Goal
The goal of the Bet class is to build a foundation for Jewish education and to provide a rich variety of experiences in Jewish observance: holiday hands-on experiences, the joy of Shabbat, and special days, through songs, games, artwork, and crafts. We will join the entire school in celebrating the holidays as: performing the mitzvah of leshev b’sukkah by visiting a sukkah, the fun of Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat seder, the exchange of mishloach manot for Purim, a Pesach model seder, and Lag B’Omer sports day and family picnic. We hope to help each child find a source of significance and enrichment in Jewish living through Jewish values: the practice of Tzedakah and Mitzvot, and a love for Israel.
We would like our children to look forward to coming to school because, although they
may be unaware of it, learning can be fun and exciting. School is where she/he is valued
and has a sense of belonging, and it just “feels good” to be there.
Hebrew Language
The aim of the Bet Class curriculum is to foster a joy in reading and writing in Hebrew.
Decoding skills are taught from key cultural words and concepts.
Reading Skills
• Visual discrimination practice
• Similar letter-sound and vowel-sound drills
• Writing practice to reinforce the forms of the letters
• Exercises for individual reading practice
Specific Goals:
By the end of Bet Class, students will be able to:
• Identify and write all Hebrew letters and vowels in cursive and print
• Become familiar with common vocabulary such as descriptive words for
the family, the home, classroom objects, the weather, the seasons, colors,
etc.
• Know interrogatives such as what, when, where, why, who, and how
• Recognize and use singular and plural forms in simple conversation
• Know simple prepositions such as in, on, at, under, beside, etc.
Prayer Goals
Selected reading of the key prayers and blessings, including:
• Shema and V’ahavtah
• Birchot HaShachar
• Baruch Sh’amar
• Ain Keloheiynu
• Adon Olam
• Modeh Ani
• Blessings over the Torah, candles, bread, wine, etc.
• Blessings during the seder on Pesach
• Sections of the Haggadah
• Seder melodies
• Shabbat participation in Junior Congregation services
• Comprehension of the meaning of prayers
Holidays, Customs, & Ceremonies
The story of each holiday is presented alongside the rituals, symbols, traditions, and legends that have grown around it. Students also learn the blessings and key vocabulary and songs for each holiday.
Students will participate in a Consecration ceremony at which time they will be presented with their Siddurim, and will be able to experience a Shabbat overnight at the synagogue.
Torah – Bible
A retelling of the Bible stories highlighting their moral and spiritual truths and applying
them to the personal concerns of today’s children. The children will be exposed to the events of Creation, Sodom and Gemorrah, our original ancestors (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekkah, Jacob, Rachel and Leah), Joseph, and Moses.
TEXT BOOKS TO BE USED WITH THE BET STUDENTS
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