CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM



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CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

5773 - 5774

PARENT HANDBOOK

2013 - 2014

“The Religious School at Congregation Achduth Vesholom seeks to provide an enriching learning experience that engenders a deeper, more purposeful appreciation of our students’ spiritual heritage.”

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

...To implant in our students and their families a feeling of belonging to the Jewish community.

...To teach Jewish values, traditions, history, and culture.

...To create meaningful Jewish experiences for our children so that Judaism becomes a positive intellectual and emotional experience that brings pleasure, beauty and joy of life.

...To strengthen and reinforce Jewish associations within the lives of our

young people, so that the TEMPLE and HOME become the centers for Jewish life and values.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement/Aims and Objectives 2

Table of Contents 3

A Message from Our Rabbi 4

A Message from Our Directors of Religious and Hebrew Education 5

A Message from Our Religious School Committee Chair 6

5773 - 5774 Religious School Calendar/Schedule 7

Tuesday Hebrew School Calendar 7

Family Shabbat Services and Dinners 8

High School Schedule 8

5773 - 5774 B'nei Mitzvah Dates and Other Important Events 9

High School Senior Class Schedule 9

Special Events 10

FOrTY Event Dates 10

Program Descriptions 11

NFTY-Ohio Regional Events Calendar 13

Registration Fees and Payment Plan 14

Regulations and Policies 15

Curriculum 17

Hebrew Objectives for Bar/Bat Mitzvah 32

Family Roster 33

Staff Roster 35

Student Roster 36

Dear Religious School Families,

Shalom and b’ruchim haba’im, welcome back to school!

Another exiting year is beginning during which we will again hearken to the words of our Torah, ve-shinantam le-vanecha ve-dibbarta bam …, “teach them faithfully to your children, and speak of them …” As countless generations before us, the establishment of houses of study has been a foundational pillar of every congregation that engages in the sacred task of teaching our traditions, history and values to the next generation.

I want you to know that you are welcome, that we want you here, and that we need you to be involved in the education of your children. From the onset, be certain that you are welcome to come and talk to me at any time, and for any reason –complaint and praise alike. The door to my study is always open and my listening ears always tuned to your comments, suggestions and concerns.

We are blessed with a group of talented educators whose dedication is admirable and who year after year strive to provide the highest levels of Jewish education. Jewish education is a communal enterprise, and we Jews have been practicing community learning since immemorial times. Already when we were nomads, in the wilderness of Sinai, Moses told the children of Israel to “gather the people –men, women, children, and the strangers in your communities- that they may hear and so learn …” (Deut. 31:12). A community that values learning at every level is a sacred community. Jewish learning does not begin and end with religious education. If we are to develop well-rounded, healthy and compassionate individuals with a strong Jewish identity, we all must set the example for them to see. Our goal should be a community of learners, from the youngest to the oldest.

By joining us and entrusting your children’s Jewish education to our school, you have already taken a very important first step in that direction. I know it is a challenge to juggle our busy lives from sports events, to extracurricular activities and it would not be realistic to ask you to place our school at the top of your priorities. Would you consider giving us a spot in the upper half? We want your children and you to be a part of the process. With your active support and involvement, our promise to reach for the highest standards of Jewish education in our area would be even stronger.

In the coming months, I am looking forward sharing in the life of our congregation together. “May the favor of our God be upon us! Let the work of our hands prosper ...” (Ps. 90:17).

Rabbi Javier E. Cattapan

Shalom,

Welcome students and parents to another exciting religious and Hebrew school year. We will continue using the Mitkadem program this coming school year

Mitkadem is an exciting five-year Hebrew curriculum that I feel confident will generate enthusiasm and excitement from both our students and parents. The students will learn to read Hebrew and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they progress through a series of well organized, stimulating, and self-paced ramot (levels).

Mitkadem offers a new approach to teaching and learning Hebrew and prayers. It is a self-paced and child-centered approach that allows each student to achieve according to his/her own ability, so learning challenged students and frequent absentees feel successful as well as those students who are very motivated and catch on quickly. The content of the program should seem familiar to other Hebrew programs; the approach is new.

I look forward to working towards the success of our Hebrew students in the Mitkadem program and to help our children move from strength to strength!

Chazak Chazak V’nitchazeik (be strong, be strong, and we will be stronger)!

Nili Ben-Yehoshua

Director of Hebrew Education

The CHAI Curriculum was first introduced by the Union for Reform Judaism (then known as the UAHC--Union of Associated Hebrew Congregations) in 1999 and since then has grown considerably in the number of congregations implementing it.

By the time students reach our High School program, we hope they have learned to be more analytical and think on a more adult level. I believe the CHAI Curriculum will help foster and build those skills in a more unified and incremental manner than any other curriculum implemented in our school.

The CHAI Curriculum relies on parental involvement at home and in the classroom. We will continue to give students skills to practice and master in the hope of reaching heights never before realized by our school. I invite all parents, grandparents and interested others to join our entire Religious School staff and our wonderful student body in this endeavor. In partnering together, we can only go "CHAI-er and CHAI-er!"

L'Shalom,

Bonnie Pomerantz

Director of Religious Education

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR

Welcome back to Religious School for what we anticipate to be another enjoyable and exciting year!

I hope that you all had a wonderfully relaxing summer! Our incredible Director of Religious Education Bonnie Pomerantz and amazing Director of Hebrew/Israel Education, Nili Ben-Yehoshua have spent much of the summer planning, learning and working with our Religious school teachers in an effort to educate our Temple’s students as effectively as possible.

For religious education this year, we are continuing the use of our CHAI curriculum. The CHAI curriculum focuses on the most important values of Jewish life and learning which are Torah, Avodah and G’milut Chasadim. We have successfully introduced the Reform Movement’s Mitkadem Hebrew program into our curriculum for our Hebrew education. Our students are not only able to begin learning and becoming familiar with Hebrew at an earlier age but the program assists each child individually with building their reading, vocabulary and grammar levels.

Our goal is to help make Judaism as a whole meaningful to our children, therefore encouraging them to participate in the prayers of Jewish holidays, rituals, life cycles and traditions. We also encourage all parents to bring their children to services so they can experience the beauty of these prayers first hand in our services. There are several services set up this year to involve younger children to feel part of the whole congregation and we look forward to seeing you all there.

If you would like further details about the CHAI curriculum or about Mitkadem, information is available on the Union for Reform Judaism website:

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Wishes for an amazing year!

Leah Hadashi

l.hadashi@

Religious School Committee Chair

CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CALENDAR

5773 - 5774 (2013 - 2014) Zera – 8th Grade Schedule

Sessions meet from 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

September 8, 22, 29

October 6, 27

November 3, 10, 17, 24

December 8, 15 (Maccabiah Games)

January 12, 26

February 2, 9, 23

March 2, 9, 16 (Purim Carnival after class), 23

April 13, 27

May 4 (Final Session)

TUESDAY HEBREW CLASSES: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (4th – 6th Grade)

September: 10, 17, 24

October: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November: 5, 12, 19

December: 3, 10, 17

January: 7, 14, 21, 28

February: 4, 11, 18, 25

March: 4, 11 (Hamentashen making @6:30 p.m.), 18, 25

April: 8, 22, 29 (Final Session)

CELL PHONES

Cell phones must not be seen, heard or used by students in any way upon entry into the Temple and through the end of the religious school day.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Sunday school – In the event of inclement weather, a calling post will go out to all religious school families, teachers and aides no later than 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday Hebrew School – If Fort Wayne Community Schools are closed, then we are closed. In the event that the weather takes a turn for the worse, a calling post will go out to all Hebrew school families and teachers no later than 4 p.m.

As always, please use your discretion regarding the weather. You and your family’s health and safety are always the top priority.

FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICES AND MEALS

Each meal is open to ALL families.

Tuesday, December 3 – Latke Party

Friday, January 24 - GUCIBAT

Friday, April 25 – L’dor Vador/Elder Shabbat

SPONSOR A SIMCHA:

Celebrate your child’s birthday, say thank you to a teacher, or share a simcha

by sponsoring the challah for a Religious School meal. Your donation of $25

will provide challah at a monthly Shabbat meal and help the Temple keep

prices modest for these gatherings. Your thoughtful donation will be

highlighted that evening. Multiple sponsors are welcome for a given month.

Contact Bonnie Pomerantz or the Temple office to request a date for your

celebration.

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE 5773 - 5774 (2013 - 2014)

Sessions meet from 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

September 8, 22, 29

October 6, 27

November 3, 10, 17

December 8, 15 (Maccabiah Games in morning. No afternoon class)

January 12, 26

February 2, 9, 23

March 2, 9, 16 NO CLASS -Purim Carnival, 23

April 12 (Saturday – Little River Wetlands), 27 (Final Session)

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Special Family Education Events:

Our Torah, Talmud and Commentaries are full of references to the world, ecology and the beauties of nature as well as our responsibilities we have to preserve and maintain our environment.

the prudent use of natural resources is a strong Jewish Value. the mitzvah Bal tash’hit (do not destroy) commands us not to waste natural resources and not to pollute the earth. By doing this we are practicing tikkun olam – helping to repair the world.

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□ Zera – Kindergarten – Saturday October 26, 2013 – Little River Wetlands from 9 am – 10am - Seasonal Changes, Fall on the marsh is a breathtaking display of colors and changes! We will start with an interactive in the barn followed by a short hike looking at how the marsh prepares for winter while displaying a living rainbow of plants, wildflowers, and animals which includes a scavenger hunt of colors. Dress accordingly, if it has been raining boots are recommended.

□ 1st and 2nd Grade – Saturday, November 2, 2013 – Little River Wetlands from 11 am – 12:15 pm - Seeds: The Marsh’s Grocery Store!, The variety of plants found on the marsh feed the animals that live here in the winter with food. We will start with a seed activity in the barn followed by a hike looking for the “grocery store” on the marsh. Dress accordingly, if it has been raining boots are recommended.

□ 6th – 8th Grade – Saturday, October 26, 2013 – Chicago Holocaust Museum all day trip

□ 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade – Saturday, December 14, 2013 – Little River Wetlands from 11 am – 12:15 pm - Secondary Signs: Scat and Tracks, Everything poops on the marsh (except people)! We will look at samples (plastic) of scat from the variety of animals that live on the marsh and then make some scat samples (using play-dough) that you can take home. We will then go on a hike where we will look for signs made by the animals that live at Eagle Marsh during the winter. Dress accordingly, if it has been raining or snowing, boots are recommended.

□ 6th, 7th and 8th Grade – Saturday, March 8, 2014 – Little River Wetlands from 9:30 am – 11 am - Insects: You Can’t Have Just One! We will start with an interactive in the barn. Since so many insects start their lives in the water, we will go outside to do some pond dipping to see what swims and wiggles in our water. Then it is off to explore the trails looking for flying insects and the plants necessary to keep them alive.

□ 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grade – Saturday, April 12, 2014 – Little River Wetlands from 11 am – 12:30 pm - Why Eagle Marsh is so Important! We will test the water quality of the marsh as well as do some pond dipping to see what swims and wiggles in our water. Then we will hike the variety of ecosystems present on the marsh exploring the three main reasons why a marsh is so vital to you and the Fort Wayne area.

B’NEI MITZVAH AND OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:

2013 - 2014

November 16, 2013 Bat Mitzvah of Tal Ben-Yehoshua

December 7, 2013 Bat Mitzvah of Meagan Barasch

2013 2014

EREV ROSH HASHANAH: Wed. Sept. 4 (8 p.m.) TU B’SHEVAT SEDER:

ROSH HASHANAH: Thursday, Sept. 5 PURIM: Friday, March 14

(See Bulletin for Services Schedule) PURIM CARNIVAL: Sunday, March 16

KOL NIDRE: Friday, September 13 PESACH: Monday, April 14

YOM KIPPUR: Saturday, September 14 PESACH: Tuesday, April 15, Congregational

(See Bulletin for Services Schedule) Second Seder

SUKKOT: Friday, September 20 L’DOR VADOR: Friday, April 25

SIMCHAT TORAH AND CONSECRATION HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Friday, September 27 (6:30 p.m.) and TEACHER APPRECIATION

HANUKKAH: Begins Thursday, Nov. 28 SERVICE:

SHAVUOT and CONFIRMATION: Friday, May 30

WEBSITE: – Great Resource – Full of Information – Check it out frequently!!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Tuesday, September 17: Pizza in the hut and decorating the Sukkah

Friday, September 20: Sukkot Service & Prayerbook presentation

Friday, September 27: Simchat Torah service and Consecration

Friday – Saturday, October 11 – 12: Stars & S’Mores Congregational Retreat

Thursday, October 17: Corned Beef Fundraiser

Friday, October 25: Religious School participation in Shabbat Services

Saturday, October 26: Zera – Kindergarten Family Ed at Little Rivers Wetland

Saturday, Octrober 26: 6th – 8th Graders and Family members to Chicago Holocaust Museum – all day trip

Saturday, November 2: 1st & 2nd Grade Family Ed at Little Rivers Wetland

Friday, November 15: Religious School participation in Shabbat Services

Sunday, November 24: Holiday Cookie Making

Tuesday, November 26: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, December 3: Latke Party

Saturday, December 14: 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Family Ed at Little Rivers Wetland

Sunday, December 15: Maccabiah Games

Friday, January 24: GUCIBAT

Friday, February 28: Haimish Shabbat and Religious School participation in Shabbat Services

Saturday, March 8: 6th,, 7th and 8th Grade Family Ed at Little Rivers Wetland

Tuesday, March 11: Hamentaschen baking at 6:30 p.m

Friday, March 14: Purim Service

Sunday, March 16: Purim Carnival

Saturday, April 12: 9th – 12th Grade Family Ed at Little Rivers Wetland

Sunday, April 13: Pesach Mock Seder

Tuesday, April 15: Congregational 2nd Seder

Tuesday, April 25: L’dor Vador Dinner and Shabbat Service

Sunday, April 27: Last day of High School

Tuesday, April 29: Last day of Hebrew School

Sunday, May 4: Last day of Religious School

Friday, May 30: Shavuot and Confirmation

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PJ Shabbat Services:

September 20 January 17

October 18 February 14

November 22 March 21

December 13 April 18

May 16

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Our Religious School offers a range of programs for children and young adults. These programs are briefly summarized below:

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM:

*Zera / Pre-K Class/K: This class of three-year- olds, (Zera), and 4 - 5 year-olds, (Pre-K/K), meet every week as a fun/learning experience. The combined class exposes children to the Temple, the rabbi, and the staff of the school, Jewish symbols, holidays and their peers. Students who will enroll in their district’s Kindergarten program the following fall will further explore the Temple, Bible stories, Jewish life and the holidays.

(*See Grade enrollment or contact the Director of Education for eligibility.)

PRIMARY PROGRAM:

Grades1 - 2: Students in these grades meet on a weekly basis, except where noted on the school calendar. The individual curriculum for each class is found later in this booklet and is supplemented by Music, Hebrew Readiness and Holiday celebrations and observances during and outside Religious School hours.

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM:

Grades 3 - 5: These students meet each week, except where noted on the school calendar. The individual curriculum for each class is found later in this booklet and also includes 1 hour of Hebrew Instruction twice a week for 4th and 5th grade.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM:

Grades 6 - 8: This class meets each week, excepted where noted on the school calendar. This class has a separate curriculum and will meet individually (except where noted). Further information on the program’s curriculum may be found in the curriculum section of this handbook. 6th grade also includes 1 hour of Hebrew instruction twice a week.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM:

Grades 9 – 12: Our Religious School includes a special program for high school students, which is now in

its twelfth year. Teenagers enrolled in High School continue to meet each week on Sunday afternoon’s from

12:00 – 2:00 pm. Our students enjoy a meal together followed by courses encompassing a wide variety of topics related to Judaism.

FAMILY EDUCATION:

As the major role of family education develops, some basic expectations become clear. Families need tools for integrating Jewish customs, observances, and rituals into their homes. Family education will attempt to provide a level playing field for both parents and children in our school and give a basis for family celebrations of holidays and life-cycle events. Furthermore, the discussion revolving around faith issues and the role of Judaism in family life (both historically and with current relevance) will provide parents an opportunity to participate in various discussions without having to initiate them. Family Education Programs occur approximately 2 – 3 times per year in Grades K – 8.

THIS YEAR:

All enrolled students are expected to attend and participate in the Congregational Second Seder. Reservations will be requested. Cost to all enrolled students is free.

HEBREW CLASSES:

Our two-day (Sunday and Tuesday) Hebrew program begins in fourth grade and

continues through sixth grade.

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SHABBAT FAMILY / CLASS DINNERS:

Throughout the year, Religious School Classes are invited to family

Shabbat meals at the Temple. Class participation in the services, highlights the evening.

Meals usually convene at 5:45 p.m., but parents are asked to refer to the

“Reminder” flyer for correct times, what to bring, etc. There is no cost to each family. This year, all grades are invited to attend each of the scheduled Family Dinners; advance reservations are required. Contact Bonnie Pomerantz if you’d like to sponsor a challah.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

The Religious School also offers many exciting programs as part of your child’s religious education. Holiday activities (Purim Carnival, Sukkah building, etc.), trips, overnight retreats and other special programs are all part of the over all educational experience. Parents will be notified in advance of off-site activities. Students may attend field trips only if a current permission slip form is completed, signed by a parent or guardian and on file in the school office.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah:

While becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is optional, students in Grades 4-6 must complete our 3-year Hebrew program in order to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. In addition, the fourth year consists of specialized training with a tutor and the rabbi as the date approaches.

CONFIRMATION:

All children of our Congregation are expected to become confirmed in the Tenth Grade. The Rabbi teaches the class on Sunday mornings. Confirmation students will explore issues of relevance to them. In addition to the weekly study, the confirmation year involves independent research, attendance at worship services and a Confirmation Class Trip. Occasional sessions may be added on Shabbat or weekday evenings or on Sunday mornings due to special guest speakers whose message is relevant to the class or as the Rabbi deems necessary. Toward the end of the school year students shall write prayers for speeches for the confirmation service in which they shall participate.

PJ SHABBAT:

Try a new Shabbat experience beginning next month for your little ones in first grade and younger. We’ll introduce PJ (Pajama) Shabbat on selected Fridays at 6:15 p.m. for 30 minutes of singing, dancing and playing games to reinforce the Sabbath experience. It is a fun way for parents to introduce their children to services and learning to enjoy Judaism.

Following the service, we’ll have an Oneg Shabbat appropriate for little ones dressed in their jammies. Chuck Replane will lead the service. Mark your calendars for our first PJ Shabbat on Friday, September 20.

TZEDAKAH PROGRAM:

At Religious School our children’s weekly education in the recognition of Jewish responsibility is the practice of helping others in need in the Jewish community as well as those in general. Weekly collections (Tzedakah) taken in each classroom on Sunday morning’s gives each child the responsibility of learning, while putting one’s knowledge into action by accepting this responsibility. Encourage your child to share his / her good fortune by giving from their own allowances. The funds will be allocated at the end of the school year.

HOME TZEDAKAH PROGRAM

In addition to our weekly Tzedakah collections at Religious School, children and their families have an opportunity to perform the Mitzvah of Tzedakah at home. This program has been an outstanding success for many years and we know that you will continue to give it your support this year. Please note the following:

1. All children in our school will receive a Tzedakah (pushke) can to take home.

2. Families will be asked to participate in the decision making process of the distribution.

FOrTY—FORT WAYNE TEMPLE YOUTH:

The Temple Youth Group adds to and supplements on a teenage level our effort to keep young people involved in Jewish life through social programs, worship services, study / work projects, as well as “inter-city” weekends and conclaves. Our young people grow and intensify their Jewish identities through contact with other Jewish youth in our community and different cities in our region. In these “fun” settings, their Jewishness is enriched and enhanced, and their knowledge and experience enlarged. In addition, a special one-week NFTY-TUTE program providing leadership training for our teenagers is offered each summer at our Goldman Union Camp Institute at Zionsville, IN. Students become FOrTY members upon their enrollment in our High School Program. Membership dues are included in the High School Program’s tuition fees. Youth group membership is open to all Jewish teens in Fort Wayne. Membership dues are $40 per year.

NFTY-OHIO VALLEY (OV)

REGIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR 5773 - 5774 (2013 - 2014)

Event                                      Locations                                Dates

Leadership Training Institute Goldman Union Camp Institute August 30 - September 2, 2013 

NFTY-OV Fall Regionals The Temple, Louisville, KY November 22-24, 2013

NFTY-OV Study Kallah Hebrew Union College January 31 – Feb 2, 2014

Group Conclave, JYG Goldman Union Camp Institute March 28-30, 2014

NFTY-OV Spring Regionals Wise Temple, Cinn. OH April 3-6, 2014      

THINK JEWISH NEXT SUMMER

CAMP JOE LEVINE- a local Jewish camp sponsored by the Fort Wayne Jewish Federation. Camp Joe offers a unique opportunity for children in our community to continue their Jewish education and to expand their knowledge about Judaism, Hebrew language, and Israel. Each summer, two counselors from Israel come especially to the camp and implement a wonderful Judaica and Hebrew program, filled with creative games, stories, and crafts.

The program is very versatile. It is designed to meet every child’s needs, interests, and talents. In addition to Jewish education, Camp Levine offers a full range of kids’ favorite summer camp activities. Our campers enjoy swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, music and dance, sports, and playing games with our caring and enthusiastic counselors.

Camp Joe Levine is located at the beautiful Nature Reserve at Fox Island. It is run during the last three weeks in July. The registration forms are mailed in January. For more information contact the Federation office at 422-8566.

Join Camp Joe Levine and take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

The MYRON S. GOLDMAN UNION CAMP INSTITUTE at Zionsville, Indiana—a Jewish education camp of the Reform Movement—is an extension of our religious education program. We urge parents to send their children (Grades 4 – 10) to the camp for a month of Jewish camping. There is also a special 2-week camping experience for first- time campers in the 3rd/4th grades; a Summer NFTY in Israel trip for 11th graders, a 10-week AVODAH program for 12th graders, and a one-week teenage leadership institute for Temple youth. (See ForTY above.)

The Temple has several funds that help students who need financial assistance attend camp. Donations to the following funds may help a child’s dream become a reality:

CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

REGISTRATION FEES

&

PAYMENT PLAN

Registration fees for the 5773 - 5774 Religious School Year are as follows:

$300 per student in Grades Zera -3;

$530 per student in Graded 4-6; ($300 tuition plus $230 for Tuesday Hebrew Classes)

$300 per student in Grade 7 & 8

$460 per student in Grades 9-12; (Includes $300 tuition, $40 youth group dues, and $120 meal fee.)

$500 per Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidate*(See Payment Plan below)

Unsubsidized Fees:

$600 per student in Grades Zera - Grade 3

$830 per student in Grades 4-6 ($600 tuition +$230 for Tuesday Hebrew Classes);

$600 per student in Grade 7 & 8

$760 per student in Grades 9-12 ($600 tuition + $40 Youth group dues + $120 lunch fee)

PAYMENT PLAN

You are reminded of the following Temple policy:

Six months prior to any of the following events, the families involved must be current with their Temple membership dues and Religious School fees or have called the treasurer to make payment arrangements:

Consecration, Confirmation, High School Graduation, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and weddings. This policy also applies to families hoping to receive camperships.

REGULATIONS & POLICIES

(Established by the Temple Religious School Committee)

ENROLLMENT: For a child to attend the Temple Religious School, a family must maintain full membership, be in good standing at the Temple and have a commitment to raise their children in the Jewish faith.

GRADE ENROLLMENT: Children should be registered in the grade which corresponds to their public school grade. For entrance into the Zera class, a child must be three (3) years of age as corresponding with the kindergarten enrollment policy of the child’s school district.

ATTENDANCE: The Religious School requires a minimum attendance of 75% per school year. Hebrew Track students are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of Hebrew and Religious School classes combined. (Only a small percentage of the curriculum is contained in the textbooks. The remainder is taught in class and can never be made up.) Please insist that your child attend all classes and notify the Temple office if your child will be absent. Your student is expected to contact his/her teachers for homework and reading assignments when he/she is absent. A student with excessive absences (25%) may be required to complete special assignments at the end of that semester or over the summer before promotion to the next grade.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students are expected to be cooperative in our school in order to maximize the learning process. Improper language will not be tolerated. Anecdotal records will be kept on every child in our Religious School. If a pattern develops where discipline is concerned, parents will be contacted. The Religious School reserves the right to take disciplinary actions when the situation warrants it. We expect parents to be supportive of our teacher’s efforts. If you are contacted regarding a disciplinary action concerning your child, you will be expected to attend a conference with the administration outside Religious School hours prior to your child’s return to class.

DISCIPLINE POLICY: The consequences for being removed from class will be as follows: Parents will be notified after Religious School about their child’s removal from class. After three such incidents, the child will be put on an in-school suspension. A conference will be scheduled with the parents, teachers, Director of Education, Rabbi and child. Two additional removals would merit expulsion from Religious School for the remainder of that semester. Any missed work would have to be satisfactorily completed before return to class.

TARDINESS: We cannot stress strongly enough how important your responsibility is to get your children to Religious School on time. When your child arrives late, the entire class is disrupted. The child is embarrassed and loses the stimulus of beginning the lesson for the day. Be considerate of your children, their peers and their teachers.

DISMISSAL: Teachers will dismiss classes at 12:15 p.m. Parents who desire to have their children dismissed before their child’s class is over must send a note requesting this to the Religious School office. Parents must come to the Religious School office at the designated time and a staff member will notify the student. We ask that all parents wait in the lobby until 12:15 p.m. Please do not congregate in the hallways as this disrupts the end of the lesson.

TELEPHONE USE: Students must have authorization from the School office to use the telephone during the time classes are in session.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH: A child shall be at least 13 years of age to have their Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Achduth Vesholom absent special circumstance. Bar/Bat Mitzvah fees will be included in your quarterly statements, six months prior to the date.

DECORUM: In order to preserve the academic atmosphere, no parents or students will be permitted in the halls during classes, unless authorized. Parents staying in the building during classes are asked to make themselves comfortable in the Social Hall for coffee and fellowship. During the morning, several classes are taught in the library. In the library, parents may browse and check out a book to read in the Social hall or to take home.

ATTIRE: Boys and girls are expected to be dressed appropriately for assemblies and services in the Sanctuary, as proper dress and attire contributes positively to the occasion. Parents are encouraged to assist us in enforcing this policy.

VISITOR POLICY: Due to difficulties involved with the presence of guests in the School, it is required that the school be notified in advance when a guest wishes to attend. Teachers are instructed to tell parents bringing unexpected guests that they must clear it with the Director of Education. Requests for guests, including parents, must be made by calling the Director of Education at 744-4245, prior to Shabbat on Friday, so that appropriate arrangements can be made for the following Sunday.

CURRICULUM & PROGRESS UPDATES: If you have any questions regarding your child’s work and progress updates, feel free to contact his/her teacher or the Director of Education. Children doing failing work will have to make up the work over the summer; we do not have an automatic promotion policy. Children not completing their work in any given semester will have to bring their work up-to-date at the end of that semester.

WORSHIP SERVICES: Students enrolled in the Religious School Program are strongly urged to attend worship services a minimum of once a month. Parents are asked to attend Sabbath Services regularly with their children. It will become a meaningful experience for all, and give your children the opportunity to put their lessons to work. Tot Shabbat services for children ages 3-6 will be held occasionally throughout the year to encourage a positive worship experience for this age group. Our Sunday morning brief worship service / assembly for parents and their students will continue again this year beginning at 10:00 a.m for students in Zera through 3rd grade. The worship service/assembly for grades 4 – 8 will begin at 12:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to stay for adult education and Family Education Programming throughout the year.

WEDDINGS: Weddings held during Religious School hours will not supersede the needs of the Sunday school and, therefore, are discouraged. The Temple Religious School Committee reserves the right to address any extenuating circumstances as the need arises.

ADDED POLICY REGARDING NON-RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND RAISERS: The Religious School Committee discourages fund raiser sales from public school and other groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) until after the 12:15 p.m. dismissal bell. It is requested that students not clog the hallways (outside the Temple is preferable) and be courteous and understanding if refused.

SPECIAL PROJECTS OF OUR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

HALLWAY OF HISTORY: This project adds a special dimension to our school hallway. As you enter the southern doors of our building, you will note major events of Jewish history on the left wall, and its relationship to world history on the right. As you walk in time, from the beginning of our people to the creation of Israel, this creative project highlights our facility. This Hallway of History enables our children to better understand where Jewish historic events fit into the time and perspective of world history.

SEPHARD WALL: The Sephard Wall, located on the north wall near the Religious School Office/Teacher Resource Center, was painted by our talented Betty Fishman, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the expulsion of Jews from Spain.

ISRAEL TODAY: A map of Israel painted on the South wall near the Religious School Office/Teacher Resource Center by Betty Fishman, reflects that which is so important to the Jewish people and the focal point of Jewish studies – the Land of Israel.

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CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The awareness of the changing reality of the Jewish family and the role of Judaism in the American Jew’s life leads us on a path for continued searching for the relevance of Judaism in the life of the American Jew. With the joy of freedom so widely experienced by American Jews of the late 20th Century, we are finally free to be whatever we want to be. In order to equip Jews with the tools they need to lead meaningful Jewish lives, it is important that our supplemental Jewish school develop realistic expectations about what we can offer our students in order to make them competent Jews.

It is the primary mission of our religious school to provide students with the tools and positive educational experiences they need to be competent Jews by the time they graduate from our program in the twelfth grade.

It is clear in reaching this goal experiences such as Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation and 12th Grade Graduation are wonderful vehicles that promote this goal. These goal-oriented events are strongly encouraged as ways of developing deep-rooted commitments to the Jewish self, the Jewish family, and the Jewish community.

Recognizing that students will be in our midst for religious school approximately 60 hours per year (provided they have excellent attendance), the awareness of the role of the parents and the home environment becomes increasingly more important. It is a primary goal of our religious school to provide opportunities for family learning—and parent education. It is in this way that we can help create the home environment, which is supportive of the goals of each grade level and the congregation in general.

THE ROLE OF HEBREW

The language of the Jews is Hebrew. While respecting the Classical Reform value that Hebrew is not essential to prayer, the awareness of the importance of Hebrew cannot escape us. Knowledge of the basic reading of Hebrew has opened the door for a significantly greater feeling of participation and belonging. Furthermore, Hebrew education once thought to be solely for the purpose of becoming a Bar / Bat Mitzvah is a key for an inclusive feeling at services at both our own synagogue and at congregations throughout the world.

It is understandable that learning a foreign language using a different alphabet system (that works in the reverse direction of English) is a formidable task. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the two following assumptions with regard to realistic goals for Hebrew instruction:

A. No language can be learned well when taught one day per week.

B. Active and useable vocabulary is limited when not reinforced.

As a result, language instruction with the realistic goal of reading with some basic structural and grammatical rules is the hope. The goal is increased participation with the language at times when the language is used—services and home observances. It is unrealistic to think that students will be able to function in Israel—even if our focus was strictly conversational Hebrew. College courses give a minimum of 4 – 6 hours per week in Conversational Hebrew. Our program includes one hour-long session on Tuesday evenings with a second

1 hour session on Sunday during Religious School hours.

It is intended that all or our students will participate in Hebrew education during Grades 4 – 6. While Bar / Bat Mitzvah is anticipated, it is not required. Learning Hebrew is, however, integral to the portrait of a competent Jew.

THE ROLE OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE

Art, music, food, and dance are part of our rich heritage. As a

result, these specialties will be added to the existing curriculum at

appropriate grade levels as often as possible.

CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

JUDAIC CURRICULUM 5773 - 5774

Kita (Class) Aleph

Preschool Curriculum

Goals:

“ Students will have an appreciation of Jewish symbols and holidays through hands on experiences

with the arts, play, music and stories.

“ Students will have and increased comfort level at the Temple.

“ Students will have an appreciation and love for the beauty of Judaism and for their own Jewish

identity.

“ Students will have a fundamental background about the Jewish holidays.

Parent Opportunities:

“ Parents will have opportunities to create and share ideas on Jewish themes with their children.

“ Parents will develop a heightened awareness of Jewish-related activities for the preschoolers/

parent relationship at home.

Concepts to Develop:

“ Jewish holidays that occur during the school year

Focus: begin to identify Jewish holidays and their major symbols (i.e. Chanukah/menorahs,

Passover/seder plate)

Focus: begin to appreciate holiday songs and games

“ Basic Jewish symbols at the Temple

Focus: learn about the Torah, the sanctuary, the eternal light and the Holy Ark

Focus: visit with the Rabbi and ask her questions

Focus: participate in worship assemblies

“ Shabbat at home and at Temple

Focus: learn the blessings for lighting the candles, drinking the wine and eating challah

Focus: learn and enjoy the music of Shabbat

“ My Jewish self

Focus: identify parts of the body in Hebrew and in English that are used to accomplish

important Jewish activities

Focus: identify family members and their importance in our life using Hebrew and English words

Focus: identify and make good choices

“ Looking at God’s world

Focus: create a feeling of awe for nature

Focus: develop a love for Israel

Focus: learn to care about other through Tzedakah

Kita (Class) Aleph

Kindergarten Curriculum

Goals:

“ Students will have a beginning knowledge of the Temple as well as basic Jewish beliefs, symbols

and practices, culminating in a Consecration service.

“ Students will have a general understanding of the festivals that create the Jewish calendar.

“ Students will continue to appreciate their Jewish identity through activities presented at the Temple with connections for the home.

Parent Opportunities:

“ Parents will have opportunities to create and share ideas based on Jewish themes with their children.

“ Parents will develop a heightened awareness of Jewish-related activities for the kindergarten/parent relationship at home.

Concepts to Develop:

“ Jewish holidays that occur during the school year.

Focus: hear and participate in stories, songs, and blessings relating to the festivals that make up the Jewish Calendar year.

Focus: recognize symbols and Hebrew words relating to the celebrations of Shabbat, Rosh

Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach, Yom

Ha-Atzmaut and Shavuot.

Focus: introduce Shabbat rituals and blessings to enhance home and Temple experiences

including: kiddush, challah, nerot shel Shabbat (sabbath candles), havdalah

“ Basic Jewish Symbols

Focus: learn about the Torah (yad, breastplate, rimonim/crown, wimple, sofer/scribe, Five

books in the scroll)

Focus: learn about the sanctuary (stain glass windows, ner tamid/eternal light,

Aron HaKodesh/Holy Ark, prayer book)

“ Appreciate God's world

Focus: begin to understand the relationship of God and nature by looking at the wonders

around us.

“ My Jewish Identity

Focus: discuss and role play Jewish values (i.e. the importance of telling the truth, avoiding

negative comments towards others...)

Focus: introduce the concepts of Tzedakah, mitzvot and acts of kindness

Focus: locate Israel on a map

Focus: share family traditions and home experiences

Focus: identify and relate to Jewish heroes including: Abraham, Sarah, Judah Maccabee,

Mordecai, Moses.

“ Introduction to Hebrew

Focus: build a vocabulary of Hebrew values (mitzvot, Tzedakah) through the introduction of Jewish holidays and symbols

Focus: begin to identify the Hebrew letters

Focus: continue to work on words that are used daily in the home.

Focus: learn the Shema, She-hechiyanu, the Four Questions, the 1st Chanukah blessing

Kita (Class) Bet

First/Second Grade Curriculum

Goals:

“ Students will learn where to find ritual objects in the Temple and how they are used.

“ Students will be made aware of basic Jewish beliefs and ethics as presented through Bible stories.

“ Students will have a greater knowledge of Jewish holidays, customs and ceremonies.

Parent Opportunities:

“ Parents will have opportunities to create and share ideas based on Jewish themes with their children.

“ Parents will develop a heightened awareness of Jewish related activities for the second grader/parent relationship at home.

|CHAI THEMES & LESSONS- Level 1 |

| | | |

|Torah |Avodah |G'milut Chasadim |

|Thematic thread: Students relate personally to each strand through the theme of "discovering myself in the Jewish story." |

|Theme: B'reishit--The Story of My |Theme: The Stories Jewish Holidays and |Theme: A G'milut Chasadim Hero |

|Jewish Family |Celebrations Tell About Me | |

|Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |

|Introduction to Torah |Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: A New Year for |Behaving in Special Ways: Introduction to|

|Creation, Adam, and Eve: Helpmates |Me |G’milut Chasadim |

|Noah: God’s Helper |Sukkot: A special place for Jewish people |Biblical Heroes and G’milut Chasadim |

|Abraham and Sarah: Lech l'cha (Go |Simchat Torah: The Joy of Torah through our 5 |Helping People Who Make Our World a |

|forth) |senses |Better Place: What Can I Do? |

|Rebecca: A Special Person |What is a Blessing? |Be a Hero: Saying Sorry, Forgiving Others|

|Jacob and Esau: Struggle and |Havdalah: The importance of separations | |

|Reconciliation |Chanukah: I can be like a Maccabee! |Be a Hero:Tzedakah--A Different Way of |

|Joseph (Session alef): Sibling Rivalry|Purim: Special holiday mitzvot I can do |Helping |

| |Pesach: Cleaning up and clearing out |Be a Hero: Feeling Kind/Being Kind |

|Joseph (Session bet): Growing Up and |Shechechiyanu: Our special blessing |Be a Hero: Taking Turns and Including |

|Forgiving | |Others  |

|Conclusion: The Great Genesis Game | |Be a Hero: Taking Care of the Earth |

| | |I Can Be a G’milut Chasadim Hero |

Concepts to Develop:

“ Learning about Jewish Holidays

Focus: Discover activities and traditions for Jewish holidays from available texts

Focus: Appreciate holiday songs. music, prayers and games

Focus: Introduction to the following prayers -blessing for the candles, 3 Hanukkah blessings, Four Questions for Passover. Learn Hamotzi and the Kiddush

Focus: Learn about and participate in Shabbat rituals including Havdalah

“ Lessons we learn from Bible Stories

Focus: Study stories and activities from the available text - bible stories include: Creation,

Adam & Eve, Noah, Tower of Babel, Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebecca, Jacob &

Esau, Joseph & his brothers

Focus: Relate our own family relationships to Bible characters

Focus: Develop an appreciation for God's world

“ Discovering our Jewish home

Focus: Learn about Jewish items in the home - i.e. candles, mezuzah, kiddush cup, challah

cover, books, art, music

Focus: Enjoy Jewish foods - i.e. challah, hamentashen, apples & honey

Focus: Have age appropriate discussions about how some Jewish families have members who celebrate other religions

“ My Jewish identity

Focus: Reaching God through prayer

Focus: Realizing that I am a member of the Jewish people

Focus: Discussing the importance of Tzedakah, mitzvot and acts of kindness

Focus: Becoming aware of our connection to Israel

“ Alef-Bet fun

Focus: Identify basic Hebrew vocabulary as it relates to the holidays

Focus: Begin to learn the Hebrew alef-bet

Focus: Learn some Hebrew words, greetings and expressions

Kita (Class) Gimmel

Third/Fourth/Fifth Grade Curriculum

Goals:

“ Students will begin to develop a formal understanding of Jewish views about God while being

encouraged to consider their personal ideas about God's existence.

“ Students will discuss ethical situations to develop a better understanding of the Torah as God's guide to living a righteous life.

Parent Opportunities:

“ Parents will have an opportunity to talk about God with their children in the context of their

religious school studies in order to encourage their faith development.

“ Parents will have an opportunity to discuss ethical questions with their child in a family

environment.

|CHAI THEMES & LESSONS- Level 5 |

|Torah |Avodah |G'milut Chasadim |

|Thematic thread: Throughout this year, the theme of Reform Judaism and the power of community will connect the strands. How is |

|Reform Judaism based on the message of the prophets? What is the role of the individual in a community? How has our Movement |

|dealt with the prayers in the siddur? How can we each reach out to those in our community? |

|Theme: N'vi'im and Prophecy |Theme: Prayer as a Discipline, Prayer as |Theme: G'milut Chasadim and our |

| |a Learning Process |Community; Reaching Out |

|Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |

|Getting to Know You |The Prayer to Action Connection |K’hilah: What is Community? |

|Meet the Prophets |Intro to Amidah |Do Not Separate Yourself from Your |

| |Amidah: Praise |Community |

|Deborah (1) |Amidah: Petition |Chevrah Kadisha |

|Deborah (2) Judge/Prophet |Amidah: Thanksgiving |Keiruv (conversion) |

|Jonah and Jeremiah: The Reluctant Prophet |Aleinu |Keiruv: Welcoming Jews-by-Choice |

|Isaiah and Amos: The Intolerant Prophet |Kaddish |Ethics and Justice in Our Community |

|Elijah |Israel in Our Prayers |Tzedakah in Our Community |

|Reform Judaism: Response to Prophecy |Prayer to Action Wrap-Up |Tzedakah – Kavod & Bushah |

|Wrap-Up: Prophecy for Today |  |Speaking Out and Speaking Up |

|  | | |

Concepts to Develop:

“ Begin to understand life-cycle events and their importance in Jewish life

Focus: Learn about the major life cycle events and how they are celebrated and/or observed

(i.e. birth, death, marriage, bar/bat mitzvah, confirmation...)

Focus: Begin to compare and contrast Jewish observance with that of other faiths

“ Overview the history of Israel prior to WWI

Focus: Explain the importance of the land of Israel to the Jewish people

Focus: Identify key personalities from the history of Israel

Focus: Identify ethnic and religious life styles in Israel (i.e. kibbutzim, moshavim..)

Focus: Create connections of Ancient Israel to modern Israel

Focus: Learn about the Diaspora and its effect on Jewish cultures and lifestyles.

Focus: Learn about geographic aspects of Israel.

“ Continue to develop our sense of Jewishness

Focus: Relate life cycle events to my own experiences

Focus: Begin to understand the importance of Israel to Jews in America

Focus: Explore current events as they relate to the Jewish people

Focus: Create opportunities to participate in Tzedakah, Mitzvot and Tikkun Olam.

“ Hebrew study

Focus: Learn the prayers related to life-cycle events

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Kita (Class) Daled

Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade Curriculum:

|CHAI THEMES & LESSONS- Level 6 |

|Torah |Avodah |G'milut Chasadim |

|Thematic thread: What is Revelation and how do we experience it? Is there a human role in divine revelation? Students |

|investigate Biblical texts which relate to the individual's relationship with God, study the components of the Torah service |

|and the role of the sh'liach tzibur (prayer leader), and g'milut chasadim on a more universal level. |

|Theme: Ketuvim; My Relationship with God |Theme: Torah Service and My Role in it |Theme: G'milut Chasadim and the World; |

| | |Widening Circles of Involvement |

|Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |Lesson Titles: |

|Introduction to K’tuvim/Writings |Standing at Sinai: My Role in Revelation |Finding God in Our World Through Acts of |

|Megilat Ruth: Mining the Text For Meaning |The Torah Service as a Public Reading |G’milut Chasadim |

|Megilat Ruth: Finding God in Moab and |The Torah Service and Community Building |Bal Tashchit: Protecting the Rainforests |

|Canaan |Finding Our Way to Sinai: A Map of the | |

|Introduction to Wisdom Literature |Torah Service  |Bal Tashchit: Recycling and Conserving |

|Mishlei/Proverbs: Wise Words for All  |Choreography and Etiquette of the Torah |Energy |

|Kohelet: Wise Man or Cynic?  |Service |Tzaar Baalei Chayim: Care and Protection |

|T'hillim/Psalms Session Alef: Poetry and |The Blessings of Torah |of Animals |

|Liturgy |What is the Haftarah? |World Health Issues |

| | |Peace |

| | |World Hunger |

|  | | |

|T'hillim/Psalms Session Bet: Images of God |The Role of Sh'liach Tzibur | |

|God, How Are You Revealed in the World and |My Communal Role in Revelation: Entering | |

|What Is My Relationship with You? |the Covenant as a Jewish Adult | |

| |  |Jews and the Struggle for Civil Rights |

| | |Hineini: Embracing Our People around the |

| | |World |

| | |  |

Concepts to Develop:

Develop an understanding of each student's family history.

Focus: Emphasize personal Jewish family history.

Focus: Study the waves of Jewish immigration to America

Focus: Discover the effect of the Holocaust on personal family history and congregational

family history.

Overview of Jewish history in America

Focus: Identify key personalities from 1492-present

Focus: Identify key events and their relationship to Jewish history (i.e. Gold Rush, Civil War,

Reform movement...)

Focus: Explore the history of Jewish presence in Ft. Wayne (i.e. founding of Temple,

Synagogue, Federation...)

Overview the history of Israel after WWI to present

Focus: Review the Diaspora of 1492 and its relationship to the development of Jewish culture

in Europe.

Focus: Review the importance of the land of Israel to the Jewish people with an emphasis on

post Holocaust immigration and settlement

Focus: Identify key personalities from the history of Israel after WWI

Focus: Identify current ethnic and religious life styles in Israel

Overview the events leading up to the Holocaust

Focus: Discuss the rise of the Nazi Party

Focus: Study key personalities from this period of time

Focus: Learn about key events and places from this period of time

Focus: Discuss anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry

Continue to develop our sense of Jewishness

Focus: Learn about individual Jewish family history to enhance sense of Jewish identity

Focus: Realize the importance of Israel Homeland to Jews after WWII

Focus: Explore and discuss current events as they relate to Jews

Focus: Explore modern Judaism's approach to Mitzvot, Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam

Hebrew study

Focus: Learn Hebrew songs associated with the birth of Israel (i.e. Hatikvah, Jerusalem of Gold...)

B'nei Mitzvah Preparation

Focus: Students will participate in activities that help better relate the upcoming B'nei Mitzvah process to their lives.

Focus: Students will appreciate how Torah study and interpretation can be experienced in many different creative and stimulating ways

Focus: Explore Jewish identity through engagement of through students' own

perspectives as adult members of the Jewish community

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM:

Goals: “ To provide students with an opportunity to explore Jewish values and identity in a mature, socially stimulating, and fun environment.  To cultivate interactions among themselves and with members of the faculty that contributes to the enrichment of their Jewish identity and a more mature appreciation of their religious heritage.  

 

“ In addition to group activities that will feature Tikkun Olam projects, movies, and guest speakers, the program offers a variety of classes related to Jewish belief, culture and current events.   Tenth graders will meet with Rabbi Cattapan throughout the year to prepare for Confirmation. 12th graders will also meet with Rabbi Cattapan as they prepare for graduation.

“ This year's faculty includes: Various Guest Speakers

Focus:

“ Approximately 4 classes will be devoted to each of the following topics:

• Ethical Jewish Decision

• Talking Back to the Talmud

• Hot topics/Controversial topics.

• Israel Anti-Semitism

• Experiential Topics

 

   Track I: A Taste of Text: Jewish Ethical Concepts in Jewish Sources.

Description: Through self-analysis, role-playing, text study and real-life scenarios this curriculum will introduce the participants to the process of how to apply Jewish values to their own lives.

First Year:

1. Jewish Healing: Bikkur cholim (visiting the sick).

2. Friendship I: Chaverut. (acquire a Friend). Taught 1.13.13

3. Friendship II: What kind of chaver/chaverah are You? Taught 2.3.13

4.

5. Hospitality: Hachnasat or’chim.

6. The other in Our Midst: G’milut chasadim.

Second Year:

7. Parent-Child Relationships: Kibbud ha-mish’pachah. Taught 4.21.13

8. Repentance: T’shuvah.

9. Saving a Life: Pikkuach nefesh.

10. Kindness to Animals: Tza’ar ba’ale chayyim.

11. Honesty and Truth: Emet.

Third Year

12. Life after Death: Ha-olam ha-bah.

13. Care of the Body: Sh’mirat ha-guf.

14. Marriage: Kiddushin. Taught 3.10.13

15. Stealing and Returning Lost Property: Lo tignov.

16. Ecology: Bal tash’chit.

Fourth Year

17. Old Age: Kibbud z’kenim.

18. Honoring the Dead and Comforting Mourners: Kibbud ha-met.

19. Speech and Language: L’shon ha-rah.

20. Your Place in the World: Im ein ani li, mi li?

21. Finding Role Models: Lamed vav tzaddikim.

Selected Bibliography:

Isaacs, Ronald H. A Taste of Text: An Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash (New York, UAHC Press, 2003).

Shapiro Abraham, Michelle. The Great Balancing Act: A High School Ethics Curriculum for Use in Schools, Camps, and Youth Groups (New York, UAHC Press, 2002).

Track II: Controversial and Hot Topics

First Year:

1. Abortion

2. Cloning and other Genetic Technologies

3. Euthanasia

4. Harmful Behaviors: Smoking, Drinking, and Over/Under eating

5. Ethics of Business

Second Year:

6. Death Penalty

7. School Violence Taught 3.13.13

8. Ethics of War Taught 4.14.13

9. Animal Experimentation

10. Consumerism: How Much is Too Much? Taught 4.14.13

Third Year:

11. Foundations of Sexual Ethics Taught 3.17.13

12. Masturbation Taught 3.17.13

13. Birth Control Taught 3.17.13

14. Homosexuality Taught 3.24.13

15. Sex Outside of Marriage Taught 3.24.13

Fourth Year:

5 extra topics will be chosen in consultation with the students at that time.

Selected Bibliography:

Freeman, Susan. Teaching Hot Topics – Jewish Values, Resources, and Activities. (Denver, ARE, 2003).

Freeman, Susan. Teaching Jewish Virtues – Sacred Sources and Arts Activities. (Denver, ARE, 1999).

Track III: Anti-Semitism and the State of Israel

First Year

1. Brief History of Israel I: Timelines and Chronologies. Students study key events in modern history of Israel. The goal of this lesson is to give students a basic grounding in the events that have shaped the history of modern Israel including the current conflict with the Palestinians and Arab countries. Resource: Eyes on Israel- Media Curriculum.

2. Brief History of Israel II: Changing boundaries (1800-present). Students will examine the changing political boundaries of pre-1948 Palestine and post-1948 Israel and the events surrounding those changes. Students will examine maps and timeline of pre 1948 and post 1948 and will respond to questions based on the maps and timeline. Resource: Pillars of Fire (1896-1948) (documentary).

3. Brief History of Israel III: Changing boundaries (1800-present). The goal of this lesson is to give students the opportunity to see for themselves that the borders of the land claimed by Jews and Arabs have varied over time due to external events. Resource: Pillars of Fire (1896-1948) (documentary).

4. Birth of Israel. Resource: Torah Orah student handout.

5. The Israeli Music Scene: Various web sites and YouTube would allow students to explore the sounds of Israel. From Eurovision to the Eden Raichel project and Sharit Hadad.

Second Year:

6. Into the future: Jewish settlement 1182-1914. Resource: Heritage, disc 3 (22 min). British rule 1917-1948, Search for refuge 1945-1947, prewar Palestine, Israel is Born, the new nation.

7. Hamatzav: The Situation. Resource: Torah Orah student handout and activities.

8. Israel: Threats and Challenges- Guest: Amir Ben-Yehoshua.

9. The History of Anti-Semitism I. Resource: Torah Aura publication.

10. The Israeli Food Scene: Israeli street food, Shuk in Israel. Resource: You Tube Israeli Lunch- menu in Hebrew & description of the origin of the food, popularity.

Third Year:

11. Anti-Israel Discourse I: Examining CAMERA articles and The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz (DVD).

12. Anti-Israel Discourse II: Examining CAMERA The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz (DVD). A vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies.

13. Diversity in Israeli Society: Secular vs. Haredim, Jewish and Arabs, Kibbutzim and Moshavim.

14. Israel: The Conflict and the Peace Process: Answer to frequently asked question. Resource: Israel ministry of foreign affairs .il.

15. The History of Anti-Semitism II. Resource: Torah Aura publication

Fourth Year:

16. Zionism: Herzl. The realization of Zionism and Medinat Yisrael. Resource: Torah Orah publication.

17. Jerusalem. Security fence- Short movie (6 min).

18. Israel: A Startup country. Power point presentation “Small Country, Big Impact.”

19. Grappling with Jewish Issues in Modern Israel. Resource: Lesson 7: Investigating Israel (DVD): Kotel (27 min).

20. Unmasked Judeophobia: The Threat to Civilization. Expose the current political assault against the state of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination.

Track IV: Experiential Activities and Guest Speakers: Tzedakah projects, Interfaith events, Adult Education programs, etc.

   

CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

HEBREW CURRICULUM 5773 - 5774

MITKADEM: HEBREW FOR YOUTH

Mitkadem Ramot (Levels)

The Mitkadem program is constructed of 23 ramot, or levels. Students may work independently, with another student at a similar level, or with another student in a "tutorial" relationship. Ramot 1 and 2 teach the students the fundamentals of Hebrew reading by developing decoding skills and the use of ritual vocabulary. These texts are designed so that they can be used either in a traditional, teacher-led classroom, a self-paced program, or a combination of both. The subsequent 21 ramot should be completed individually or in small groups. Ramot 4-23 each teach a different prayer using five curricular topics (explained below). On average, students can complete between four and six ramot per year depending on hours of Hebrew school and students' pace.

Here is a brief synopsis of each Mitkadem ramah:

Ramah 1 introduces the shape of Hebrew letters, the right to left direction of Hebrew and basic Hebrew ritual vocabulary. The book for this ramah is easy and fun to use. It incorporates transliteration and answers with a cover flap in order to allow students to self-check their work. It also comes with a Hebrew Helper Kit, a hands-on, experiential learning kit including flashcards, puzzles, and a matching letter and sound tool, the Alef Advancer. 1st and 2nd grades will study from this ramah.

Ramah 2 teaches students how to decode Hebrew words with multiple syllables. Students practice block writing and prayer vocabulary. The book for Ramah 2 contains fun, self-checking activities. It has a built-in award system at the end of each lesson to reinforce achievement for students and to inform parents of student progress. 3rd grade will study from this ramah.

Ramah 3 is an introduction to the ramah format. It teaches the students how to navigate the next 20 ramot and introduces the essential grammatical structures of roots, prefixes and suffixes.

Ramot 4 through 23: Each ramah presents a single prayer or group of prayers and continues to develop the students' abilities to read and understand the Hebrew language of prayer. Each ramah is structured in the same way so that students will become familiar with the system very quickly. Before beginning the work of the ramah, the student receives a contract outlining the requirements to pass the ramah. As the student completes each of the five components of the ramah, the teacher signs the contract, showing that the student successfully completed the work. After completing the required work for the ramah, the student completes a written assessment and a reading assessment before advancing to the next ramah. Each ramah has these five components and are color-coded:

Hakdamah/Introduction

Students always begin with this component that introduces the prayer or group of prayers. After completing this introductory section, the student works on the next four components in any order he or she chooses. The student keeps all of the components in a personal folder until the student is ready to advance to the next ramah.

Kri'ah/Reading

In the reading component, students are guided to read alone or to read to a partner. There is an accompanying CD that helps the student/s practice reading and chanting the prayer correctly. This CD will contain all of the reading sections for all 23 ramot, so that a class may purchase one CD and make individual tapes for the appropriate ramot.

Otzar Milim/Vocabulary

The vocabulary component teaches all of the vocabulary associated with the prayer or group of prayers. It includes written and creative activities to reinforce the meaning and definitions.

Dikduk/Grammar

The grammar component teaches the essential words, roots and phrases found in the prayer. It includes written activities to reinforce the concepts.

Divrei T'filah/Words of Prayer

This component helps to make prayer relevant and meaningful to our children. It includes interesting questions and activities that encourage our children to participate in the prayers of Jewish holidays, ritual, life cycles, and traditions. In this section, students have a chance to investigate central themes of the prayer book and Jewish thought.

After the students complete all five components of a ramah, they must take an assessment test. They have time to study for the test by reviewing the materials. When they are ready to take the test, they go to the designated person, often the Director of Education or Hebrew supervisor. The ramah test involves both a written and reading portion. The written portion tests knowledge of the Hebrew principles and prayer content. The reading portion is a test of the reading and chanting of the prayer. Once a student passes the test, the tester gives him/her the introductory section for the next ramah. If a student does not pass the test on the first attempt, s/he is given more time to review and then asked to take it again. The tester must pass the student in order for him/her to advance to the next ramah.

Ramah 3 is an introduction to how the self-paced program works, it must be completed first by all students, no matter which ramot follow. In general, the ramot progress in level of difficulty (reading and subject matter) and build somewhat on each other. We chose to start our 4th-6th grade students with the ramah 6, as ramah 4 and 5 already studied.

The following is a limited description of the prayers and skills mastered and concepts introduced or reinforced in each ramah.

|Ramah |Prayers |Concepts Introduced and Reinforced |

|3 |Mechinah/Preparation |Names/Attributes of God |

|4 |Short blessings |Thanks and Praise; Blessing Formula; Mitzvah; Miracles; |

| | |Gender Issues |

|5 |Shabbat Kiddush |P'tichah/Chatimah; Holiness; Creation; God as Redeemer; |

| | |Chosen People |

|6 |Torah blessings |Blessing Formula; P'tichah/Chatimah; Chosen People; |

| | |Giving of the Torah |

|7 |Barchu, Yotzer Or, Ma'ariv Aravim |Creation; L'olam va-ed; Times for Prayer/Variations; |

| | |Minyan |

|8 |Ahavat Olam, Ahavah Rabbah |Chosen People; Giving of the Torah; Times for |

| | |Prayer/Variations; Brit/Jewish Continuity; Am Yisrael; |

| | |God's Love |

|9 |Sh'ma, V'ahavta |Names/Attributes of God; Mitzvah; Symbols and Signs; |

| | |Brit/Jewish Continuity; Love of God |

|10 |Mi Chamocha |Names/Attributes of God; Thanks and Praise; Miracles; God|

| | |as Redeemer; Times for Prayer/Variations |

|11 |Avot V'Imahot |Names/Attributes of God; Mitzvah; Gender Issues; God as |

| | |Redeemer |

|12 |G'vurot |Miracles; Creation; Faith |

|13 |Shalom Rav, Sim Shalom, Oseh Shalom |L'olam va-ed; Times for Prayer/Variations; Am Yisrael; |

| | |Peace |

|14 |Shabbat K'dushah, V'shamru |Holiness; Symbols and Signs; L'olam va-ed; Times for |

| | |Prayer/Variations; Brit/Jewish Continuity |

|15 |Amidah overview |Am Yisrael; Peace; Eretz Yisrael |

|16 |Aleinu |Names/Attributes of God; Thanks and Praise; Chosen |

| | |People; Messiah |

|17 |Kaddish, Chatzi Kaddish |Names/Attributes of God; Thanks and Praise; Holiness; |

| | |L'olam va-ed; Minyan; Faith |

|18 |Torah service |Names/Attributes of God; Giving of the Torah; Eretz |

| | |Yisrael |

|19 |Haftarah blessings |Names/Attributes of God; Thanks and Praise; Blessing |

| | |Formula; P'tichah/Chatimah; Holiness; Faith |

|20 |Reading from the Torah: Genesis |Chanting; How text appears in the Torah |

| |1:1-8 | |

|21 |HaTikvah |Eretz Yisrael |

|22 |Havdalah blessings |Blessing Formula; P'tichah/Chatimah; Holiness; Symbols |

| | |and Signs |

|23 |Birkat Hamazon |Thanks and Praise; P'tichah/Chatimah |

HEBREW OBJECTIVES FOR BAR/BAT MITZVAH:

1. Students will be able to read fluently and without vowels approximately 15 verses of the Torah.

2. Students will be able to translate their Torah portion word for word (unless learning styles prohibit it).

3. Students will be able to lead the worship service, understanding its structure and reading the following

Hebrew prayers with fluency:

Yismechu, Candle Blessing, Kiddush (chanted), HaMotzi (chanted) in addition to the required prayers on

Page 8 of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook:

Page & Prayer

190 or 289 Prayer for putting on Tallit

290 Ma Tovu (First two lines)

297 Chatima*

312 Reader’s Kaddish

313 Barchu – Call to Worship

313 Yotzeir – Creation

316 Ahavah Raba – Revelation (first section)-Optional

316 V’ha-eri ay-neinu – (last paragraph only, sung)

317 Chatima*

318 Shema

319 V’ahavtah (chanted)

322 Mi Chamocha

Tafillah Pages 323-337, as follows:

323 Adonai Sefatai

324 Avot v’Imahot

325 G’Vurot

326 Kedusha (middle of page)

328 V’shamru

329 Chatima*

330 Chatima*

331 Hodaah (Modim Anachnu …Ledor vador.)

333 Chatima*

334 Sim Shalom (first three lines)

337 Oseh Shalom and Yih’yu L’ratzon: (learn both, then choose one)

362 Ein Kamocha, Av Harachamim

364 Ki Mitzion,

336 Baruch Shenatan, Shema, Echad, Gadlu, L’ cha Adonai

367 Romemu

367 Al Shelosha Devarim

368 Torah blessing (before)

368 Torah blessing (after)

372 Haftarah blessing (before)

372 Haftarah blessing (after)

374 Y’halleu

374 Hodo

374 Etz CHAIm hi

4. Students will be able to participate in the Torah service, knowing how to read opening prayers of their

selected Torah service, and being able to chant the Torah and Haftarah Blessings.

5. Students will be able to read with fluency in Hebrew and in English the Haftarah portion that complements

what is found in the Torah portion that day.

CONGREGATION ACHDUTH VESHOLOM

5773 - 5774 STAFF ROSTER

Zera/Pre-K/Kindergarten Melissa Kessel 447-5741

Grade 1 & 2 Cooke Mastbaum/Heather Hefer 672-9148, 616-617-0370

Grade 3, 4 & 5 Leah Hadashi, Chris Riley and Bonnie Pomerantz

Grades 6, 7 & 8 Leah Hadashi 444-7094

High School Grades (9-12): Ellen Tom 489-9213

Various Guest Speakers

12th Grade Class & Confirmation: Rabbi Javier Cattapan

Madrichim-Aides: Marc Pomerantz, Seth Pomerantz, Sophia Rosenblum,

Jaclyn Sider and Ethan Zweig

Librarian: Betsy Gephart 625-3696

Hebrew Staff: Bruce Colegrove 458-9312

Nili Ben-Yehoshua 260-355-0342

Rabbi Javier Cattapan

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutors: Nili Ben-Yehoshua (260)355-0342

Pam Friedman 493-1712

Chuck Replane 625-5440

Bruce Colegrove 458-9312

Iris Fuchs 747-4523

CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS:

Zera/Pre-K:. . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 110

Grade 1st & 2nd :. . . . . . . . .Room. 109

Grades 3rd, 4th & 5th : .. . . . Room 108

Grades 6th 7th & 8th:. . . . . Room 107

H.S.: Chapel/Social Hall

Hebrew –Tuesday Room 109

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI 5773 - 5774

Bonnie Pomerantz

Director of Religious Education

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You

Are

Invited

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HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CLASS

11 a.m. – 12 Noon

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTORS OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

AND HEBREW EDUCATION

Nili Ben-Yehoshua

Director of Hebrew Education

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FOrTY INFORMATION

DATES OF THE FOrTY GROUP

2013

Saturday, August 17 – Kickoff

August 30 - September 2 – Leaderships @ GUCI

Sunday, September 8 – Car Wash

Thursday, September 5 - Rosh Hashanah – Apples & Honey

November 22 - 24 – Fall Regionals @ The Temple, Louisville, KY

2014

January 31 – Feb 2 – Study Kallah @ Hebrew Union College

Saturday, March 15 – Purim set-up

Sunday, March 16 – Purim Carnival

March 28 - 30 – Junior Youth Group Conclave, JYG @ GUCI

April 3 – 6 – Spring Regionals – Wise Temple, Cincinnati, OH

Sept. 29, 2013 Jan. 26, 2014

Oct. 27, 2013 Feb.23, 2014

Mar, 23, 2014

CONFIRMATION CLASS

11 A.M. – 12 Noon

Sept. 8, 2013 Feb. 2, 2014

Oct. 6, 2013 Mar. 2, 2014

Nov. 3, 2013

23

October 25, 2013

November 15, 2013

December 13, 2013

January 10, 2014

February 28, 2014

March 7, 2014

B’NEI MITZVAH

LEARNING SERVICES

Friday, 7:00 p.m

* The chatima is the one line of Hebrew at the end of a prayer – here, at the end of an English prayer.

Gold-Turansky Campership Fund

Mansbach Campership Fund

Ruth Brenn Campership Fund

Temple Campership Fund

WHY SETTLE FOR AN ORDINARY SUMMER CAMP

WHEN GUCI OFFERS SO MUCH MORE?

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