B’yachad
B’yachad is KAM Isaiah Israel's early childhood religious education experience for
children under 4 and their parents. Join other parents and toddlers on Sunday
mornings for an enriched playgroup with a Jewish emphasis. B’yachad meets
Sunday mornings, 9:30-11:00 (Children with siblings in Religious School are welcome to stay until noon).
Kindergarten
The curriculum focuses on holidays of the Jewish year. Music, dance, art and stories are used to communicate simple concepts and rituals associated with each holiday. The students are introduced to Bible stories in Genesis and Exodus. Services and song sessions help them become familiar with basic Hebrew prayers--Modeh Ani, the Shema, motzi, blessings over the candles and wine--and holiday songs. In working to think of themselves as part of a classroom community, the students learn about the importance of rachamim, kindness and compassion.
First Grade
Our first graders focus on the Jewish home. They discuss what makes a home Jewish. In the classroom they learn how each holiday may be observed at home. They continue their study of the stories in Genesis and Exodus. Creating a "Biblical Family Tree" teaches them about the beginnings of our heritage. They continue to learn basic Hebrew prayers and blessings. They also learn the four Passover questions and holiday songs. The first grade students study the value theme of tzedakah, righteousness, and discuss the many ways and reasons to give tzedakah.
Second Grade
The synagogue is the focus of the second grade curriculum. The students study the synagogue as a place for Jews to meet, learn, share and experience Judaism. They meet the people who work in the synagogue and learn about their roles. They also learn about the meaning and purpose of ritual objects and symbols found in the synagogue. First grade Bible study centers around the Ten Commandments. The students learn the v'ahavta prayer in Hebrew, as well as more Hebrew songs. They study about the holidays of Simhat Torah, Pesah, and Shavuot. They also study the concept of mitzvot, good deeds. They learn about holiness through helping others.
Third Grade
The history, land, culture, and people of the State of Israel are the focus of the third grade curriculum. The students' Bible study concentrates on the Book of Ruth. They begin their formal study of Hebrew as they learn the Hebrew alphabet along with basic Hebrew words. The third grade students study the holidays of Tu b'Shevat, Yom Ha'Atzmaut and Lag b'Omer. They also learn about the concept of Am Yisrael, the people of Israel.
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade curriculum centers around the Book of Exodus, the Prophets, and the biblical Writings. Art projects, drama, dance and storytelling help the students understand these biblical texts. They study Purim and Pesah with an emphasis on how these holidays relate to the biblical stories. In Hebrew class they discuss the meaning of the prayers and learn to participate more fully in the prayer service. Their value theme is Jewish heroes and heroines.
Fifth Grade
The fifth grade students explore the many faces of Judaism through the study of Jews around the world and the different ways through which they express their Judaism. They also study the Jewish life cycle and the history and rituals relating to life cycle events. Using a biblical time line, they discuss the Bible as history. In Hebrew, they study the aleinu prayer. They also learn about the observance of Rosh Chodesh, Hanukkah and Sukkot. In connection with their value theme is tikkun olam, repairing the world, the students undertake a major social action project.
Sixth Grade
Through research projects, film clips, art and drama, sixth grade students approach Judaism from a historical perspective, covering the centuries from the Exile to the Shoah (Holocaust). In Hebrew, they study the meaning and purpose of the aliyah blessing before and after Torah reading. They learn about the holidays of Yom HaShoah and Tishe b'Av. They look more intensively at the meaning of tsedakah and undertake a major tzedakah project helping our community.
