
weekly basis. Also there will be 6 Family study sessions called Limmudim that parents are required to
attend with their children.
Homework
Given the limited amount of time students spend in Hebrew and Judaica classes during the year, it is
necessary for homework to be assigned. This not only serves to reinforce the material taught in class,
but also allows the teacher to monitor your child’s progress. Homework assignments will not be
arbitrary, nor will they be excessive. Please be supportive in helping your child set time aside for
completion of all homework assignments that are made.
Special Needs Awareness
In keeping with our belief in Jewish education for all children, Temple Emanuel opens its doors to
allow all Jewish children, regardless of their physical or mental handicaps, to participate in Religious
School.
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Tzedakah
In our tradition of making learning as experiential as possible, it is customary for the students to
collect money at the beginning of class each Sunday. No specific amount is required. At the end of
the year, this money will be donated to organizations or charities, which the students choose as a
class.
During the School year, there will be other projects that teach the mitzvot of tzedakah (righteousness)
and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). We expect the students to participate in all of these
school-wide activities.
School Cancellations
If inclement weather makes it necessary to cancel Sunday school classes, the Education Director will
initiate a phone tree for those who have indicated that they wish to participate on the registration form.
If Public School is canceled or dismissed early due to inclement weather, weekday Hebrew School
will also be canceled. Radio and television stations will also be notified and they will relay the
message throughout the day.
T.V. Stations:
WXII- Channel 12
WFMY- Channel 2
WGHP – Fox 8
Student evaluations
Student evaluation will be ongoing throughout the year. Parents will receive written evaluations twice
during the year. Students will be evaluated on mastery of components of the curriculum, class
participation, assignments, behavior and attendance.
Assistant Teacher Program
The Assistant Teacher program is open to those who have been confirmed in our Religious School.
The program provides participants with the opportunity to assist, observe and teach in the Religious
School classrooms. Assistant teachers will gain leadership skills and the basics of educational
techniques through observation of the teacher and hands-on experience with children. Participation is
at the discretion of the Education Committee and is based on assistance needed in the younger
classrooms, as well as the student’s prior attendance and achievement in the Religious School
Special Programs
Consecration
Consecration is a special ceremony to mark the beginning of a child’s formal Jewish education. Every
child will receive a small gift and the congregation is invited to celebrate at the service with singing
and parading with the Torah scrolls. This year’s celebration will be held on October 13th at 8 pm.
Tu B’Shevat Program
Prior to the week of Tu B’shevat (the New Year of the Trees), a program will be held to bless the
fruits and products that God provides to us on trees. This year our Tu B'shevat program will be held
on February 4.
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Purim Carnival
Purim is traditionally a time for having fun, playing games, dressing in costumes and enjoying festive
foods. Temple Emanuel continues this tradition with the annual Purim Carnival. This year’s carnival
will be held on Sunday morning, March 4th.
Pesach Program
A holiday program will be held in the classrooms to review the Seder rituals in preparation for each
family’s actual Pesach observance. This year’s programming will be held on March 28th and March
29th, during midweek Hebrew classes.
Mitzvah Day
Opportunities to be involved in Mitzvah projects with the temple will be available throughout the
year. We encourage all families to involve their children in mitzvah projects during each school year.
Tefillot (Worship Service)
Students in Gan – Kitah Zahyin will participate in a worship service during each Sunday morning led
by Rabbi Strauss-Cohn, a teacher or students. This time will include weekday prayers, a story or
lesson and songs. Students in grades 3-6 will also participate in a midweek worship service from 5:155:30 pm. Parents are welcome to join.
Music, Library, Art and Band
Our Grade K – 7 Music Program is under the direction of Rebecca Shorstein. The children will learn
songs to enhance their participation in religious school programs and Shabbat services.
Students in grades K-7 will do an art project with Linda Rubin. Students in grades K-7 will have
library time with Jan Lefkowitz on scheduled Sundays when they will be encouraged to borrow
books. In addition, Alan Hirsch will teach band in an after school program.
Parent Participation
Parental support and participation are vital to an effective Religious School program. We expect
every family to show their support by volunteering in at least one of the following areas:
- assist with holiday celebrations;
- help out with the Book Fair; or
- help out in the classroom
Education Committee
The Education Committee, under the liaison of a Vice –President, meets on a regular monthly basis.
The Education Committee acts as an advocate for the religious education within the congregation. Its
mission is to support and enhance the educational programs of Temple Emanuel’s religious school
and to encourage continued growth and development of these programs. Acting upon the
recommendations of the professional staff (Rabbi and Education Director), the committee will
establish policy, approve curriculum and faculty, evaluate and recommend tuition fees and manage
other fiscal responsibilities.
The Education Committee is made up of at least one parent representative from Kindergarten through
10th grade, one teacher representative, Temple Vice-President liaison, committee chair, Rabbi,
preschool director and education director.
Please feel free to call any of these representatives if you have any issues you would like brought
before the committee.
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Education Committee 2006-2007/ 5767
Meredith Savage, Chairperson
Vice Chairperson TBA
Linda Block
Erika Friedel
Elizabeth Jaschik
Jan Lefkowitz
Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn
Fran Thull
Dean Warren
Regina Lobree VP Board
Procedures for Parent Concerns
In most cases issues can be resolved by speaking directly with the teacher. However if this has not
remedied the situation or if you prefer to deal with an intermediary, you should first contact the
Education Director or your grade representative to the Education Committee. The situation will be
addressed at the next Education Committee meeting. If necessary, an emergency meeting will be
called. In the event the Education Committee votes to recommend termination of a teacher, the
recommendation will be brought to the temple Board, which will make the final decision.
The names and phone numbers of Education Committee grade representatives will be published in the
temple bulletin at the beginning of the school year.
The Joe Davis Fund
The goal of the Joe Davis Education Fund is to encourage young people to pursue Jewish studies
beyond religious school. The scholarships help underwrite the cost of extracurricular Jewish
activities such as Jewish summer camp, youth group trips to Israel, leadership training sessions, the
March of the Living and other similar programs. The scholarships are primarily honorary in nature.
More than one child from a single family may apply in a given year. These applications will be
assessed and awarded individually.
The Joe Davis Educational Fund is supported by individual donations by members of our
congregation. Funds are limited and the amount of money available for distribution will vary from
year to year.
Students will be eligible if their families are members in good standing. .Award recipients will be
expected to write a short report for the Temple Bulletin as a way of sharing their experiences.
Applications must be submitted to the Education Committee before March 15. Award recipients will
be announced by May. 1. Applications are available from the Education Director.
Guest Policy
Religious school time is limited and our goal is to maximize learning during this time. Therefore,
children’s friends attending religious school as visitors will be limited to those who have an identified
learning purpose and have received prior approval by the Religious School Director.
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Accident Policy
In case of injury, parents will be called immediately and an accident form will be filed in the
Religious School office, with a copy going to the Temple House Chair. Accident reports will be filed
for any faculty as well.
Directory
A school directory will be published annually. Parents wanting their children’s phone number
excluded from the directory need to indicate that on the school registration form.
Religious School Curriculum
Gan (Kindergarten) – Laura Gura
Holidays
 Students will learn how we celebrate the major holidays as they occur in the Jewish calendar.
Hebrew
 Students will learn Hebrew words such as erev, brachot and nerot through
classroom activities and music instruction.
 Students will be exposed to Hebrew prayers in the service such as Hinei Mah Tov, the Barchu
and the Shema.
Mitzvot
 Students will learn the following ethical mitzvoth: Shalom Bayit (Peace at home), Talmud
Torah (Study of Torah), Teshuva (Asking for forgiveness), Feeding the Hungry, Bal Taschit
(Protecting the earth), Shelach Manot (Giving treats at Purim time) and Hakhnasat Orchim
(Welcoming guests).
 Students will learn the following ritual mitzvoth: Lighting Shabbat candles, Reciting Shabbat
blessings, blowing of the shofar, saying blessings in the sukkah and participating in a Passover
seder.
Israel
● Students will learn about Israel and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day
Student Text: None
Kitah Aleph (First Grade) – Kathy Levy
Holidays
 Students will celebrate the major Jewish holidays.
 Students will learn about and celebrate Havdallah with their families.
God
● Students will learn about God and about prayer.
● Students will learn about the beauty of and the need to protect God’s world.
● Students will learn the Shema and will make mezuzot.
Our Synagogue
● Students will learn about the synagogue and our sanctuary.
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●
Students will learn about the objects used to dress the Torah
Hebrew
● Students will learn to how to pronounce the names of the Hebrew calendar months and they
will learn to recite the days of the week in Hebrew.
 Students will learn the Hebrew words for sky, sun, earth, clouds, stars and rainbow; shamayim,
shemesh, eretz, yareiach, kochavim and keshet.
 Students will be introduced to the Hebrew letters on the dreidle and learn the sounds they
make.
 Students will review the erev Shabbat blessings for candles, wine and bread and learn the
Chanukah blessings.
Mitzvot
● Students will learn and review the following ethical mitzvoth: Tzedakah, Feeding the hungry,
Derekh eretz (Respect), Welcoming Guests, Talmud Torah, Protecting the Earth, Taking Care
of animals, and B’tzelem Elohim (we are all created in the image of God).
Student Texts:
Let’s Discover God (Behrman House)
Let’s Discover the Synagogue (Behrman House)
Kitah Bet (Second Grade) – Charles Peller
Bible and History
●Students will read the following Bible stories for content and Jewish values:
Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, The Flood, The Tower of Babel, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac
and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Moses and the Exodus
Hebrew
●Students will learn the Hebrew letters and vowels.
Holidays
●Students will celebrate the major Jewish holidays.
Ten Commandments
●Students will learn about each of the ten commandments through midrashim.
Israel
●Students will learn about the holy city of Jerusalem and about Israel’s culture and its people.
Student Texts:
Let’s Discover the Bible –Set One (Behrman House)
Tiyulim (Torah Aura Productions)
Who Knows Ten (Read aloud, in class text only)
My Jerusalem (Behrman House)
Our Midweek Hebrew program begins in Third Grade
Kitah Gimel (Third Grade) Judaica –Richard Weinberg
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Bible and History
● Students will study the history and legends of the Torah and the ethical mitzvoth associated
with each of the Torah stories.
Holidays
●Students will study the origin and history of each of the major Jewish holidays: Rosh
Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim,
Passover, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Yom Hazikaron, and Shavuot.
● Students will learn about the ethical mitzvoth associated with each of the Jewish holidays.
●Students will learn how to practice and celebrate each of the major Jewish holidays, in detail.
● Students will learn about the custom of counting the omer between Passover and Shavuot
●Students will learn to read and chant the Four Questions in Hebrew class.
Student Texts:
A Child’s Bible- Lessons from the Torah- Seymour Rossel (Behrman House)
The Book of Jewish Holidays (Behrman House)
Kitah Gimel Hebrew –Naomi Greenberg
Students will learn to recite the blessings appropriate to the observance of the Jewish holidays as they
occur in the Jewish calendar, including Motzi, Neirot Shel Shabbat and simple Kiddush.
 Students will be able to
o Recognize, sound and name all consonants and vowels.
o Print all Hebrew letters.
o Read whole words
o Recognize key prayer vocabulary words including Shabbat, Brachot, Havdalah,
V’ahavta, Shema, Torah, etc.
o Recognize modern Hebrew vocabulary words and greetings.
o Read the Shema, Barchu, Shabbat and Chanukah blessings and the Four Questions in
Hebrew.
Student Texts:
Z’man Likro Volumes 1 and 2 and Activity Book (ARE Publishing)
Kitah Dahlet Fourth Grade Judaica – Richard Weinberg
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Israel
● Students will learn about life in Modern Israel and why Israel is so important to us as Jews.
Prophets and Writing
● Students will learn about the Judges, the Prophets and the heroes portrayed in the
Writings, in our Tanakh.
Texts:
Welcome to Israel! (Behrman House)
A Child’s Bible: Lessons from the Prophets and the Writings, Seymour Rossel (Behrman House)
Kitah Dahlet Hebrew – Naomi Greenberg
Students will be able to
o Improve reading skills.
o Build on prayer vocabulary learned in grade 3.
o Understand simple Hebrew rules including the use of prefixes, suffixes and roots.
o Recite/chant key liturgy from the Brachot, kiddush and the Shema and her blessings.
o Students will learn the significance of prayers and concepts such as Kavanah.
Texts:
S’fatai Tiftach vol. 1– (Torah Aura Productions)
S’fatai Tiftach vol. 1- Home workbook (Torah Aura Productions)
*Students will be asked to access the Torah Aura Productions home workbook website for
selected homework assignments.
Kitah Hay (Fifth Grade) Judaica – Bobby Stern
Jewish Customs and Practices
 Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of these life cycle events:
o Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, Creating a Jewish Home, Marriage, Death and
Mourning.
Student Texts: Journey of a Lifetime (Behrman House)
Kitah Hey Hebrew - – Michael Backfield
Student will be able to
o Read more fluently.
o Learn some conversational Hebrew
o Review holiday prayers
o Expand knowledge of Hebrew grammar.
o Recite/chant prayers of the Amidah (Adonai S’fatai Tiftach, Avot, G’vurot, K’dushah,
K’dushat ha-Yom, Sim Shalom, Shalom Rav, Oseh Shalom) and Kabbalat Shabbat
prayers (L’cha Dodi, Shalom Aleichem and Birkat ha-Mazon)
o Develop an understanding of the generalized meaning of these prayers.
o Understand the meaning of these prayers through a study of Biblical and Midrashic
literature.
Student Texts:
Welcome to Modern Hebrew vol. 2 (Behrman House)
S’fatai Tiftach Volume 2 and accompanying workbook (Torah Aura)
* Students will be asked to access the Torah Aura Productions home
workbook website for selected homework assignments.
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Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) Judaica – Bobby Stern
Jewish History
 Students will learn the history of American immigration from the 17th century to today.
 Students will learn about leading figures in Jewish American history.
 Students will learn how American Judaism has changed over the centuries.
Holidays
 Students will learn how we celebrate the major holidays.
 Students will understand the historical significance of the holidays.
Student Texts: Let Freedom Ring (Behrman House)
Melting Pot - Journey in New York (In class use only -URJ Press)
Kitah Vav Hebrew - Sunday– Michael Backfield
Hebrew
 Students will
o Continue to improve reading and vocabulary skills.
o Review holiday liturgy.
o Study some key Torah portions for meaning and significance.
o Learn some conversational Hebrew
o Review holiday prayers
Student Texts: Reading Genesis (Behrman House)
Welcome to Modern Hebrew vol. 2 (Behrman House)
Kitah Vav Midweek – Laurie Shapiro
Students will be able to
o Expand knowledge of Hebrew grammar.
o Recite/chant prayers of the Torah Service and concluding prayers (Ayn Keloheinu,
Kaddish and Adon Olam)
o Develop an understanding of the generalized meaning of these prayers.
o Understand the meaning of these prayers through a study of Biblical and Midrashic
literature.
Student Texts: S’fatai Tiftach Volume 3 and accompanying workbook (Torah Aura)
*Students will be asked to access the Torah Aura Productions home workbook
website for selected homework assignments.
Seventh Grade – Faith Shifrin
Mitzvot
 Students will learn about how to become partners with God in our daily lives by fulfilling the
following mitzvot:
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o Feeding the Hungry, Tzedakah, Visiting the ill, Not speaking evil, Respecting
the developmentally disabled and physically challenged, respecting the
deceased, Rejoicing with bride and groom, Avoiding waste, Guarding the
Earth, Peace in the family and Respecting the Elderly.

Students will put their knowledge into action by participating in local trips to help food
kitchen, nursing home etc.
Israel
 Students will continue to learn about the history of the founding of the State of Israel.
Texts: Materials from the Giraffe Curriculum by Danny Siegel
History of Israel Lesson Pack (Torah Aura Productions)
Jeremiah’s Promise (In class text only-URJ Press)
Midrasha: A Confirmation Academy
Students in grades 8-10 will attend our Midrasha on selected Sunday afternoons
from 12:30 pm -3pm.
More information about our Midrasha program is available from the Midrasha
Parent Handbook available in the Religious School office
Religious School Calendar 5767 (2006-2007)
August
Sunday
27
Faculty Orientation 9am
Madrichim Meeting 11am
_____________________________________________________________________________________
September
Sunday
10
First Day of School K-7
9:30am
Parent Open House-11am
Whole School Assembly -11:30am
Midrasha -12:30pm
Wed/Thurs
13/14 First day Midweek Hebrew 4pm
Sunday
17
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Wed/Thurs
20/21 Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
24
No Classes (2nd day Rosh Hashanah)
Wed/Thurs
27/28 Midweek Hebrew
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October
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Saturday
1
4/5
7
Sunday
Friday
8
13
K-7
Midweek Hebrew
B’nai Mitzvah Family Limmud 9-10am
Grade 8-10 Kiddush Luncheon
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Consecration for new students and their families-8pm
17
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Thursday
Sunday
15
18/19
22
25/26
26
29
K-7
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Confirmation Parents’ Meeting at 10am
Midweek Hebrew
2008 B’nai Mitzvah Parents’ Meeting at 7pm
K-7, Midrasha
Grade 3 Family Ed Program at 9:30am
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November
Wed/Thurs
1/2
Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
5
K-7
Wed/Thurs
8/9
Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
12
K-7, Midrasha
Wed/Thurs
15/16 Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
19
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Wed/Thurs
22/23 No Religious School
Sunday
26
No Religious School
Wed/Thurs
29/30 Midweek Hebrew
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December
B’nai Mitzvah Family Limmud at 9am
Grade 5-7 Kiddush Luncheon
Sunday
3
K-7, Midrasha
Grade 4 Family Education Program at 9:30am
Wed/Thurs
6/7
Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
10
K-7
Wed/Thurs
13/14 Midweek Hebrew
Friday 15
Family Shabbat and Chanukiyah Lighting at 7pm
Sunday
17
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Chanukah Songfest
Wed.
20
Midweek Hebrew
Thurs.
21
No Religious School
Sunday
24
No Religious School
Wed/Thurs
27/28 No Religious School
Sunday
31
No Religious School
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Saturday
2
January
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
3/4
7
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Midrasha
Grade 2 Family Education Program at 9:30am
Wed/Thurs
10/11 Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
14
K-7
Wed/Thurs
17/18 Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
21
K-7, Midrasha
Wed/Thurs
24/25 Midweek Hebrew
Saturday
27
B’nai Mitzvah Limmud at 9am
Grades K-4 Kiddush Luncheon
Sunday
28
K-7
Wed/Thurs
31/Feb.1 Midweek Hebrew
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18
February
Thursday
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
1
4
7/8
11
14/15
18
21/22
25
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Midweek Hebrew
K-7
Midweek Hebrew
K-7
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Grade 5 Family Ed Program at 9:30am
Wed/Thurs 28/Mar.1 Midweek Hebrew
March
Thurs
1
Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
4
Family Purim Shpiel and Carnival
Wed/Thurs
7/8
Midweek Hebrew
Saturday
10
B’nai Mitzvah Family Limmud at 9am
Sunday
11
K-7, Midrasha
Wed/Thurs
14/15 Midweek Hebrew
Sunday
18
K-7
Wed/Thurs
21/22 Midweek Hebrew
Fri/Saturday 23/24 Youth Scholar In Residence Weekend
Sunday
25
K-7, Midrasha, Holiday Simcha
Wed/Thurs
28/29 Midweek Hebrew
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April
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Saturday
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
1
4/5
8
11/12
15
No Religious School
No Religious School
No Religious School
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Midrasha
Midrasha parents’ meeting at 12:30pm.
18/19 Midweek Hebrew
21
B’nai Mitzvah Family Limmud at 9am.
22
K-7, Midrasha
Grade 6 Family Ed Program at 9:45am
25/26 Midweek Hebrew
29
K-7
Grade 7 Family Ed Program at 9:45am
May
Wed/Thurs
Saturday
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Sunday
Wed/Thurs
Friday
Sunday
2/3
5
6
9/10
13
16/17
18
20
Midweek Hebrew
B’nai Mitzvah Family Limmud at 9am
K-7
Midweek Hebrew
K-7, Midrasha
Last day Midweek Hebrew
Confirmation Service at 8pm
Last day Religious School
-Closing ceremonies and Family Picnic-
19
20