Welcome To 3rd and 4th Grades

Judaics, history and culture: The theme for our third-sixth graders is “Beginnings.” Their main holiday focus is on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They study the story of Abraham; begin to explore spirituality through questions and folktales; and receive an introduction to the land of Israel and its people.

The fourth grade theme is “Living in Two Worlds.” Students focus on Chanukah and Purim; study Joseph, who serves as a bridge between Jews and Egyptians; explore Sephardic Judaism; and begin to define their roles as partners in the work of creation.

Hebrew: Third grade focus on going past the Alef Bet, vowels and basic words and focuses on learn to READ Hebrew. “Shalom U’vracha” will be used in third grade. Third graders will also master writing Hebrew letters and words in cursive.

Fourth Graders are well past the Alef Bet and are now learning to read and write Hebrew prayers, learning that will help them in their Bar/Bar Mitzvah and make comfortable and knowledgeable in services for the rest of their life. They will use the Behrman House series “Hineini.”

Both Hebrew texts have companion CDs to aid students in their language acquisition.

Each grade has prayer goals, keyed to their text books. Students in grades 3-6 have separate teachers for Hebrew and Judaics. Teachers are chosen for their enthusiasm and knowledge. We also have a Hebrew Resource Specialist and an Inclusion Specialist who are available on Sunday mornings. Our large and talented teen Madrichim core offers small group and individual instruction as well We try to make our program for all students, regardless of their ability.

In mid-week classes, students review their Hebrew reading skills and take part in a Learning Service. During the Learning Service, students will use our Student Siddur. This Siddur incorporates the language used in the adult siddur, Kol Haneshamah, but the Hebrew print is sized for beginning readers. This service will be lead by Rabbi Heifetz.

For the remaining hour, students break up into clubs, offering the chance to study Jewish values through the lens of different chuggim (clubs): art, drama, creative writing, music and movement, and cooking! Approximately every six weeks, students demonstrate what they’ve learned in our “Show and Share.” This culminating activity is open to families. Please see the calendar for the specific dates and times.

After the short service, students break up into clubs, offering the chance to experience culture and history as well as time to make friends. Clubs include cooking (and tasting!), drama, newspaper, art and music/dance.