The Rabbi Harvey M. Tattelbaum School of Judaism curriculum builds a foundation of knowledge in the areas of Jewish studies, prayer (t’filah), and Hebrew language. We strongly encourage parents to enroll children in Kindergarten and look forward to students continuing through 12th Grade. High School students may enhance their Jewish learning by participating in our active Temple youth group (TaSTY), serving as teaching assistants in the school, as well as learning together in our Upper School program.
The Religious School Committee worked together to express the following goals for The Rabbi Harvey M. Tattelbaum School of Judaism:
Learners of all ages will be on personal journeys toward lives that are…
Guided by Jewish ethics, values, and ideals.
Actively engaged with our congregational community and the Jewish People.
Lived meaningfully with Jewish practice and tradition.
Prayer Curriculum
The name of our Temple is Shaaray Tefila, which means “gates of prayer.” As Reform Jews, we may struggle to find our way through these gates and the prayer book as we hope to find meaning, comfort, and inspiration through the words of our liturgy. One of our goals is to teach Jewish prayer skills to students in a manner that reinforces and develops Jewish ethical insights and knowledge.Once a week, students in grades K-5 will meet together in the Sanctuary to supplement their classroom learning and worship together.
5X(by)5 Hebrew Reading Program
5 X 5 is an elective home Hebrew reading program for students in 3rd through 6th Grade. Students can choose to participate in this home Hebrew reading program by agreeing to read their assigned grade-level prayers for five minutes a day five days a week. Students will receive a five by five reading card that will need to be signed by a parent on each reading day and returned to your child’s teacher at the end of each week. Each month, students who complete the five by five program will be recognized in the Schmooze News and will be awarded with a special gift.
Hebrew Instruction
The Hebrew language has carried the hopes, prayers, and ideas of the Jewish people for centuries. Students will formally begin Hebrew studies in the Third Grade.
In grades 3-5, we are continuing to use Mitkadem, (advancement) published by the Reform Movement. The curriculum uses a self-directed approach encouraging the students to focus on activities during class time that interest each student. Each unit, or ramah, has four components: reading, grammar, information about the prayer and vocabulary. At the end of each ramah, the student is assessed by taking both a written test and a reading test and then moves on to the next ramah.
Students in grades K-2 participate in our Hebrew immersion program. They are exposed to and learn basic Hebrew words and phrases through hands-on activities and games.
Music
“Sing a new song unto God, sing unto God all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1) ReligiousSchool music is especially joyous and fun, filled with singing of music both old and new. Music is an important learning tool to help students internalize Jewish tradition, texts, and culture. Students will learn about the holidays, Jewish life cycle, liturgy, and other Jewish texts throughout the year. Each year of music is progressive so that students who continue in the program will have a comprehensive knowledge of Jewish music. Every student in Kindergarten-Fifth Grade will have the opportunity to participate in a fun and engaging song session once a week.
