TEMPLE BETH TORAH
MORRIS NIRENBERG RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
5776 / 2015-2016
Director of Education – Sarit Ferreira
Chair of Education – Dana Haberman
2162 Washington Street
Holliston, MA 01746
(508) 429-6268
www.bethtorah.org
9/3/2015
Vision
At Temple Beth Torah, we wish to create an ever growing variety of engaging and well planned educational programs for
students and their families in order to provide a foundation for building strong and lasting Jewish identities.
Philosophy of Jewish Education
Religious education at our school is aimed at developing and embracing one’s personal Jewish identity as the foundation
of leading a Jewish life. We believe that by truly understanding and internalizing the various areas of Jewish education,
children embrace Judaism. We strive to connect with Judaism through music, art, drama, debate and other multisensory experiences. Our students engage in Jewish experiences as they celebrate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, participate
in prayer services and rituals, and take part in Temple life. Fulfilling mitzvot and being concerned citizens of the Jewish
and secular world are integral parts of our program. Hebrew is studied both for prayer as well as a living language while
an understanding of Israel is cultivated as a historical homeland as well as a modern and vibrant state. We encourage
our students to practice tzedek (justice), chesed (deeds of loving-kindness) and shalom (peace) in all aspects of their
lives.
Curriculum Design
The following topics are learned each year, with growing depth and changing sub-topics as students advance in grade:
Hebrew,
T’fila
Values,
Ethics
Israel
Temple
Life,
Community
Holidays,
Rituals
Torah,
Jewish
History
Curriculum goals
Hebrew Language and T’fila (Prayer)
Students can accurately read and decode Hebrew. This supports participation in synagogue worship and home
ceremonies. Students will develop a varied Hebrew vocabulary from basic conversational skills to words and phrases
pertaining to holidays, mitzvot, life cycle, moral and ethical values, family, and community. Some conversational Hebrew
is experienced through the creation of a Hebrew cultural environment in the classroom and the school. Students are
comfortable with the Siddur and the structure of the various services and ceremonies.
Torah, Jewish History
Students understand the Torah’s central importance in Jewish life and become familiar with the five books of Torah
through its literature, law and historical events. They develop the skill of Torah and Haftarah reading, and proper Torah
scroll handling. Students understand the covenantal relationship between G-d and the Jewish people in the unfolding of
Jewish history. They become familiar with the great personalities and events, which were involved in the shaping of
religious, national, and cultural destiny of our people. Our religious education contributes to a growing sense of pride in
the Jewish heritage, creating positive associative values in being Jewish. Students understand Jewish history in the
context of world history and recognize the achievements and contributions of Jewish people.
Israel
Students appreciate the historical bond between Jews and the Land of Israel and recognize the importance of Israel as
an independent state. They understand the centrality of Israel to our religious ideas and practices. Students experience
the diverse culture of modern Israel in a multi sensory way through foods, music, dance, guest speakers and pen pals.
Through these experiences and establishing a live connection with Jewish students in Israel, our students are motivated
to visit Israel and participate in the Passport to Israel program.
Jewish values, Ethics, Mitzvot
Students develop multi-layered understanding of the central ideas, expectations and observances of the Jewish tradition
through conversations, debates, literature and the practice of Mitzvot and G’milut Chassadim (acts of loving kindness).
Holidays, Rituals
Students actively participate in holiday services and celebrations throughout the Jewish calendar year and develop a
meaningful and personal understanding of life cycle events, holidays, and various rituals observed in Jewish life.
Students become familiar with blessings, songs, traditional foods and ritual objects in a personal and meaningful way as
they relate to the various Jewish holidays and rituals.
Temple life, Community
Students appreciate the importance of community in Jewish living. They gain and maintain a respect and proper use of
the temple building, its furnishing and ritual objects as well as for all people of the Temple community. Students interact
with various people and entities within the TBT community and the larger Jewish and secular community in a proper and
respectful manner.
Gan, Kindergarten/Aleph, Grade 1 - Sundays 8:30am - 10:30am
* Gan program is open to members and non-members alike.
Hebrew
Children learn to name, print, and associate the sounds of all the letters of the Aleph-Bet. Using various tools and
materials students practice recognizing letters and associating their sounds. Hebrew words are learned with an
accompanying English explanation. Children participate in games and hands on activities to reinforce letter recognition.
- Letter recognition – all letters, and name. (‫ א‬is Aleph)
- Sound/letter match (‫ ת‬sounds like T, ‫ מ‬sounds like M)
- Hebrew Vocabulary (audio only – no reading expected):
Holidays:
Chag Sameach ‫שׂ ֵמ ַח‬
ַ ‫חַג‬
Shabbat ‫שּׁבָּת‬
ַ
Rosh Hashanah ‫שׁנָה‬
ָ ‫ר ֹאש ַה‬
Yom Kippur ‫יוֹם כִּיפוּר‬
Sukkot ‫סוּכּוּת‬
Chanukah ‫חַנוּכָּה‬
Purim ‫פּוּרים‬
ִ
Pesach ‫ֶפּסָח‬
Holiday nouns:
Shofar ‫שׁוֹפָר‬
Challah ‫ַחלָה‬
Sukkah ‫ֻסכָּה‬
Shamash ‫שׁמָשׁ‬
ַ
Matzah ‫ָמצָה‬
Conversational Hebrew vocabulary:
Hello, Goodbye, Peace
Holiday/Holy objects:
Torah ‫תוֹרה‬
ָ
Seffer ‫ֶספֶר‬
Mezuzah ‫מְזוּז ָה‬
Yad ‫י ַד‬
Talit ‫ַטלִית‬
Beit Knesset ‫בֵּית ְכּנֵסֶת‬
Bima ‫בִּימָה‬
Havdalah ‫ַהבְדַ לָה‬
Bracha ‫בּ ְַרכָה‬
Mitzvot ‫ ִמצְוֹת‬, Mitzvah ‫ִמ ְצוָה‬
Tzedakah ‫צְדָ קָה‬
Yisrael ‫יִשׂ ְָר ֵאל‬
Shalom
‫שׁלוֹם‬
ָ
Good morning
Boker tov
‫בּוֹקֶר טוֹב‬
Thank you
Toda
‫תוֹדָה‬
Thank you very much
Toda raba
‫תוֹדָ ה ַרבָּה‬
Please, You’re welcome
Bevakasha
‫ְבּ ַב ָקשָה‬
Yes
Ken
‫כֵּן‬
No
Lo
‫ֹלא‬
T’fila
Short Shma - 1 line Page 30
Brachot shel Shabbat – candles (p.301), short Kiddush+Hamotzie (p.315), Havdallah (p.299)
Brachot shel Yom Tov (various holidays), 4 questions
Brachot shonot – food, Shehechayanu
Various songs
Torah
Through a variety of text sources and “Torah Play” story telling experiences, Torah stories will be told, experienced and
explored in a personally meaningful way: God and Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, The Tower of
Babel, Abraham, Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Miriam and Moses, Moses and Pharaoh, The Israelites and God's
Laws, Ruth and Naomi, David and Goliath, Solomon, Jonah, Esther.
Jewish values/Mitzvot
Are derived from the above mentioned Torah stories, as well as explored through hands-on experiences throughout the
year.
Holidays
Students will study the various Jewish Holidays through story books and interactive experiences. Rosh Hashanah, Yom
Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Israel
Children will be introduced to the State of Israel through discussion, visual aides and hands on experiences.
Temple life/ community
Students will grow to understand proper temple etiquette, the meaning of ritual objects and community leaders. They
will also begin to learn some of the prayers and some of the choreography of a service through participation at Small
World Shabbat and attendance at other services.
Bet - Grade 2 - Sundays 8:30am - 10:30am
Hebrew
Students use an interactive text combined with multi-sensory activities through which they learn all the letters in the
Hebrew alphabet, as well as vowels and begin to blend sounds and combine syllables.
- Letter recognition – all letters, and name. (‫ א‬is Aleph)
- Sound/letter match (‫ ת‬sounds like T, ‫ מ‬sounds like M)
- Visual recognition of Vowels:
Ah ( ַָ ַַ) Eh ) ֶַ ֵַ), Ee ( ִַ), Oh (‫(וֹ‬, Ooh )‫(וּ‬.
- Basic decoding: Reading of one syllable Hebrew words (i.e. Av, Em). Reading and decoding of heritage words. (i.e.
Shabbat, Pesach)
- Hebrew Vocabulary (audio only – no reading expected):
Holidays:
Chag Sameach ‫שׂ ֵמ ַח‬
ַ ‫חַג‬
Shabbat ‫שּׁבָּת‬
ַ
Rosh Hashanah ‫שׁנָה‬
ָ ‫ר ֹאש ַה‬
Yom Kippur ‫יוֹם כִּיפוּר‬
Sukkot ‫סוּכּוּת‬
Chanukah ‫חַנוּכָּה‬
Purim ‫פּוּרים‬
ִ
Pesach ‫ֶפּסָח‬
Conversational Hebrew:
Holiday nouns:
Shofar ‫שׁוֹפָר‬
Challah ‫ַחלָה‬
Sukkah ‫ֻסכָּה‬
Shamash ‫שׁמָשׁ‬
ַ
Matzah ‫ָמצָה‬
Holiday/Holy objects:
Torah ‫תוֹרה‬
ָ
Seffer ‫ֶספֶר‬
Mezuzah ‫מְזוּז ָה‬
Yad ‫י ַד‬
Talit ‫ַטלִית‬
Beit Knesset ‫בֵּית ְכּנֵסֶת‬
Bima ‫בִּימָה‬
Havdalah ‫ַהבְדַ לָה‬
Bracha ‫בּ ְַרכָה‬
Mitzvot ‫ ִמצְוֹת‬, Mitzvah ‫ִמ ְצוָה‬
Tzedakah ‫צְדָ קָה‬
Yisrael ‫יִשׂ ְָר ֵאל‬
Hello, Goodbye, Peace
Shalom
‫שׁלוֹם‬
ָ
Good morning
Boker tov
‫בּוֹקֶר טוֹב‬
Thank you
Toda
‫תוֹדָה‬
Thank you very much
Toda raba
‫תוֹדָ ה ַרבָּה‬
Please, You’re welcome
Bevakasha
‫ְבּ ַב ָקשָה‬
Yes
Ken
‫כֵּן‬
No
Lo
‫ֹלא‬
Torah
Students explore Torah stories through a variety of experiences. Among the stories: Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, The
Tower of Babel, Abraham, Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Miriam and Moses, Moses and Pharaoh, The Israelites and
God's Laws, Ruth and Naomi, David and Goliath, Solomon, Jonah, Esther.
Holidays
Children experience the holidays through hands-on experiences, classroom and school wide celebrations. The holidays
included are: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s
Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Jewish life, values/Mitzvot
Tzedakah, visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, saving the earth, Derech Eretz (kindness), welcoming guests, guarding
one’s tongue and Torah study are Mitzvot that will be explored through texts and a variety of experiences.
Israel
Through a variety of resources students explore places in Israel and learn about what life is like in modern Israel.
Temple life/ community
Students will understand proper temple etiquette, the meaning of ritual objects and community leaders. They will also
begin to learn some of the prayers and some of the choreography of a service through participation at Small World
Shabbat and attendance at other services.
Gimel - Grade 3 – Judaics - Sundays 10:00am-12:30pm
Hebrew / T’fila
On Sundays the session begins with 30 minute T’fila with the Rabbi. Other Hebrew may be included in the Judaic
curriculum as it relates to holidays, Mitzvot and and Jewish life.
Torah, Jewish life, values/Mitzvot
Mitzvot/Middot - Caring for the environment and responsibility toward others.
The Ten Commandments. The meaning of each Commandment is discussed in simple terms and accompanied by handon activities to help internalize the moral lessons.
Holidays
The stories for each holiday are learned with the traditions that have grown around them. Blessings for each holiday are
included with key vocabulary words. Holidays learned are: Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah,
Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Israel
Through a variety of resources students explore places in Israel and learn about what life is like in modern Israel.
Learning culminates with a project.
Dalet - Grade 4 – Judaics - Sundays 10:00am-12:30pm
Hebrew / T’fila
On Sundays the session begins with 30 minute T’fila with the Rabbi. Other Hebrew may be included in the Judaic
curriculum as it relates to holidays, Mitzvot and and Jewish life.
Torah
A selection of Torah stories from Creation to the death of Moses are explores. Lessons and values related to each story
are discussed.
Holidays
The stories for each holiday are learned with the traditions that have grown around them. Blessings for each holiday are
included with key vocabulary words. Holidays learned are: Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah,
Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Jewish life, values/Mitzvot
Through Project Based Learning students will explore “what makes a place Jewish?” – learning about synagogues and
other Jewish places (like Israel) as well as how kindness, caring and keeping one’s word are Jewish values that can
change the world!
Israel
Through currents events discussion and research students find information personalized to their interests of Israel.
Hay - Grade 5 – Judaics - Sundays 10:00am-12:30pm
Hebrew / T’fila
On Sundays the session begins with 30 minute T’fila with the Rabbi. Other Hebrew may be included in the Judaic
curriculum as it relates to holidays, Mitzvot and and Jewish life.
Torah
A selection of Torah stories from Creation to the death of Moses are explores. Lessons and values related to each story
are discussed. A Project Based Learning project is created as a way to demonstrate learning and share with the larger
community.
Holidays
The stories for each holiday are learned with the traditions that have grown around them. Blessings for each holiday are
included with key vocabulary words. Holidays learned are: Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah,
Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Jewish values/Mitzvot
Through projects and discussions, students will explore a selection of Jewish values.
Israel
Through currents events discussion and research students find information personalized to their interests of Israel.
Vav - Grade 6 – Judaics - Sundays 10:00am-12:30pm
Hebrew / T’fila
On Sundays the session begins with 30 minute T’fila with the Rabbi. Other Hebrew may be included in the Judaic
curriculum as it relates to holidays, Mitzvot and and Jewish life.
Torah
Parashat hashavua (the weekly Torah portion), discussions, explorations and skills for locating chapter and verse,
Holidays
The stories for each holiday are learned with the traditions that have grown around them. Blessings for each holiday are
included with key vocabulary words. Holidays learned are: Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah,
Chanukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, Israel’s Independence Day and Lag Ba’omer.
Jewish life, values/Mitzvot
Tallit, Sancturay roles, responsibilities and expectations, Minyan, Yhartzheit, Yizkor, Zachor, “I am a Jew” project.
Watch contemporary films followed by a discussion and lessons about Jewish values and ethics as portrayed in the film
(“Despicable me” and Toy Story 3”.)
Israel
Current events discussions and debates.
Holocaust:
Through discussion and study of various materials.
Hebrew/T’fila program Grades 3-6 – Tuesdays 5:00pm-6:30pm
On Tuesday evenings (5:00-6:30) grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be learning Hebrew/T’fila only.
Grade 3 and Bet-plus students will be working on reading and decoding skills and eventually getting to prayer
reading and chanting.
Grades 4 and 5 will be working From 5:00-5:45 on prayer mastery, decoding and fluency of reading.
Grade 6 will be working From 5:00-5:45 on Prayer mastery and trope.
From 5:45-6:30 grades 4,5 and 6 will be participating in Chuggim – mini courses lasting 5 weeks each. These
will be Hebrew based enrichment activities supporting Hebrew learning in a fun and interactive way:
Hebrew in the Torah: Morah Charli will be teaching students how to identify and read the Hebrew vocabulary that
they are learning in Ivrit prayer packets in the context of the Torah, Humash, and Tanach. This chug will help the
students develop a comfort level with the Torah.
Prayer Vocabulary and Personal Prayers: Morah Ruth will be reinforcing the prayer packet vocabulary through fun
activities, such as word searches and crossword puzzles. She will also help students to use that vocabulary to
develop personal prayers that reflect themselves and their Jewish identity.
Hebrew Through Movement and Song: In this highly interactive chug, Morah Jamie will be teaching the students
common Hebrew vocabulary, such as numbers, colors, and shapes, through a variety of physical activities,
Movement, and song.
Cooking in Hebrew: In this chug, taught by Morah Nina, students will learn common Hebrew vocabulary used
around the home, especially those used in the kitchen, and be taught about kashrut (kosher laws). Students may
find themselves using Hebrew to make their own special treats.
Journalism in Hebrew: Morah Elyse will be teaching students how to bring their vocabulary knowledge to the
written page. Each five week session will produce some sort of written/video document that highlights common
Hebrew vocabulary.
The following T’filot will be learned. Students’ progress at their own pace, and use a variety of tools for accessing the
prayer text, the meaning of the prayer, the choreography of praying as well as its place in the service. Teachers guide
and support students’ learning of the prayers in small groups. Goals of T’fila lessons are accurate Hebrew reading and
decoding, prayer proficiency, understanding of prayer meaning, siddur familiarity and sanctuary choreography.
Oseh Shalom
Yismechu HaShamayim
L’chu Neranena
Romemu
Shalom Aleichem
V’Shamru
Ein K’Eloheinu
Hatikvah
Sh’ma/V’ahavta
Kiddush
Avot, G’vurot, Kedushah
Birchot HaShachar
L'Cha Dodi (First 3 & last stanzas)
Mizmor Shir Lyom Hashabat
Ahavat Olam
Baruch Sh’amar
Chatzi Kaddish
Kaddish Shaleim, Kaddish Yatom
Hallelu
Aleinu
Adon Olam
Ashrei
Mi Chamocha (up to “oseh fele”)
Page 38
Page 16
Page 15
Page 19
Page 12
Page 34
Page 182
Page 395
Page 112-113
Page 49
Page 156b-157
Page 65
Page 21-22
Page 23
Page 29
Page 83
Page 106
Page 181, 184
Page 100
Page 183
Page 187
Page 96
Page 32/114
Torah Service/other –
Torah Blessings
Page 142
Sh’ma/Gadlu;
Page 141
Ein Kamocha / Av Harahamim; Kee Mitziyon
Page 139
V'Zot Hatorah,
Page 154
Eitz Chayim
Page 146
Haftarah Blessings
Page 146-147
Haftarah Trope
Sim Shalom – first part
Page 161
Tzadik K’tamar
Page 23
Musaf Mizmor L'David
Kdusha
Yismechu
Page 20
Page 157
Page 159
K’sharim (Connections) – Zayin &Chet – 7th and 8th grades
Goals
1. Connect with each other – through a variety of activities and experiences (watching movies and having discussions,
working on a project, providing a service, sharing a meal, celebrating Shabbat) the students will connect to each other
and build a pre-teen TBT community. Students will also develop strategies together to deal with the challenges of being
Jewish in a non-Jewish world.
2. Connect with TBT community – through holiday events (Chanukkah, Shabbat etc.) and volunteering in the religious
school as Madrichim, the students will connect to the TBT community.
3. Connect with larger community – Through experiences as volunteers in the community (Homeless shelter, food
pantry, Farm Pond etc.) and through conversations and discussions, students will deepen their understanding of social
service as a basis in Jewish living, as well as explore a variety of ways to live Jewishly in a non-Jewish society.
Schedule: Sunday mornings 10:30-12:30.
Curriculum will vary based on students’ interest:
 Israel - exploring the country, culture, and interacting with Israeli teens
 Current events in the Jewish world - News, politics, Jewish law
 Teen topics like: bullying, relationships, ethical issues etc. and how to relate to them Jewishly.
 Jewish cooking - hands on experiences
 Tikkun Olam - social service and helping others, including field trips
 What makes me Jewish? What does being Jewish mean to me?
 Exploring the texts, rules and rituals of Judaism through making personal and meaningful connections.
 Watching movies (with Jewish topics/ that can be discussed from Jewish perspective) and having discussions
 Jewish art - making artistic expressions of Jewish nature, learning about Jewish artists.
 Holocaust - learn about the history, the people and poems/art that came from WWII
K’sharim will also participate in a program called ‘B’nai Telem’ to meet the Tikkun Olam goals of the program.
B'nai TELEM is a community service and Jewish learning program sponsored by JCRC (Jewish Community Relations
Council). It provides opportunities for young teens to see where they can have an impact in and around the wider
community, including site visits. In addition to helping others, teens learn about the values that have guided Jews for
thousands of years through conversation and reflection.