Teacher: Moreh Caleb Robinson
The name of this class – Nachshonim – is inspired by the story of Nachshon, a brave biblical leader who first stepped into the Sea of Reeds during the Israelites’ journey to freedom.
Curriculum
Torah
Students will explore Torah in connection with their study of Jewish holidays, Israel, and Middot (Jewish virtues). Kitah Nachshonim’s Torah study will be guided by these questions: What does it mean to be holy? How can I be holy? How can a time or space be holy? Students will explore and experience mitzvot (sacred acts) and middot (virtues) in the Torah such as the power of our words, caring for others, living on Jewish time, and caring for the earth.
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 5:40-6:00 pm on Wednesdays once a month.
Through our Nachshonim tefillah curriculum, students explore the meaning of the prayers to make personal connections. They will personalize the covers of their own new Siddurim, which they will receive during our 3rd Graders & Parents program.
When families participate in BAS Friday night and Shabbat morning services, they connect with our BAS community, and the students live what they are learning.
Ivrit/Hebrew
Hebrew in Harmony
Students will strengthen their Hebrew skills when participating in tefillot, singing Hebrew songs, decoding Hebrew words, and using modern Hebrew phrases in class.
Israel
Kitah Nachshonim will learn about the major cities and sites of Israel, the diversity of Israel’s people and cultures, our modern and biblical ties to the Jewish homeland, and the geography of Israel. In the process, the students are introduced to simple Hebrew vocabulary and the mitzvah of love of Israel, ahavat Tzion. Israel is also integrated throughout the curriculum in their Torah, holidays, and tefillah studies.
Building community
Students will build connections with their Kitah Vav chaverim (buddies) throughout the year. 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)
Kitah Nachshonim will participate in Shirah (music), 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. Kitah Nachshonim will participate in art projects throughout the year that are integrated into the curriculum, including creating a Hebrew name collage, decorating a mezuzah and Shabbat candle holders, and designing their siddur cover.