Judaic Studies
Sixth Grade | Seventh Grade
Who are we?
We are a community of Jews together on a journey. We know we are leaders, but how can we know where we are going without knowing from where we have come?
In 6th grade, in ancient history, we will now be moving beyond the era of Moses and into the time of the judges, marking the beginning of our time in the Promised Land. Beginning with Joshua, we will explore the idea of Jewish leadership in the bible, ultimately comparing this leadership to the students’ role as leaders of the new middle school. We will also explore the patterns of Israelite behavior as they settled throughout the Promised Land, discussing their relationship to God and the role Judges played within society. 7th and 8th grades will continue on with study of the time of the Kings and the Prophets of ancient Israel.
Moving forward in history, past the time of the Second Temple’s destruction and into the age of Rabbinic Judaism, we will become acquainted with the great wisdom of our people that has been left to us in the form of Pirkei Avot (the chapters of the fathers/ancestors/rabbis).
Life long lessons such as “Who is rich? One who is happy with what one has”, inspire discussion and give a chance to delve deeper into the mind of our sages.
This historical perspective will also permeate our holiday observances as well. Students will explore each holiday’s ethical connotations for us as American citizens today in our modern world.
During our t’fillah (prayer) sessions, we will focus on the Shabbat morning service as well as learning Torah trope/ how to chant Torah. Every week we will also study that week’s Torah portion, looking at it from both an ancient and a modern perspective. It is in this way that we hope to make meaning out of our lives as Jews in the modern world, and leaders in our community.
Students will be introduced to the following: