4th - 6th Grades

3rd Grade
Third graders learn all of the letters and vowels in the Hebrew alef-bet (alphabet) and can read syllables and words by the end of the year. They celebrate Shabbat in class every week and learn all of the blessings for Shabbat. Students dive into learning about the Torah and study the stories in the books of Genesis and Exodus. They also get a broad overview of the Jewish holidays celebrated throughout the year and have special celebrations for Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover. They go on a scavenger hunt across the State of Israel and connect with our Jewish homeland. Students enjoy Music class every week and families participate in a very special Naming Ceremony program during the year, where the students get to investigate their Hebrew names and find out
how they got them.

4th Grade
Fourth Grade students leap right into Hebrew using a combination of textbook and online materials. They review all of the letters and vowels of the Hebrew alef-bet (alphabet) and move to reading words and sentences. By the end of the year, they master basic blessings, the Four Questions for Passover, and the Shema. Students continue their exploration of the Hebrew Bible but focus on the rich sources of stories and values to be found in the books of the Prophets and Writings. They also deepen their study of Israel by exploring different cities and connect Jewish values to our Jewish holidays. There are special celebrations for Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover and students have Music every week. Students receive their Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates toward the end of the year and parents are invited to an Israel Fair around Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) where students share their projects about Israel and they
get to experience some Israeli culture.

5th Grade
The study of Hebrew prayer really kicks into gear in 5th Grade! Students learn blessings for different activities, including those said over food, for Shabbat, for wearing a tallit, and for holidays like Sukkot and Chanukah. Using the Hebrew in Harmony curriculum that incorporates music, movement, online activities, and meaning-making strategies, students engage in in-depth studies of half of the prayers for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and can read them fluently by the end of the year. Students also study Jewish history from the ancient Temples to today and learn about Jewish immigration, the different types of Jewish people, and the diaspora. They research their own family history and complete a Family Tree Project which they share with their parents during a special class session. Students discuss the Jewish holidays through an art-based curriculum and participate in Music class every week. There are exciting celebrations for Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover during the year.

6th Grade
Sixth graders continue to use the Hebrew in Harmony curriculum to master the prayers in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service. This interactive curriculum helps them connect to the meaning of the prayers while developing reading fluency. By the end of the year, students know all of the prayers for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and they lead our school worship service, during which their parents present them with the siddur (prayerbook) that they will use for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students also study the rites of passage throughout the Jewish lifecycle, including rituals and practices around birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, and death. Their mock wedding is always one of the highlights of the year. They study Jewish holidays throughout the year and consider how they can create meaningful celebrations in their own lives. They have Music class every week and participate in fun programs for Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover. Students can also participate in our 6th /7th Grade Retreat with students from other area synagogues.