Judaic Studies Curriculum

The Abrams Hebrew Academy Judaic studies curriculum integrates Hebrew throughout the entire curriculum. First graders are immersed in a Hebrew environment based on the innovative Tal-Am Hebrew curriculum that integrates the heritage and communicative aspects of the language.

Language Studies

The goal of learning Hebrew is to integrate the language throughout all areas of the Judaic studies program. Based on individual ability, students are divided into varying skill and challenge levels. They learn linguistic elements such as the aleph-bet, vocabulary and grammar directly from the subject matter. The curriculum focuses on tefillot-prayers and berakhot-blessings. Students are encouraged to participate in daily conversations about the world around them. An emphasis is placed on answering in complete sentences; on learning to listen and comprehend both teachers and fellow students; and on becoming comfortable with reading and understanding the stories and songs that comprise the curriculum.

Judaic Studies

Language skills are applied in a positive, supportive, and joyful manner as first graders learn about the holidays through studying laws and customs, creating holiday projects, and participating in special programs and trips. Students also study Parshat HaSavuah-the weekly Torah portion, and become familiar with Bible stories, and the lessons of midot-values and mitzvoth-commandments rooted in these tales. Berakhot-blessings are taught experientially through foods and activities that relate to upcoming holidays and the world around them.

First Grade Siddur Play

The First Grade Siddur Play, presented each spring, gives first graders a chance to showcase their mastery of their Judaic studies. The students present a delightful and memorable performance, comprised of recitation, song, music, and dance, all in Hebrew. The highlight of the event for parents is the unforgettable creative display of knowledge and love of learning showcased by their children. The highlight of the event for the students is when they receive their own, personal siddurim-prayer books.

In second grade, students build upon the knowledge acquired in first grade, strengthening their reading, writing and conversational skills, building vocabulary, and gaining confidence in their acquisition and fluency of a second language.

Language Studies

Hebrew language is used throughout the Judaic studies curriculum. Having mastered Tal-Am Level 1 curriculum in first grade, students progress to Tal-Am 2 level curriculum to further develop vocabulary, grammar and conversational and comprehension skills. Based on their ability students are divided into varying skill and challenge levels. Students listen to, and learn to comprehend stories and poems read by their teacher; ask and answer questions in full sentences; read and understand the stories and questions from the textbook; and learn to write the Hebrew cursive alphabet.

Judaic Studies

Judaic Studies curriculum for second grade focuses on the Chumash (Bible) and Dinim U’Minhagim (Laws and Customs). Students are introduced to the study of the Bible through the story of Noah’s Ark, (Parshat Noach) and follow this parsha with Parshat Lech Lecha. In conjunction with the biblical text, students use a beginner’s textbook to begin to develop biblical reading skills and to build their Biblical Hebrew vocabulary.

Dinim U’Minhagim – Laws and Customs

Students study laws and customs by focusing ton the various Jewish holidays that take place throughout the school year, from Rosh HaShanh through Shavauot. Students learn various berakhot-blessings, and study and perform acts of chesed-kindness, as their awareness of derekh eretz-proper respect is developed. Weekly Shabbat parties imbue the students with a deep respect and anticipation of this most special holiday. In addition to traditional religious holidays, students also learn about modern observances and holidays such as Tu B’Shevat-Festivalof Trees, Yom Ha Shoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Yom Ha’atzmaut-Israeli Independence Day.

Third graders continue to grow in their study of Chumash -Bible, and they add Rashi to their growing list of skills. In Ivrit, they broaden their reading and writing abilities. New Tefilot are introduced, including the Shemonah Esrei, Hallel, and Kiddush for Shabbat. A strong emphasis placed on Midot-Values, and addressed topics include, the laws regarding proper speech, and respect for parents, teachers, and the elderly.

Safah -- Language Arts

Third grade Hebrew language studies reinforce what students have accomplished in first and second grade, and builds upon their knowledge and skills. Based on their ability, students are divided into varying skills and challenge levels. Students learn to listen and to comprehend both teachers and fellow students in conversation, fully describe and react to the text being studied, read and understand the literature being taught, and write descriptive and expressive paragraphs. The text used is “Ivrit Mikrah Sheli” Level 3.

Chumash – Bible

Third grade students continue their studies in Sefer Bereshit with the stories of the “Avot” and Imahot” in the Parshyyot of Chayye Sarah, Toldot, Vayetze, and Vayishlach. A reverence for the characters and the text itself is emphasized, as is the ability to apply the Torah’s events to present day life. Students are taught to read Rashi, and understand Rashi’s methodology of how to analyze and explain the text.

Dinim U’Minhagim – Laws and Customs

Along with a review of the laws relating to the Chagim, students expand their knowledge of other areas of Jewish Law. Among the topics that are studied are “The Beit Hakneset” where students get a familiarity with all the ins and outs of a synagogue, and Jewish Rituals such as Tzizit, Kiddush and Havdalah.

Tefillah – Prayer

Students regularly conduct the Shacharit Service. The “Mainstays” of Tefillah are learned this year – the Sh’ma, in its entirety, and most of the Sh’moneh Esrei. Special Tefilot are added on Chagim and Rosh Chodesh. Students develop a fluency in their siddur reading, as well as a general comprehension of the Tefilot.

Derech Eretz – Proper Respect

Students continue their exploration of topics governing proper conduct among people. Among the topics covered are “Bein Adam La-chavero”-interpersonal relationships and honoring parents, teachers and the elderly.

Fourth graders progress in their study of Chumash-Bible, and add the study of Navi-Prophets, as they continue to broaden their skills and knowledge base. They grow in their knowledge of and familiarity with Tefillah Prayer, and grow more comfortable with the siddur.

Safah -- Language Arts

Fourth grade students have a fluency and confidence that allow them to further intensify their Hebrew studies. The goal of learning Hebrew is to integrate the language throughout the Judaic studies curriculum. Based on their ability, students are divided into varying skill and challenge levels. Students learn to listen and comprehend oral reading of both teachers and fellow students, and follow classroom discussions; converse about daily issues and respond and offer judgment about subjects being discussed; learn to perfect their reading of texts, with an emphasis on pronunciation, and write properly structured sentences and short paragraphs on topics being studied. The text is Mikrah She’li Level 4.

Chumash and Navi - Bible and Prophets

Students study the stories of Jacob and Joseph and his brothers as they learn the parashiyyot of Vayishlach, Vayeshev, Miketz, Vayiggash, Vayechi. Students build on their skills in reading commentaries and refine their ability to discuss concepts coherently. Students begin their study of Navi-Prophets with the first ten and last ten chapters of the book of Joshua, learning about the conquest of the land of Israel. The students learn the vocabulary of the Navi and relate the narrative to the map of Israel. They are encouraged to relate events in the Navi to previously studied Bible selections, and to develop pride in the sovereignty of the Jewish people.

Dinim U’Minhagim – Laws and Customs

Students add to their knowledge of the halakhot-religious laws of the various holidays, and progress toward a fondness for their heritage. They learn the laws of Torah reading, details about the Written Torah and the Oral Torah. The students begin studying the laws of Shabbat, including the source for the thirty-nine melakhot (types of work forbidden on the Shabbat) and other guiding principles.

Tefillah – Prayer

As students continue their daily Shacharit services, new tefillot are added to the repertoire, in addition to completing the Sh’monah Esrei. Students become knowledgeable in the format of the daily siddur as well as the Shabbat siddur.

Derech Eretz – Proper Respect

In the next stage of their exploration of interpersonal conduct, students learn the laws of respect for peers as well as for property. Students study the laws as well as their underlying social values, learning how to carry what they’ve learned into the “Real World”

Fifth Grade is somewhat of a transitional year as the students get prepared for middle school. In Tefilah, students learn the ins and outs of, and how to take part in, “Tefilah Bitzibur”- Public Prayer (Minyan), which they will be attending in middle school. In Chumash -Bible, Dinim-Laws and Safah-Language, the students are given a deeper understanding of these subjects enabling them to make a smooth change to the higher intensity of middle school.

Chumash and Navi - Bible and Prophets

Chumash study begins with the book of Sh’mot-Exodus. The Parshiot of Shmot through Be’shalach (and if time allows – Yitro) are covered. In Navi-Prophets the students study the book of Shofetim-Judges through the story of Shimshon. Students learn how to read independently by identifying Biblical Hebrew roots to help determine the meaning of the new words. Fifth graders perfect their reading of Rashi and learn to predict Rashi’s questions as they become more familiar with his style.

Dinim U’Minhagim – Laws and Customs

The fifth graders, study many of the laws that pertain to the Beit Hakneset-Synagogue. Included in this are, Chazarat Hashatz, Kedushah, Kadish, and Kriat Hatorah, and other sections of the prayers, they will soon encounter when they move up to pray with a Minyan in the Middle School.

Tefillah – Prayer

The fifth graders fill in the “missing pieces” of the Shacharit prayers that they have yet to learn to complete the morning prayers. Pe’sukai Di’zimrah, Tachanun, and Ashrei – Uvah Le’tzion, and the full Hallel are examples of this.

Safah – Language Arts

Fifth graders continue to hone the skills and knowledge learned in the previous years. Goals for language skills include the ability to comprehend the text without the aid of translation; to use oral expression about daily topics, and to compose short essays on their own. The text is Sheetatet Aleph- Systematic Hebrew #1

Mishnah / Talmud

The sixth grade begins to study Mishnah, with an emphasis on the relationship mitzvot bein adam la-chavero. Students study selected Mishnayot from Seder Nezikin covering the laws of damages, theft, loss, partnerships and negligence. The curriculum teaches students practical rules of behavior and sensitizes them in their dealings with others.

Tanach

Sixth Grade students study the Parshiot that contain within them the bulk of the Mitzvot in the Torah. This includes the Parshiot of Mishpatim, Kedoshim, and Ki Teitzei. The students have the opportunity to see the synthesis between the Written (Sheh’ Bechtav) and the Oral (Shebeh’al Peh) Torah, as they begin with the simple P’sukim and gain a broader understanding through Mishna and Talmudic sources. In Navi they study Shmuel Alef and Bet. Students learn to become increasingly sensitive to the use of language in the Tanach. For instance, they are taught to identify and analyze additional words in the text, repetitive statements and unusual dialogue.

Halacha-Jewish Law

The Sixth grade Halacha curriculum compliments, and corresponds to the students’ study of Chumash this year. As mentioned, the sixth graders concentrate on the Parshiot in the Torah that have many of the Mitvot. Some of the Mitzvot that are discussed in great detail are the Chagim-Holidays, the Mitzvot associated with the Land of Israel (i.e. Sh’mittah-Sabbatical Year, Bekurim-First Fruits, Terumah-Tithing of crops by the farmer, etc.) and Shabbat.

Safah – Language Arts

The sixth grade Hebrew curriculum continues to build on the fifth grade curriculum, with a strong stress on reading and oral vocabulary. An emphasis is placed on fluid natural conversation to be spoken confidently with feeling and expression. The text is Sheetatit Bet.

Mishnah / Talmud

In seventh grade students begin the study of Talmud. Students focus on selected chapters (which vary year to year) which discuss applicable every day Jewish Laws, while also building a foundation for all future Talmudic Study. The texts include Perek Tefilat Hashachar (laws of prayer), and Perek Kaitzad Meh’vorchim (laws of B’rachot), among others.

Tanach

Seventh Grade students study the Book of Bamidbar – the Parshiot of Sh’lach through Balak. In Navi they learn the key events in the Books of Melachim. Seventh graders learn to read individual Pesukim with the correct intonation. They learn to figure out the basic point of a Pasuk without knowing the meaning of every word.

Halacha-Jewish Law

The seventh grade studies, some of the Halachot that are applicable on a daily basis. The ins and outs of Kashrut are taught extensively, as are the Laws of Tzeddakah.

Safah – Language Arts

Seventh Grade continues to help students progress in their facility with the Hebrew Language. Goals include the ability to understand texts read by the teacher without preparation of difficult vocabulary, and ability to understand conversations between teacher and student on topics drawn from everyday experiences. Students can express themselves on a variety of topics, including biographies of their own family members and their own thoughts and feelings. Students learn to read and comprehend both literary texts and selections from newspapers. The text is Sheetatit Gimmel.

Mishnah / Talmud

Eighth Grade continues to study texts that teach basic fundamental understanding of the methodology of the dynamics of the Gemarah. Attention is given to assure that the students will be amply prepared for any Talmudic Program in the various high schools that they will attend.

Tanach

Eighth grade students study selected topics in the Book of Devarim. Students continue to develop the skills they have learned and learn how to understand an unfamiliar word by its content or by knowing its familiar usage in other places in the Torah.

Halacha-Jewish Law

Consistent with goals of an education that will last long beyond graduation from Abrams; the eighth graders study the Jewish Life Cycle. This important unit covers all stages of Jewish life, from birth, through death and bereavement.

Safah – Language Arts

The Eighth Grade Hebrew curriculum gives students the ability and confidence that they will need for high school Hebrew studies. Goals include the ability to read and understand stories, diaries, and articles, (from current Israeli papers such as Yediot Acharonot and Ma’ariv) and to write personal essays such as, autobiographies, their plans for the future and interviews with teachers. The text is Sheetatit Dalet.

middle school

Middle school is where students begin to learn their obligations and place in the Jewish community at large. Students are given the tools to not only be committed members of Am Yisrael, but also the charge to one day become leaders in their communities. The students participate in a daily Minyanim (separate but equal for both boys and girls) where they gain hands on experience as the Ba’alei Tefilah, Ba’alei Kriah, and Gaba’im of the Minyan. The learning repertoire is expanded with the addition of Torah Shebeh’al Peh (Mishna and Talmud) in addition to their Tanach studies. The Hebrew language program takes on a new intensity as the students are given a deeper understanding and appreciation for Ivrit. The culmination of this well-rounded Jewish education is the yearly eighth-grade trip to Israel where the students experience firsthand all that they have been studying.

 

Mishnah / Talmud

The Talmud curriculum is divided into two parts. Students in grade six study Mishnah. Students in grade seven and grade eight study Talmud. The curriculum seeks to teach the historical development of the Talmud, the relationships between the Torah she-bi-Khetav and the Torah she-be-al Peh, and the Talmudic method of learning through questions and answers. Students are taught how to read and translate the text, search for alternative meanings and to anticipate questions and answers. The program teaches students how to read and understand the Talmud on their own, as well as how to study with a chavruta and in a classroom. Students are encouraged to think analytically and to debate openly with their classmates and teachers. Students also learn many practical halakhot, aggadot and Talmudic morals and values.

Tanach

The Tanach curriculum seeks to teach students how to read and study the texts, study Rashi’s commentary, and learn Torah independently. Through the study of Tanach, students learn the values and Mitzvot of the Torah. The curriculum enables students to appreciate Torah values, incorporate such values in their daily lives, and enjoy the study of Tanach.

Jewish History

Unique to the seventh and eighth grades is a comprehensive study of Jewish History. A strong emphasis is put on this topic to give the students an appreciation of who they are and where they’ve come from. Students get an understanding of their vital role in being the next link in our unbroken chain of glorious history.

Since December of 1999, Abrams Hebrew Academy has been taking its 8th grade to Israel each year, we have brought hundreds of students to the Kotel to receive their diplomas. Our belief is that our students should have a love and passion for Israel at an early age. We prepare our 8th grade all year for their trip, teaching them the fundamentals about the land. Once we take our trip, our students have an eye opening experience. They have a full understanding of the importance of the State of Israel and a meaning for the Jewish people to have a home.This remarkable experience culminates their Abrams education and encourages our students to move forward with a lifetime understanding of what it means to be a proud Jew, Zionist, and an American.This truly magical experience is once in a lifetime, and Abrams is proud to share these memory-making moments with our students and their families.

We have also seen our students flourish and go on to study in Israel, post high school or even making Aliyah. Many of our students have relayed to us that from their 8th grade Israel trip, they had become inspired and had an intense yearning to be in Israel.