Lower School, K-5, Class Offerings

MASA Program

Sundays 3:00-5:30 pm (as per calendar) and selected Shabbatot and Jewish holidays.  Tutoring schedule options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon/evening, and Sunday late mornings.
MASA, the Hebrew word for journey, is a program that brings parents and children together to learn and experience Jewish life in a non-classroom setting.  Families develop friendships and a special connection to our sacred community.  We will offer two MASA tracks.  Celebrations! explores the Jewish holidays and traditions at home and synagogue preparing both students and parents for rich and meaningful holiday celebrations as a family.  MASA Mitzvah Corps takes families through a journey exploring the mitzvot that frame our tradition and make our world a better place.  Jewish values guiding our work of tikkun olam and traditions that guide our practice will be learned through the richness of our Torah stories. Both tracks will include joyful singing, time to share a snack, and a wonderful worship experience at Sunday sessions.  This program meets all Religious School requirements for Grades K-4.  Hebrew requirements are fulfilled through Temple provided private tutoring once a week for half an hour. Hour long tutoring sessions are available for interested families at an additional fee.

 

Kindergarten: The Holiday Cycle

Once a Week – Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am OR
MASA family program (see MASA Program description above)
A joyful introduction to the Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and Torah stories with crafts, singing, story telling and prayer. We develop a sense of community, sharing Shabbat worship and meals and coming together for family programs.

First Grade: Mitzvot

Once a Week - Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am OR Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR
MASA family program (see MASA Program description above)
Students explore the many mitzvot that guide our lives.  A mitzvah tree collects leaves representing the students' acts of love and kindness and participation in Jewish tradition.  Hebrew letters are introduced beginning in this year.  We develop a sense of community, sharing Shabbat worship and meals and coming together for family programs.

Second Grade: The Synagogue

Once a Week - Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am OR Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR
MASA family program (see MASA Program description above)
Students discover the important role that the synagogue plays in celebrating Jewish life and building a Jewish community.  Students are exposed to ritual objects common in all synagogues as well as what is unique about Temple Shaaray Tefila.  We develop a sense of community, sharing Shabbat worship and meals and coming together for family programs.

Third Grade: Torah

Twice a Week – Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am and Tuesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR Monday 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR
MASA family program (see MASA Program description above)
Students delve into the world of Torah as they explore the Jewish values embedded in our history and tradition. Students are introduced to Hebrew reading skills that lay a foundation for prayer. Family and Shabbat programs as well as an overnight shul-in enrich the community experience.

Fourth Grade: Israel

Twice a Week – Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am and Tuesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR Monday 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR MASA family program (see MASA Program description above)
Students build a connection with the land and the people of Israel. The fourth grade partners with a school in Haifa, Israel to build personal and meaningful relationships and deepen their understanding of our homeland.  Students develop prayer skills with the self-paced Mitkadem program. Family and Shabbat programs as well as an overnight shul-in enrich the community experience.

Fifth Grade: Jewish Life Cycles

Twice a Week – Either Sunday 9:00 – 11:00 am and Tuesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm OR Monday 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 pm
From birth to death, students explore the Jewish traditions that help us to celebrate or mark the major Jewish events in our lives. Students gain the skills to appropriately participate in all life cycle moments. Students continue to develop prayer skills with the self-paced Mitkadem program. Family and Shabbat programs as well as an overnight shul-in enrich the community experience.