Hebrew School
The Hebrew program at Temple Beth-El begins when students are enrolled in Grade 3. Our primary objective of this five year curriculum is for students to navigate the siddur (prayer book) confidently. In addition, modern Hebrew is a fun way to enhance their reading skills and for students to truly realize that Hebrew is a modern, living language. Classroom visits by Israeli emissaries emphasize that and introduce modern Israel to the students. Students supplement classroom activities by engaging in Hebrew studies in our state-of-the-art computer lab. Students are required to attend worship services to further enhance their grasp of the siddur and prepare for their b’nei mitzvah.
Students in Grade 3 (Bereshit) are introduced to the Hebrew alphabet and will learn to recognize, name, and write all of the letters and vowels of the alef bet (alphabet). They learn to decode simple combinations of letters and vowels and begin to learn a basic cultural vocabulary of Hebrew words. Bereshit students learn to recite the following prayers: Shema, Barechu, Chanukah Blessings, Four Questions, Shabbat Table Blessings.
Students in Grade 4 (Shemot) begin their in-depth study of prayers in the siddur. They focus on the concepts and themes of the Barechu, Shema / V’ahavta, Yotzer Or / Ma’ariv Aravim, and Mi Chamocha. They also learn to recite the Torah blessings. Students will expand their Hebrew vocabulary and engage in simple conversational Hebrew.
Students in Grade 5 (Vayikra) continue their in-depth study of prayers and focus on the concepts and themes of the Avot v’Imahot, Gevurot, Kedusha, Kedushat Ha-Yom Shel Shabbat (Veshamru, Yismechu), Shalom Rav, Sim Shalom and Kaddish. Students will continue to reinforce their Hebrew vocabularies, improving their familiarity with Hebrew as a modern language.
Students in Grade 6 (Bemidbar) continue to practice their fluency and accuracy in reading prayers and focus on the concepts and themes of the following: Ein Kamocha, Av Harachamim, Kee Mitziyon, L’cha Adonai, Birchot Hatorah, Birchot Hahaftarah, V’zot Hatorah, Eitz Hayyim Hee, Al Sh’loshah D’varim, Aleinu, Kaddish, Ein Keloheinu, Modeh Ani, and Hashkiveinu. Bemidbar students will develop competence and confidence in leading their peers in worship services. They will continue to reinforce their Hebrew vocabularies, improving their familiarity with Hebrew as a modern language.
Students in Grade 7 (Devarim) meet monthly with the Associate Rabbi and Cantor and participate in the Rabbi’s Workshop. They become familiar with the central texts of the Jewish tradition including TaNaKh, Midrash, Mishnah, Talmud, etc.
Our Mechinah program provides an educational environment for students with special learning needs to become successful, secure Hebrew language learners in preparation for their becoming B’nei Mitzvah.
Religious School Curriculum
