Judaic Studies

Sixth Grade | Seventh Grade

Judaism sees 7th grade as a transitional year moving from childhood to adulthood. In preparing our students to become educated adult Jews, they learn a wide spectrum of topics within the framework of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim.

Torah is a symbol of commitment to learning which includes the study of Bible (Prophets, selected chapter from the books of Samuel and Kings), Pirkei Avot, Jewish literature, History, Holocaust, selected chapters from the teaching of A.J. Heschel, Modern and classical Hebrew,

Avodah refers to prayers. A. J. Heschel wrote: “Prayer may not save us, but prayer makes us worth saving.” Prayer is our conversation with God through liturgy. Curriculum includes Synagogue skills (leading Shabbat morning service, tropes, various nushachim for prayers), reflections of prayers and familiarity with the different streams of Judaism: Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, and Reconstructionist. In addition, cultural differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews as expressed in synagogue life will be explored.

Gemilut Chasadim, refers to acts of loving-kindness. The idea of redemption, as mentioned in the Torah, is not a single event that will happen in the future. The world will be redeemed by man’s daily actions, hard work and dedication to Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place. During a Bar Mitzvah year our students will be engaged in various Tzedakah projects. With guidance from the teacher, students choose 13 activities to be performed throughout the year.