September 05, 2008   5 Elul 5768

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Temple Emanuel places a high priority on the education of its children, their families, and all members of our congregation. We believe that the programs in this guide demonstrate that strong commitment and offer you many opportunities to make education a core part of your Jewish experience. Whether it be the Religious School, Family Education, Yad B’Yad (preschool), Adult Learning Experiences, or the Seniors Lunch ‘n Learn program, Temple Emanuel provides learning experiences for all ages.

To those of you with a child or children in the Religious School, we believe that the key to their success lies with YOU. Your involvement in our religious school programs as well as the temple’s educational, social, and spiritual life as a whole will have the major influence on your child’s commitment to Judaism. Please become active learners in our temple community. Spend time in your child’s classroom; attend the family education programs planned specifically for your child’s grade; attend services regularly with your child; seek out programs within the temple which meet your own needs; and become an active member of our temple community. We believe that this is the best way to ensure that your child becomes connected to Judaism.

Our students in 3rd-6th grade attend classes two days a week to provide them with a well-rounded Jewish education. It is our strong belief that raising a Jewish child involves a strong commitment to and participation in our religious school and synagogue life.

Every grade participates in our Family Education Program. It is so important for your children to spend time learning with you. We believe that it is crucial to a well-rounded religious school program. Our goal is to help you bring a little more Judaism into your home and your family life. We have some excellent family programs planned. You won't want to miss these great opportunities to come and learn with your children. There is no prior knowledge required or expected. We want you to enjoy these programs as you gain new ways to see the world through Jewish eyes.

Outside the regular classroom environment, we provide for special learning experiences. Students attend music sessions to sing songs for holidays, for reinforcement of liturgy, for Hebrew practice and for songs that promote Jewish identity. Third through sixth graders attend a weekly Torah study class to discuss Torah stories and lessons. Students who have special learning needs have the opportunity to study with our Special Needs teacher on Sundays.

In addition, special programs are planned throughout the year. Storytellers, plays, concerts, and field trips are some of the special programs that have occurred in the past.

We are embarking on an exciting year of growth, learning and exploration. To all of our temple community, we invite your suggestions, encouragement and help as, together, we build a true Beit Midrash at Temple Emanuel.

Curriculum  

curriculum

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

This is a year of discovery and exploration for our four year olds. Their first year as students in our religious school focuses on lessons that teach and reinforce Jewish identity and home practices. The emphasis is on having fun in a Jewish environment. Music, art and stories form the primary modes of learning for these children. It is a wonderful and valuable first year of school.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarteners play Jewish games, do crafts, sing songs, listen to stories and talk about holiday and home celebrations as well as basic ethics of how to treat others and themselves. Children begin to learn Hebrew letters, numbers, and words in readiness for formal Hebrew study in 3rd grade.

GRADE ONE

The special theme of Grade One is Jewish stories. The Sefer Safari program allows children to take home a special Jewish book each week to share with their family. Questions and activities help the whole family to share in the first grader's understanding of and appreciation for the wonderful lessons that can be learned through literature. In addition, children are consecrated at a special Simchat Torah service where they formally begin their Jewish education. Hebrew language learning is reinforced with songs and games which teach elementary Hebrew words and phrases.

GRADE TWO

Second Grade is a pivotal year at Temple Emanuel of Tempe. It is the last year of Sunday school only and the beginning of more serious study and formal learning. Of course, there are still lots of art projects, songs, stories and fun activities to keep our children excited about Jewish learning. Second graders begin their Hebrew reading readiness studies as well as deepen their understanding of the holidays, Torah, synagogue and prayer.

GRADE THREE

Grade Three marks the beginning of the formal study of Hebrew. Students attend Judaic Studies classes on Wednesday or Thursday and Hebrew on Sundays. The special focus of third grade is starting to understand the meaning of God. Torah Study, music sessions, and holiday programs fill our the curriculum.

GRADE FOUR

Fourth graders continue their study of Hebrew, prayers, Torah and holidays. The special focus of the curriculum is Israel. Lots of hands-on activities and discussion give the children a strong identification with Israel, her people, geography, customs, and history.

GRADE FIVE

The focus of fifth grade is the study of Jewish life cycles. Students examine, through class instruction and Family Education programs, our Jewish rites of passage. In addition, they participate in the Pieces of the Past program which gives these children the opportunity to meet, interview and get to know seniors in our congregation. The goal is to give our fifth graders a sense of their cultural heritage by personalizing Jewish history through the rich experiences of our seniors. Also, our students begin to explore Jewish history. Hebrew study through the formal study of liturgy and prayer becomes a more central focus of the Hebrew curriculum.

GRADE SIX

Sixth graders continue the study of Jewish history, holidays and Torah. In addition, many students begin their formal bar/bat mitzvah study. It's a busy and very important year for our sixth graders as they complete their final year of formal Hebrew study.

GRADE SEVEN

See the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook for Bar/Bat Mitzvah requirements and course of study.

Seventh graders are busy preparing for their b'nei mitzvah. They also attend a full Judaic Studies program on Wednesday evenings. They continue to study Jewish ethics and values and how their lives reflect who they are as a Jew. They explore Jewish life cycle events in greater depth than eve before. Participation in the Tzedakah Collective project reinforces their role as socially responsible individuals who have an obligation to help others.

GRADE 8

Our eighth graders study the history of anti-Semitism in Europe through the creation of modern Israelduring one semester and discuss ethics and how to live their lives Jewishly during the other semester. During the 2nd hour, they select electives ranging from cooking, art, Torah study, comparative religion, current events and more.

GRADE 9

Ninth grade studies more about Jewish ethics, current events, social action, Israel, and basic Jewish literacy. During the 2nd hour, they select electives ranging from cooking art, Torah study, comparative religion, current events and more.

CONFIRMATION

Tenth grade is Confirmation year. Tenth graders study the theology of Judaism, comparative Judaism, and modern Israel with Rabbi Staus. Confirmation is an important milestone in our students' Jewish education. We encourage all students to continue with their studies through Confirmation.

GRADES 11 AND 12

We have a special program for our 11th and 12th graders which combines discussions of Jewish ethics and adolescent issues with a strong emphasis on Social Action and community service.

ART

Our art specialist visits each classroom in grades K-6 twice during the school year for very special art projects. Look for these masterpieces as they are brought home. Projects related to the curriculum and to Jewish holidays. It is hoped that they will attain honored places in your homes as representations of what Judaism means artistically to your children.

TORAH STUDY

3rd through 6th graders attend a 20 minute Torah study class each week. They discuss the stories of Genesis and Exodus and the lessons that we can learn from them. Discussions are lively, creative, and often the highlight of Jewish studies for our children.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM

Students in grades K-6 who have special learning issues are accommodated in either our special needs class on Sunday mornings or with other interventions that will make the child's experience in religious school more successful. Please be sure to see the Director if you have a child with special needs.

MADRICHIM PROGRAM

Students in 8th - 12th grade may apply to be madrichim (teaching assistants) in our Sunday morning religious school program. Madrichim are assigned to classrooms where they assist teachers and students. It is an important way for them to give back some of what they have received through their own Jewish education.

TIKKUN OLAM

All grades K-6 select a Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) project and organization and discuss ways to better our world through social action projects. Students participate in a project with their class to reinforce the important Jewish concept of helping those who are less fortunate. Precepts of Jewish Social Action are taught and discussed.
2007-2008 Religious School Schedule  
Family and Youth Information  

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