Sixth Grade

Students discuss Jewish ethics, morals and laws. A small section of the parsha Hashavuah (portion of the week) is read and discussed in both Hebrew and English. Current events such as anti Semites, race relations, Holocaust reparations, Israeli politics and more are discussed as well as what it means to be Jewish in a Christian nation. Customs and holidays continue to be discussed at greater length.

Hebrew- Emphasis is on increasing fluency in Hebrew reading. Proper grammar is stressed. Lessons are continued in Haftorah Trope Chanting.

Holidays - Studies of the holidays focus on the main characters, the main religious artifacts used for each holiday, the historical setting of each of the holidays, such as Purim in Persia and Chanukah in Greek times, Passover in Egyptian times and their sequence on a time line.

Blessings, Prayers and Songs - Many blessings and prayers are read and translated.

Translation of the Shma Ve’ahavta is reviewed and committed to memory.

Judaic Studies -Students are introduced to the Talmud as the Oral Law and the Torah, Nevim and Ketuvim (Tenach) as the written law. The Torah as a code of law that has democratic principals as well as theological principals is presented. The role of Greece and Ancient Israel with their respective influences on our current Western civilization are explored. The existence and the formation of the Modern State of Israel is a big part of classroom discussions.

Jewish Identity - The sixth graders explore their Jewish identity in terms of their grandparents and great-grandparents and where they came from. The history of Jews from ancient times, the social standing of Jews throughout history and where we are now in our quest for freedom is discussed. Zionist concepts, the founding of the state of Israel, the yearning for Zion in liturgy and discussion of events in the world as they pertain to us as people and as Jews are topics of discussion.

Current Events - Articles from the New York Times and from various other media that relate to Israel and the Jewish people are discussed.

Texts and Teacher Resources:

• Why Be Different
• New York Times
• The New Siddur Program – Book 3 with Torah Skills Workbook