Our Philosophy and Curriculum

Our curriculum is built around six key Jewish pillars: God, Torah, Israel, Avodah (worship), Kehilah (community), and Tikkun Olam (social action). In addition, the study of Hebrew is integrated into every lesson in grades K-6.

God
Our students will explore and develop a personal relationship with God and come to understand the covenant between God and the Jewish people as it has been experienced throughout history. They will be equipped with the ability to talk comfortably about God.

Torah
Our students will gain familiarity with Biblical, rabbinic, and other sacred Jewish texts, and will come to appreciate the Jewish value of lifelong study. They will recognize that talmud torah (the study of Torah) helps connect them to one another, to their history, and to Jewish communities around the world.

Israel
Our students will understand and foster a connection with Am Yisrael (the people of Israel), Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), and Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel). 

Avodah (Worship)
Our students will learn and find meaning in Jewish prayers and rituals, with particular attention to those incorporated in Reform Judaism. Students will gain familiarity with Jewish holidays and appreciate the value of their continued celebration.

Kehilah (Community)
Our students will understand what it means to be a member of a Kehilah Kedoshah (holy community) and will develop a relationship with Central Synagogue and its religious school, the Reform Movement, and the global Jewish community.

Tikkun Olam (Social Action)
Our students will recognize justice (tzedek) as an essential value to Judaism and the Jewish people. Students will explore the idea of justice and our obligation to help better the world, and take part in social justice projects each year.

Hebrew
Our Hebrew program is primarily a t’filah (worship) based curriculum. Students build Hebrew language acquisition skills through weekly prayer services and classroom exercises. In kindergarten through second grade, the Hebrew program focuses on building letter recognition and basic reading skills. By the end of third grade, all students are expected to master the letters of the alef-bet and should be able to sound out a basic Hebrew text. By the end of sixth grade, students are expected to read all familiar prayers accurately and fluently, identify and translate key vocabulary words, and convey an understanding of key themes for each prayer. Students who master Hebrew reading skills will be provided with the opportunity to study modern Hebrew. Additionally, students should possess a repertoire of Hebrew words and phrases that are integrated into the six strands of the curriculum (God, Torah, Israel, Tikkun Olam, Kehilah, and Avodah).

T’filah
The Central Synagogue T’filah curriculum will strive to engage our community in the ritual of Avodah (worship) by giving students the tools to find meaning in and ownership over their prayer experiences. By coming together with their grade to form a Kehilah Kedosha (holy community), students will explore the purpose of worship and continue to foster a relationship with God. Throughout the school year, students will become familiar with the order and melodies of the typical Reform T’filah service and will gain facility with the Mishkan T’filah siddur (prayer book). Each service will be rooted in Torah and connect to both the calendar year (holidays) and each grade’s curriculum. T’filah will serve as a place for students to explore their world, with a special focus on Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Israel, and the roles they play in our gratitude to God.  In addition, students will be able to exercise skills learned in Hebrew class by reciting and exploring the meaning of prayers. Through Creative T’filah, students will have the opportunity to use their personal talents to help plan a service and lead their peers in prayer. As an open and accepting environment, T’filah will serve as a place where students can express their individual Jewish identity and share in exploration with their community.