6th and 7th Grade

What is our relationship with God? How do we apply the ethical laws in the Torah to make a better world? What is my role in this world? During the sixth and seventh grade years, we ask these fundamental questions and then try to answer them as part of the final preparation for b’nai mitzvah, which mark adulthood in Judaism. It’s through this process that our curriculum endeavors to build a Jewish community. While students are separated by grade for Judaica, they combine for Hebrew and chugim (electives).

Theology: Our students study theology and personal belief systems. Through texts and multimedia, students confront different conceptions for God, exploring different ways Jews throughout history have connected with the divine and then thinking about the role God plays in our world. We guide them to discover (or create) a theology that helps them grow into their teenage years and develop a positive Jewish identity.

Tzedakah: They learn what it means to create a more just and righteous world not only though study, but also through practice. Students begin by exploring how and why Jews fulfill this mitzvah, and then choose an organization to study. Then in groups, our students prepare presentations of their chosen organizations, and at the end of the year present them to their class.

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh ba-Zeh (All of Israel is responsible for each other): Students delve into texts and explore their responsibilities to Jewish peoplehood, answering questions such as: How do we care for ourselves, the Jewish people and the world? This responsibility ties directly into becoming a bar or bat mitzvah and Jewish adulthood.

Chugim: For a third of the academic year, students choose a chug or elective course of study. These chugim differ from year to year, depending on the interests of both students and our faculty. A few examples from the past include: Jews and fashion, Jewish music and Jewish culinary tradition.

Hebrew: By the sixth and seventh grades our students are expected to be able to read prayers in our siddur as they prepare for their b’nai mitzvah. Students work at their own pace, practicing and then testing with faculty. Additional help is available for those who need it.