Blogroll | Congregation Darchei Noam

This fall, our Hebrew school is pleased to be implementing a new three-phase curriculum that is based on the saying from Pirkei Avot (ethics of our ancestors) that the world stands on three pillars: Torah (bible), Avodah (service) and Gemilut Chassadim (acts of loving kindness).

The curriculum was developed in-house by Rabbi Tina Grimberg and our Director of Youth Education and Programming, Ariel Zaltzman. It covers a wide range of engaging and exciting Jewish learning.

While all grades will explore themes related to Torah, holidays and values, each grade will have a particular emphasis.

In JK and SK students get an introduction to all aspects of Jewish Life. Starting in Grade 1 and continuing through Grade 6, the program evolves in three phases:

Phase 1 (Grades 1 and 2): Torah: Bringing the Bible to Life

In this phase, the program focuses on teaching about the Torah (bible): the tales, their characters and their contribution to the world. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Rachel, Leah and Joseph will be chosen to learn about the Jewish ancestors and their contribution to Jewish life.

Phase 2 (Grades 3 and 4): Avodah: Learning Jewish Customs and Traditions

This phase covers Avodah (service): the rituals and celebrations of Jewish holidays and the Jewish lifecycle, and how these practices are grounded in the words of the Torah. Students will discover Torah stories that teach us the traditions and guidelines of Jewish life during special times each year and in our lifecycle.

Phase 3 (Grades 5 and 6): Gemilut Chassadim: Becoming Good Jewish Citizens

In this last phase, students will learn about Gemilut Chassadim (acts of loving kindness): Jewish ethics, Mitzvot (good deeds) and the Jewish concept Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). The Torah emphasises the importance of treating others as you treat yourself; students will learn the Jewish guidelines and ethics that are still relevant to us in our modern world. Through field trips and enriching volunteer opportunities in the community, they will bring these values to life.

In each grade, students will:

• Engage in an exciting and interactive music and Tefillah (prayer) program;
• Learn about Jewish holidays, Jewish and universal values and Torah stories from different perspectives;
• Partake in weekly Hebrew lessons;
• In Grades 3-6 students participate in experiential learning activities, which include music, robotics, cooking and woodworking.

Following Grade 6, students can continue with in our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program.

If you are interested in more information, or would like to join Darchei Noam’s Hebrew School, contact Ariel Zaltzman or call 416-638-4783 ext. 28.

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