The Middle School Judaic Studies Faculty at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy is looking forward to another inspiring and enriching year of Torah learning, and is excited about enhancements and additions to the Judaic Studies curriculum.
After an extremely successful launch of a new tefillah curriculum last year for 5th to 8th graders, this year’s tefillah study will focus on the Kriyat Shema and Shemoneh Esrei. One of the exciting features of this year’s program will be a personalized Shemonei Esrei Companion, which will allow students to create their own siddur based on class discussion and will help make students’ tefillah more meaningful and personal. Additionally, songs that correspond to each tefillah studied will be made available to students. As they access their “TefillaTunes” and create their own “praylists” students will have the opportunity to create a connection with the words they say every day.
The 7th and 8th grade Gemara curriculum study of Berachot, Perek Tefillat Hashachar, will be enhanced by the brand new Bright Beginnings work-book, produced by renowned educator Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz. The workbook combines visual tools and a systematic introduction to Talmud skills that will make the Gemara feel accessible to students and will build confidence for continued study of Talmud. Students will also have access to the workbook’s “E-book” version that can be accessed from the school’s iPads, which will further enhance the school’s integration of technology into Torah study and making Torah study more user-friendly for students. The 5th and 6th grade study of Mishnayot Berachot and the 7th and 8th grade study of Gemara Berachot will seamlessly connect to and enhance the tefillah curriculum.
In an effort to instill within students the values of chesed and friendship, this year’s educational programming throughout the JKHA Middle School will be dedicated to the theme of areyvut, mutual respect. With the understanding that as a community we are codependent and are better when we work together, students will become more sensitive to the needs of their peers and the community. Throughout the school year, programs and chesed opportunities will focus on the ideas of unity, camaraderie and friendship. All students at JKHA can look forward to a year of communal growth and mutual respect.
By JLNJ Staff
