Teacher: Morah Lori Cohen
Curriculum
Torah
Students will study specific Torah stories to focus on the theme of leadership. They will explore these guiding questions: What are the qualities of a strong leader and a weak leader? What types of leaders are in the Torah? How do they solve conflicts? Why were they chosen to lead? Students will study and practice reading verses of Torah in Hebrew and learn vocabulary from these verses. They will read 1-2 verses of Torah in our youth service twice a year.
Chagim/Holidays and Shabbat
Through engaging, experiential, and age-appropriate activities, students will explore the meaning of the Jewish holidays, including their rituals, mitzvot, and the way they’re celebrated in Israel. Students’ holiday experiences outside of class will enrich their understanding of and personal connection to each holiday.
Spirituality and Tefillah/Prayer
Rabbi Bronstein will lead grades K-6 in prayer regularly on Sunday mornings, and he will lead 3rd-6th graders in learning Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening) prayers from 5:40-6pm on Wednesdays once a month. Through our Kitah Dalet tefillah curriculum, students explore the meaning of the prayers to make personal connections. When families participate in BAS Friday night and Shabbat morning services, they connect to their BAS community, and the students live what they are learning.
Jewish History
Students will explore their personal Jewish history as well as our communal Jewish history to learn how the values and traditions that have defined our people for countless generations help us to understand our world today.
Ivrit/Hebrew
Students will strengthen their Hebrew skills when participating in tefillot, singing Hebrew songs, using modern Hebrew phrases in class, and through Hebrew curriculum that strengthen their reading fluency, vocabulary, and understanding of tefillot.
Gemilut Chasadim/Acts of Loving Kindness
Students will explore the value of tzedakah, including how to make decisions about where to donate tzedakah based on Jewish values. Each student will prepare a presentation to the class about a tzedakah organization that is important to him/her. Then the class will vote on where to donate their class tzedakah.
Building community
Students will build connections with their grades K-2 chaverim (buddies) throughout the year. Students take on a leadership role when they lead Tu B’Shevat activities for their chaverim. We gather together for whole-school holiday celebrations, as well as for grade-level family programs on Shabbat and Sundays during school.
Shirah (Music), Rikud (Dance) and Omanut (Art)
Students will participate in Shirah (music) with Moreh Daniel, including holiday songs, Israeli songs, and traditional Jewish songs. Morah Lori will lead grades 3-6 throughout the year in Rikud (Dance) to learn traditional and modern Israeli dances. Students will participate in 2 Omanut (art) workshops with Beth Rosen, as well as additional art projects throughout the year that are integrated into the curriculum.
Youth Events
There are many opportunities for 4th – 7th graders to participate in youth programs, including band.