Family School
Sukkat Shalom’s education program involves the entire family. Parents and children join together twice a month to explore stories, values, and traditions. We strive to provide our families with interactive and challenging experiences which we hope will help build a foundation of knowledge and literacy. The curriculum is a combination of parallel and joint study, engaging all in the activities that promote intellectual and emotional development. In every discussion we emphasize the core values that we each have brought from our diverse traditions and backgrounds. Shabbat and Holiday worship, experiential learning, art, music and family programs are all included in order to provide a well-rounded educational experience. It is our hope that families continue to learn and discuss long after they leave Family School.
Our Guiding Principles
Tikkun Olam – Repair of the World
We see ourselves as God’s partner in the repair the world. The study of social justice issues, such as, caring for the needy and mending the earth, are just a few ways that we partner to make the world a better place.
Kehillah – Community
The mandate of “ Al Tifros Min HaTzibur” (Do Not Separate Yourself from your Community) Pirke Avot 2:5 is a commitment that the whole family is part of the learning community. Participation in our community strengthens the bonds between parent and child and the congregation as a whole.
Tzedekah – Righteous Acts
We use the word Tzedekah to mean “charity.” However, it is so much more. The word “Tzedekah”, is derived from the root Tzedek meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the needy is not viewed as generosity; rather, it is simply an act of justice and righteousness.
B’tzelem Elohim – In God’s Image
The Torah teaches us that we are all created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26) Each of us has immeasurable worth and the right to a secure and a nurturing environment. Through our differences we can find connections with each other and create a community with shared morals and values. Our hope is that together we can build a community of spiritual awareness and support each other through times of joy and sorrow.
Talmud Torah – The Study of Torah
Our educational program strives toward both intellectual and spiritual excellence. Promoting life-long learning is a core value in the Sukkat Shalom community. The great philosopher Martin Buber taught that we must find the relevance of the text in our contemporary life. Jewish education must inspire students of all ages to be responsible for their spiritual learning and we must guide them through this journey.
Curriculum Overview
Early Childhood/Pre-K
- Learn all that Judaism has to offer
- Actively engage in discovering the joys of their identity
- Explore the holidays, Shabbat, and Israel
- Play, music, and art round out the day
Kindergarten
- Discover the stories from the Torah
- Explore the celebration of Shabbat and Havdalah
- Engage in stories, music, and art
First Grade
- Discover the Jewish symbols of the home and synagogue
- Engage with the holidays through their ritual objects
- Experience music and art through the lens of symbols and ritual object
Second Grade
- Delve into our obligation to perform G'milut Chasadim, acts of loving kindness
- Engage with Jewish values such as respecting the elderly, caring for the earth, and helping those in need
- Explore now to live out these values every day
Third Grade
- Build a relationship to the State of Israel
- Discover the beauty and history to the land
- Explore each major city and extraordinary archeological sites
Fourth Grade
- Engage in authentic, dynamic Torah study
- Explore the Torah as we have done for centuries – by pondering, personalizing and wrestling with the text
- Participate in biblical dialogue and create Midrashim (interpretation of the text)
Fifth Grade
- Engage in authentic, dynamic Bible study
- Explore the book of Prophets (Niviim)* Learn the message of the prophets – to remind us how God wants us to live
- Encounter the text from the Book of Writings that are used for holiday celebrations
Sixth Grade
- Study of the lifecycle events, such as, Brit Milah and Simchat Bat, B’nai Mitzvah, Weddings, and Funerals
- Examine the rituals, prayers and vocabulary associated with each life cycle event
- Observe how each life cycle is practiced today
- Attendance at field trips and special speakers are an integral part of the year
Seventh Grade
- Investigate how our ancestors argued with God or other authorities when they felt justice and truth demanded it
- Analyze the key conflicts in history and apply Jewish values and understanding to each situation
- Discover what factors makes being a person worthy of emulation and how to be a mensch
Eighth Grade
- Explore in dedicated relationship-building time to maintain your connection to your Family School community
- Explore what it means to be in our madrichim program as madrichim-in-training amine
- Experience learning opportunities as you enter Jewish adulthood by attending Caffeine for the Brain with the Sukkat Shalom adult community
Please note: Depending on enrollment numbers, some grades may be combined. If that is the case, they will do each grade's curriculum in alternating years.
High School Offerings
Madrichim Program
Sunday mornings and/or Thursday afternoons
- Madrich/Madricha means “counselor” or “mentor.” Become a high school madrich/madricha, and assist at Family School and/or Hebrew on Sundays and/or Thursdays. Our high school students (9th – 12th grades) are vital to the Family School experience. They are role models to the younger students and bring a love of the congregation into each classroom.
-
All Madrichim are required to attend the High School Retreat, and participate in monthly gatherings. The monthly gathering will consist of social and educational programming that will allow our high school students to have a chance to engage and connect with each other while furthering their own personal connection to Judaism and Jewish learning.
Your teen must complete an online application to become a Madrich/Madricha in our Family School and/or Hebrew Program. Your teen will receive a link to the form once you register.
Youth Group
Calling all Sukkat Shalom 5th -8th graders!! If you are looking for a youth group experience to connect with others through fun and dynamic programs, like movies, hikes, GAGA, bowling, sporting events, social justice projects and holiday celebrations than you have found the place to be.
Under the supervision of our advisor, Isaac Freedman, the youth group will typically meet on Sunday afternoons.
We are looking forward to an amazing year!!
