BETH EL SYNAGOGUE TALMUD TORAH

BESTT Curriculum 2009-2010

PRIMARY GRADES:
PRE-KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN,
FIRST, SECOND GRADES

Time: Classes meet once a week for a total of two hours per week.

The overall objectives of the Primary Grades are to acquaint students with the basic elements of Hebrew language, prayer, Bible, Jewish holy days and rituals. Many methods are used in the classroom to convey the basic elements, including storytelling, music, arts and crafts and hands-on activities.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Students will be introduced to our Talmud Torah program. They will begin to develop a basic understanding of holidays, customs, ceremonies and key Hebrew vocabulary.

Student text – Drops of Honey

KINDERGARTEN

Hebrew: Student text – Building Jewish Life Beginnings: The Alef-Tav Activity Book

Students will be able to recognize the letters and sounds of the 22 letters in the aleph-bet. They will become familiar with designated prayers and phrases that are Holiday appropriate. Students will also learn Hebrew vocabulary words for each letter learned.

Prayers: Students will have weekly opportunities during school to participate in a classroom based service which includes the following prayers and blessings:

Services: Shema, Mode Ani and Ma Tovu

Blessings: Boray P’ree HaGafen, HaMotzee, Shabbat blessings, Hanukkah, Hanukkiah (menorah), Ma Nishtana and three of the four questions

To promote the students’ spiritual growth, teachers will help them explore their feelings about God and the wonders of life.

Holidays: Through stories, arts and crafts, games and activities and songs, the students will learn the basic concepts of Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B'Omer, Yom Ha'Atzma'ut and Shavuot.

Bible: Students will become acquainted with some of the Bible stories, such as Creation, Noah and the Tower of Babel.

FIRST GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Now I Know My Alef Bet (Hebrew Reading Readiness)

Students will be introduced to beginning letter sounds of words that correspond to their study of holidays, synagogue and the Jewish family. They will be able to recognize Hebrew letters, know their sounds and will be able to print them.

Prayers: Students will have weekly opportunities during school to participate in a classroom based service covering the following prayers:

Services: Shema, Mode Ani, Ma Tovu, Aleinu and Hatikvah

Blessings: Boray P’ree HaGafen, Boray P’ree Ha’Etz/ Ha’Adamah HaMotzee, Shabbat blessings, Hanukkiah (menorah) and Ma Nishtana and all four of the Pesach questions.

To promote the students’ spiritual growth, teachers will help them explore their feelings about God and the wonders of life.

Holidays and more: Building on knowledge gained in Kindergarten, students will learn the basic concepts of Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B'Omer, Yom Ha'Atzma'ut and Shavuot through stories, arts and crafts, games, activities and songs. They will also study aspects of the synagogue and Jewish family life.

Bible: Student text – I Can Learn Torah

Students will participate in read-aloud stories and have opportunities to create meaning for themselves from the stories of our ancient ancestors which mirror our own lives today.

SECOND GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Tiyulim, Tiyulim Homework Book

Students will review the basic consonants and vowels of the aleph-bet. They will recognize the letters and sounds of the aleph-bet and read simple words without difficulty. Students will become familiar with designated prayers and phrases that are Holiday appropriate. They will also begin to recognize key sight words that will be used during Tefillah time.

Prayers: Students will have weekly opportunities during school to participate in classroom based services covering the following prayers:

Services: Amidah, Sim Shalom and Shalom Rav (as well as those of previous years)

Blessings: The Four Questions, all Shabbat and holiday related blessings are reviewed, Sheheheyanu.

To promote the students’ spiritual growth, teachers will help them explore their feelings about God and the wonders of life.

Holidays: Student text - Let's Celebrate

The Jewish holidays are colorfully and playfully presented to students in this set of seven 16-page magazines. Each magazine is dedicated to one holiday or pair of holidays, and is filled with vibrant photographs of family celebrations to bring holiday observance to life. Stories, songs and activities add fun and meaning to each holiday.

Bible: Student text – The Bible from Alef to Tav

This text incorporates the study of Jewish values, Torah and Hebrew reading readiness in a warm and enjoyable manner. One Hebrew letter per chapter is introduced. Several words beginning with that letter are taught and all the words are woven into a beautiful Biblical story. An appendix for parents provides thought-provoking material to parallel the children’s learning. This text correlates with the Hebrew text.

ELEMENTARY GRADES: THIRD THROUGH SIXTH GRADES

Third - Sixth Grade classes meet three times a week for a total of 5½ hours per week.

The overall objectives of these grades are to provide our students with the knowledge, respect and love of elements of the Siddur, Hebrew language, Bible, history, Jewish rituals and an understanding of God. Prayer during weekdays sessions and classroom discussions will be occasions to help students develop in their spiritual growth. This year there will continue to be increased family activities to support and promote the learning in the classroom.

THIRD GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Shalom Uvrachah

Students will spend the 3rd grade year perfecting the letters and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet as well as developing phonetic reading skills. They will also learn cursive writing. Students will be able to apply these skills to reading key prayers for home and synagogue rituals – Shabbat eve kiddush, HaMotzee, blessings for candles and wine. From Shalom Uvrachah, they will learn Hebrew conversational phrases by using basic classroom vocabulary words. Students will also begin "unwrapping" the meaning of selected prayers (i.e. Shema) to develop personal connections to the prayers. Third graders will participate in a Consecration service to demonstrate their level of prayer skills.

Prayer: Students will have opportunities to participate in student assemblies based on Minha and Ma’ariv services. Also, classroom discussions will give the students opportunities to explore their feelings about God and the spiritual aspects of life. The prayers covered during the year are:

Services: Ashrei, Amidah, Kaddish Shalem, Aleinu

Blessings: Ma Nishtana – all four questions, Al Akhilat Matzot, Al Akhilat Maror, L’Shannah Ha’Ba’ah, Avadim Ha’einu and Dayenu

Holidays: Student text – My Jewish Year

Students will become acquainted with the vocabulary and concepts of Shabbat and Jewish holy days in an engaging manner. Opportunities abound for creativity and thought.

Bible: Student text – A Child’s Bible Book I

The classic narratives of Breshit come to life for young children in simple words refined by Jewish scholarship both ancient and modern. Each story is understood on 3 levels: Peshat—what does it mean? Drash—What does it teach? Remez—A lesson about Torah.

FOURTH GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Hineni I (Main text)

Through Hineni I students will begin the study of Tefillot. They will learn key Siddur vocabulary and understand the general content of the prayers. Throughout the year, students will also learn appropriate vocabulary relating to prayers. They will continue to perfect their cursive Hebrew writing skills. By the end of the year, students will be able to understand classroom instructions in Hebrew and respond to them in Hebrew. They will also continue to learn modern Hebrew phrases that apply to everyday life.

Prayer: Students will have opportunities to participate in student assemblies based on Minha prayers with familiar chants and melodies. They will learn how and when to chant prayers and participate in a regular service by reading the prayers. Also, classroom discussions will give the students opportunities to explore their feelings about God and the spiritual aspects of life. The prayers covered during the year are:

Services: Kabbalat Shabbat and portions of Ma'ariv

Text: Barchu, Ma’ariv Aravim, Yotzer Or, Sh’ma, V’ahavta, Mi Chamocha, Kiddush

Blessings: Shabbat Blessings (over candles, wine and challah), Rosh HaShanah Blessings (over eating apples and honey and blowing the Shofar), Sukkot Blessings (for sitting in the Sukkah and shaking the Lulav), Hanukkah Blessings (for lighting the candles), Pesach Blessings (for drinking the wine, eating green vegetable, Matzah and bitter herbs)

Jewish Celebration: Student text - Journey of a Lifetime

Students will become knowledgeable in the basic vocabulary and concepts embodied in the Holy Days and life cycle events. They will have opportunities to experience some of these events through arts and crafts, enactments, films, books and stories. A key element in this study is the opportunity students have to see how they are linked to other Jews in the present and past through these observances. A highlight of the 4th grade year is the annual 4th grade wedding.

Bible: Student text – A Child’s Bible Book II

Students will cover the Early Prophets section of the Bible, from Joshua to Kings II, to learn the key personalities and events. They will learn to distinguish between history and poetic myth in their studies and respect them both as Jewish wisdom. Like their third grade counterparts, their study will encompass three levels of understanding.

FIFTH GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Hineni II (Main Text)

Through Hineni II students will continue the study of Tefillot. They will expand their knowledge of key Siddur vocabulary and understand the general content of the prayers. Throughout the year, students will also learn appropriate vocabulary relating to prayers. By the end of the year, students will be able to understand classroom instructions in Hebrew and respond to them in Hebrew. They will also continue to learn modern Hebrew phrases that apply to everyday life.

Students will have opportunities to participate in student assemblies based on Minha prayers with familiar chants and melodies. They will learn how and when to chant prayers and participate in a regular service by reading the prayers. Also, classroom discussions will give the students opportunities to explore their feelings about God and the spiritual aspects of life. The prayers covered during the year are:

Services: Amidah – Avot V’Imahot, Gevurot and Kedusha, Hoda’ah, Sim Shalom, Shalom Rav, Oseh Shalom, L’cha Dodi, V’Shamru and Shalom Aleichem. Ashrei, Kaddish Shalem, Aleinu

Bible: Student text – Being Torah

Students will become Biblical commentators. They will learn to closely read texts and find hidden clues, surprising connections and secret patters. They will have an opportunity to begin a lifelong relationship with the Torah.

Life Cycle: Student text – The Time of Our Lives

Students will explore the aspects of the Jewish life cycle to include the Jewish home (Mezuzah, Kashrut, Family History), Bar and Bat Mitzvah and the customs and ceremonies involved with the end of life experiences. They will envision their own role in these life cycle events and explore their own families’ past experiences as the Jewish life cycle unfolds.

SIXTH GRADE

Hebrew: Student text – Hineni III

Through Hineni III students will continue the study of Tefillot. They will expand their knowledge of key Siddur vocabulary and understand the general content of the prayers. Throughout the year, students will also learn appropriate vocabulary relating to prayers. By the end of the year, students will be able to understand classroom instructions in Hebrew and respond to them in Hebrew. They will also continue to learn modern Hebrew phrases that apply to everyday life.

Prayer: Students will have opportunities to participate in student assemblies based on Shabbat morning prayers with familiar chants and melodies. They will learn how and when to chant prayers and participate in a regular service by reading the prayers. Also, classroom discussions will give the students opportunities to explore their feelings about God and the spiritual aspects of life. The prayers covered during the year are:

Services: Ein Kamocha, Av Harachmim, Ki Mitzion, L’cha Adonai, Birchot HaTorah, Birchot Ha Haftarah, V’zot Ha’Torah, Etz Chayim Hi, Al Shlosha D’varim, Aleinu, Kaddish, Ein Keloheinu, Hashkeveinu, Shema and Modeh Ani, Ashrei, Amidah, Kaddish Shalem, Aleinu

Bible: Student text – The Five Books of Moses in an Easy-to-Read Translation

Students will concentrate on the Biblical narrative in the Book of Exodus. Students will relate passages to their own lives and learn the difficulties encountered by our ancestors following 400 years of enslavement in Egypt. The origins of Jewish nationhood will be explored.

Israel: Student text - All About Israel

Students will learn the elements of the Zionist foundations of the modern state of Israel as well as its government and daily life, geography, major cities and some of the historical sites.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation: Students will have an opportunity to study trope (cantillation) with Cantor Gastón Bogomolni in preparation for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. The study of trope is necessary for correct reading of the text and for its phrasing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADE SEVEN

Seventh Grade meets three times a week for a total of 5½ hours per week.

The overall objective of seventh grade is to provide our students with knowledge of the elements of Jewish life and belief, which will lead to higher Jewish studies. Students will explore the nature of mitzvot and have opportunities for performing them in their homes and in the community in the seventh grade. Seventh graders will also explore the founding of the State of Israel. Seventh grade will also explore American Jewish History and continue their study of Hebrew Prayer.

SEVENTH GRADE

Hebrew: Student texts – 19 out of 18 and Shema Is for Real

Students will expand their knowledge of key Siddur vocabulary and understand the general content of the prayers. Throughout the year, students will also learn appropriate vocabulary relating to prayers. The emphasis will be on classroom practice of prayers to be perfected for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and their comprehension.

The prayers covered during the year are the first three brachot of the Amidah (Avot, G'vurot and Kedushah and all of the 19 brachot found in the traditional text of the weekday morning and evening services. Additionally, they will review the meaning and theme of individual prayers and rehearse and practice the elements of a service.

Prayer: Seventh grade students will have opportunities to participate in student assemblies based on Shabbat evening and morning prayers with familiar chants and melodies. They will learn how and when to chant prayers and participate in a regular service by reading the prayers. Emphasis will be placed on a review of all prayers studied to date with the addition of Havdalah, Birkat HaMazon, the Haggadah and individual hymns.

Israel: A Young Person’s History of Israel

Students will explore the story of the Jewish people and their homeland from the establishment of the British Mandate over Palestine through Statehood in 1948 all the way to the Camp David accords. Students will become aware of the importance of Israel to Jews around the world as a symbol, a refuge and a homeland. Opportunities for discussion of the current Arab-Israeli conflict will be included. Students in grade 7 will have an opportunity to connect with their counterparts at the ORT Aliya Shniya Middle School in Akko, Israel.

Jewish History: Student text – Challenge and Change: A History of the Jews in America

Students will critically analyze the driving forces of each period studied, develop their own interpretation of events and learn a clear sequence of events according to a timeline.

Mitzvot: Student Text – Making a Difference

During the year of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, it is only appropriate to study the details of performing mitzvot. Students will study and have opportunities to perform mitzvot that are between man and man and man and God. Each student is encouraged to live by example and to choose a personal Mitzvah project during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. Families who are interested may incorporate the performance of mitzvot on a voluntary basis prior to their child’s becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. See the Education Director for details.

BESTT SPECIALTY, RESOURCES AND YOUTH GROUPS

MUSIC PROGRAM

Our music program is the means by which our children experience the rich and diverse music of our people. Primary grades will have music twice per month on Sunday mornings.

RESOURCE ROOM

We are delighted that we are able to offer a resource room to support children with special needs here at Beth El Synagogue. Students in our mid-week Hebrew program will find a helping hand in a small nurturing environment where they will be able to learn at their own pace. Due to changes that the Jewish Federation of Omaha has made in financing this position, there will be no charge to any student whose special needs have been documented either by his/her secular school or by a physician. A nominal charge will be made to any family whose child needs extra tutoring but does not have documented special needs. See Judy Rubin for specific details. This option will be available on Mondays-Thursdays during school hours. See page 26 for financial details.

COMPUTER LAB

The Computer Lab is available for use by all grades. We are fortunate to have six computers with Internet access. BESTT has purchased various software programs that deal with Hebrew, Holidays, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, History and other subjects. Teachers and Students are encouraged to use computers for class enhancement.

ART

Thanks to a generous grant from the Riekes Family Fund, BESTT's art program will be greatly enhanced. Students will create Judaic objects that may be used at home for years to come. The art instructor will work closely with teachers to coordinate curricular goals. Art is available to students in grades K-7 on a monthly basis.

BESTT Chaverim

In the winter of 2005, a new social group for students in grades 4-6 was formed thanks to a grant by the Goldsten Foundation. The purpose of the group is to provide opportunities for students who attend different school districts to get to know each other better outside of BESTT classes.