At JUDA, we engage your child's sense of identity by capturing his/her imagination and attention. So, we put a lot of effort into providing our students with substantive lessons and a positive atmosphere.
The lessons are multi-sensory and hands-on, ensuring that the students truly experience what they are being taught. They are structured to create a lively, interactive experience. The information truly becomes the student's own.
Children absorb from the world around them, forming trillions of brain connections by interacting with their environment. JUDA is about providing children with enriched opportunities for learning using all of their senses. At JUDA, the children will develop a love for our Jewish heritage and the Hebrew language through art, music, literature, dance and taste as they are integrated throughout every fantastic day at JUDA.
- Hebrew Reading: Each student will work on mastering the skill of reading Hebrew at their own pace, using an array of resources such as the Aleph Champ Karate inspired system, Montessori style manipulatives, play based discovery and one-on-one learning.
- Jewish Holidays and Practice: Experience the joy of our Jewish heritage with hands on STEAM based activities and discovery.
- Jew Q: Students will master Jewish Knowledge with multimedia presentation, tests, interactive games, and super cool prizes!
- Hebrew Reading: Our growing preschoolers will continue to continue to enjoy working with the Aleph Bet letters using manipulatives, art, and all of their senses while also mastering each letter through practice and by encountering each letter as a new friend.
- Jewish Holidays: Experience the joy of our Jewish heritage with hands on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) based activities and discovery, as well as music and movement!
Our young tots will enjoy play based discovery with the addition of Aleph Bet manipulatives to promote Hebrew language exposure, enjoy Judaic themed open ended art, and music & movement circle to lay a strong foundation for lifetime learning!
JUDA Babies: Ages 12 - 36 months
Babies will enjoy play based discovery alongside their peers with exposure to Jewish themed materials, and enjoy a fun sing along circle, and age appropriate sensory art, to promote a familiarity and love for our Jewish heritage.
General Curriculum Outline
Hebrew: Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people, linking us to our heritage. It unites us through prayer and tradition. Our program integrates Hebrew reading and prayer into each weekly session, starting every day with tefillah (prayer) and dedicated Hebrew sessions.
Aleph Champ: At JUDA Hebrew School, we use the engaging Aleph Champ program to teach Hebrew reading. This system allows students to progress at their own pace by grouping them by skill level rather than age or grade.
Beginner students start by learning the Aleph Bet (Hebrew alphabet) through interactive exercises and games to ensure a strong foundation. Once they master the letters, they move on to learning the Nekudot (vowels), focusing on their names, appearances, and sounds. Students then practice reading simple words.
As students advance, they enhance their reading skills, focusing on fluency and accuracy, and work towards mastering Hebrew prayers.
JCrafts Workshops: Once a month, students at JUDAH participate in JCrafts workshops that enrich their learning experience across various facets of Jewish life. These workshops cover holidays, Mitzvah observances, and Jewish values, aligning with topics studied in Hebrew school sessions.
By engaging in hands-on projects, students not only enjoy a fun and interactive learning environment but also deepen their understanding in a lasting way. These experiences leave a lasting impact, connecting them more deeply to their heritage and education at Hebrew School.
Prayer: Each day begins with prayer, using melodies familiar from synagogue services to help students feel at ease and engaged. Younger students learn basic prayers like “Modeh Ani” and “Shema” using a colorful, illustrated Sing-Along Siddur. This resource, paired with music, aids in understanding and memorizing the prayers.
Older students delve into more complex prayers such as the Amidah. They use a specially designed Siddur that includes clear introductions, English translations, transliterations, and larger Hebrew text to aid comprehension and reading.
Torah/Jewish History: Our curriculum covers the five books of the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, providing an overview of Jewish history up to the entry into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Students explore the lives of key figures like Moses and Miriam, shaping their understanding of the Jewish Nation.
We are excited to pilot the innovative "Jewish Journeys" curriculum. This two-year program engages students with Torah stories through diverse mediums including technology, engineering, art, and theater.
Mitzvot & Jewish Values: Students learn what it means to live as a Jew by exploring fundamental Mitzvot (commandments), both those between people and those between individuals and G‑d. This section helps students understand the principles behind Jewish practices, and the practical aspects of Mitzvot.
Jewish Life Cycles: Older students explore significant milestones in Jewish life and their associated traditions and customs. They learn about Jewish life cycles through the perspective of the soul, examining its journey from life to death and beyond.
Israel: Our Israel curriculum deepens students' connection to the Land of Israel. They learn to appreciate its significance to Judaism. Projects include cultural exchanges, like collaborations with the Technion, where students design toys for children in Sderot, enhancing their understanding through practical applications.
Holidays: Throughout the year, students learn about each Jewish holiday, from Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot. They explore the traditions, customs, and lessons associated with each holiday through music, drama, art, and food. Family programs before or during each holiday provide opportunities for interactive learning and celebration.
Torah Trivia: This curriculum covers essential Jewish facts, from Biblical figures to Jewish artifacts. Students learn one new fact each week, continually reviewing past lessons to reinforce their knowledge. Fun trivia questions and mini prizes add excitement to the learning process.
Jewish Birthday Bash: We celebrate Jewish birthdays monthly with a special party. Students with birthdays in the upcoming Jewish month receive certificates with their Hebrew birthday and goody bags, while the whole school enjoys treats. This program helps students learn their Hebrew birthdays and the traditions associated with celebrating them.