Judaics

We offer a curriculum for Judaics that exposes our students to an expanding base of Jewish knowledge and encourages an increasingly nuanced approach to Torah, Jewish identity, and Israel. To engage our students in an inquiry into how they fit into the Jewish narrative and what Judaism means to them, we begin with a joyous study of mitzvot, move on to experience and investigate Jewish holidays and ritual, and then explore our student’ place in Jewish history. As our students mature, they wrestle with Jewish text, their relationship with Israel and approach dilemmas they face every day from a Jewish perspective.

Hebrew (modern and Biblical)

Active participation in prayers and celebrations both at home and in the synagogue is the goal of our Hebrew curriculum. We instill in our students an appreciation for the value of Hebrew as the historic, holy, and living language of the Jewish people, connecting Jews through time and space. Younger students learn Hebrew organically through song and selective use of modern Hebrew in the classroom. Third grade marks the beginning of formal Hebrew learning as students learn to read and write the Aleph Bet. By the end of third grade our students are reading one and two syllable words in Hebrew. Through our individualized and self-paced Hebrew program in grades 4-5-6, students learn basic Hebrew reading skills and prayer understanding. As students move beyond the 7th grade they increasingly focus on modern Hebrew instruction in preparation for a 9th grade trip to Israel.

Tefilot / Prayer

At BHS, Religious School students in grades 4-6 participate regularly in tefilot / prayer; they don’t just learn about prayer. They have an opportunity to develop prayer skills in a genuine and age-appropriate prayer service. Younger students experience prayer through weekly music sessions. Spirituality is nurtured in all grades through reflection and discussion. In addition, attendance at congregational worship is encouraged.

Community Building and Enrichment

BHS Religious School is intentionally designed to be a safe, trusting space for sharing and growing. Each day at BHS contains opportunities to build and sustain the classroom community. Whether students participate in a sharing circle or cook together, they are building friendship bonds that will last.