Shalom School begins Hebrew with learning with our youngest students practicing Aleph Bet Yoga. Through yoga movements, students use their bodies to make the shapes of letters. Aleph Bet Yoga is a fun interactive way for students to being identifying the shapes of Hebrew letters.
As students move up in grade they have the opportunity to take part in our Hebrew Champion program. The Hebrew Champion program allows students to earn a new "rank" similar to belts in Karate. Students start with earning a White Medal for learning some letters/vowels and continue on to reach fluency and speed with a Black Medal.
Prayer is central to many Jewish practices. Our students begin by learning basic prayers such as Sh'ma and blessings for food. Students also explore the meaning behind the prayer and find ways to connect the prayers to their lives.
Beginning in third grade, students attend a short prayer service as part of their lesson. These prayer services help students to learn the order of the service. Students help lead the service to give them practice in leading in preparation for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
From Torah stories about Noah and Abraham to evaluations about the lessons we can learn from the Prophets, each grade level adds new elements to the students understanding of the lessons of the Torah. Each grade adds a new level of learning and interpretation to the stories students will learn.
Students have the opportunity to learn the about the rich traditions and important prayers that make our holidays important. Students will build upon the lessons of previous years and gain a new perspective on the holidays as they move up in grade. From Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot in the Fall to Passover and Shavuot in the Spring, there is a holiday for every point in the school year.
G'milut Chasadim, Acts of Loving Kindness, is one of the core concepts taught at every grade level of Shalom School. Students learn about how to use Jewish Values to guide their decisions in everyday life. From the Tzedakah students bring to school to our participation in the Backpack Buddies program (providing food to under-privileged children) our students learn the value of giving to those in need.
Students in the upper grades have the opportunity to explore Jewish History from around the world. This exploration of history allows students to see the contributions Jews have made to the changing world and examine their place in modern society. From the early Jews who came to the New World to the tragedies of WWII, Jews have been a part of many communities around the world.
Jews have had a significant impact on societies around the world. Students have the opportunity to explore how Jews have impacted those societies and how those societies have impacted Jewish culture.
