KITAH GIMEL (GRADE 3)
Kitah Gimel begins formal Hebrew study using a primer text. Students learn to read Hebrew, begin to study prayers, and are introduced to everyday Hebrew words and phrases. They deepen their understanding of Jewish holidays, emphasizing how and why they are observed, and special holiday vocabulary. They also dive into classic Bible stories from Creation to the Exodus from Egypt. The stories are told with an emphasis on Jewish values. Students also learn about the major cities and life of modern Israel. Classroom study is supplemented with hands-on projects and family learning.
The year culminates with the Consecration Service when students are honored for their successful completion of nearly a year of formal Hebrew instruction and receive the prayerbook Mishkan Tefilah. On the Sunday following Consecration, families have their Family Education day with the CHAI Educator and make a Tzedakah Box.
Books & Materials: Shalom Uvrachah Print Edition, The Jewish Holiday Treasure Trail, The Great Israel Scavenger Hunt, Mishkan Tefillah: Shabbat edition
KITAH DALET (GRADE 4)
Students continue their formal study of prayer, focusing mainly on the Friday night service. Prayers are read for proficiency and meaning. Students learn prayer-based vocabulary and blessings associated with each holiday. They discuss Jewish concepts of God and how they are reflected in our prayers and daily lives. They study Jewish values through “mensch” (good person) behavior. They also study Israel and begin their study of Jewish lifecycles with birth, bris and baby naming, as well as a field trip to to Mayyim Hayyim, a mikveh (Jewish ritual immersion center) in Newton. A highlight of the year is the Family Service, when students lead the service, teaching about the prayers they have learned. On the Sunday following their Family Service, families create a ceramic Kiddush cup for their Family Education day with the CHAI Educator.
Books & materials: The Explorer’s Bible II, Back-to-School Hebrew Reading Refresher, Hineni 1, Experiencing the Jewish Holidays, Passport to Israel, A Kid’s Mensch Handbook
Prayers Mastered (page numbers in parenthesis are in Mishkan Tefilah, our prayerbook): Candle blessing (120), Kiddush (123), Sh’ma (152), Motzi (606), Basic blessing structure, V’Ahavta (154), Barchu (146), 4 Questions (for Passover), Havdalah (612-614) and Shehecheyanu (384). Listen to audio recordings of some of these prayers here.
KITAH HEY (GRADE 5)
Learning this year revolves around Jewish heroes. Students continue the study of prayer, focusing on the Amidah (the central section of Jewish prayer) and the Shabbat morning liturgy. Prayers are read for proficiency, comprehension, and meaning. Students explore heroes and heroic virtues as themes of Jewish prayer. They learn about Israel, holidays and values through the heroes who embody Jewish virtues. They explore the Jewish lifecycle of marriage, and explore our Merrimack Valley Jewish Roots with a family field trip in the fall. Kitah Hey students lead a Family Service, including many of the prayers. On the Sunday following their Family Service, families create a ceramic seder plate for their Family Education day with the CHAI Educator.
Books & materials: Hineni 2 Book & Workbook, Experience Modern Israel, Eizehu Gibor, Jewish Holidays Jewish Values
Prayers Mastered (page numbers in parenthesis are in Mishkan Tefilah, our prayerbook): Avot v’Imahot (244), G’vurot (246), Eliyahu Hanavi (616). Listen to audio recordings of some of these prayers here.