Curriculum Overview

Judaic Studies Goals

Temple Beth-El believes children should have a mastery of Judaic knowledge learned through their studies and experiences.

• To develop familiarity with the lessons taught in the Torah.
• To obtain knowledge of Jewish literacy, Tanach, Middot and Mitzvot.

Students discover themselves through Jewish stories. Holiday celebrations, life-cycle events and Tikkun Olam promote bringing Judaism alive. This is how one becomes an active participant in the Jewish world.

The Chai Curriculum, developed by the Union for Reform Judaism, following the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD. is implemented beginning in Kitah Gimel (3rd grade). The model is known as “Understanding by Design”. This approach ensures that student’s learning will go beyond specific classroom activities and will lead to deeper, enduring understanding, which will establish the basis for later Jewish learning and living.

The Jewish sages teach us that “the world stands on three things--Torah, Avodah and G’milut Chasadim (Pirke: Avot 1:2)". These pursuits—study, worship and deeds of loving kindness, provide the framework within which Jews build relationship with God and each other.

Hebrew School Goals

Temple Beth-El believes children must be equipped with the knowledge of the Hebrew language, which is indispensable for a full appreciation of the spirit of the Jewish people and Israel.

• To develop familiarity with the sound of the Hebrew language through listening, speaking, singing and decoding
• To recognize that Hebrew is the language of prayer and the Bible, and is therefore, a holy language
• To recognize that Hebrew is also a living language spoken everyday in the land of Israel
• To develop the ability to decode Hebrew accurately as a tool toward cultural literacy
• To develop a basic sight word vocabulary of words used most commonly in Shabbat and holiday worship
• To develop an understanding of the connection between the knowledge gained in Hebrew school and the application of that knowledge, not only for B’nai Mitzvah, but for a lifetime as a Jewish adult
• To participate proficiently and comfortably in a synagogue setting