The CHAI Curriculum is divided into 7 core levels. Each contains 27 complete one-hour classroom lessons in Torah, Avodah and G'milut Chasdadim plus family education lessons. The CHAI lessons follow a curriculum model known as "backward design," as outlined in the book Understanding by Design (UbD) by Wiggins and McTighe and published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). This approach, and that of the CHAI curriculum is designed so that student learning will go beyond the specific classroom activities and will reach a deeper enduring understanding, establishing the basis for later Jewish learning and living.
There are enduring understandings, or “big ideas” on which the curriculum, as a whole, is built. Following these enduring understandings is more specific information about each of our class groups and the enduring understandings they will focus upon this year.
Enduring Understandings for Our Program
Torah · Torah is an ongoing dialogue between the text and its students. · Torah is real in our daily lives; it goes with us wherever we are. · Developing the skills to study Torah is essential to integrating Torah into our lives.
Avodah · Avodah is the work we do to find sacred connections to God, community, and self. Engaging in the work of avodah can bring order, beauty, meaning and insight to our lives and our community.
G'milut Chasadim · We have a responsibility to perform personal acts of g'milut chasadim to make the world a better and holier place.
Israel · A fundamental aspect of a healthy Jewish identity is a relationship to Israel as the historical homeland and the spiritual inheritance of the Jewish people. · A fundamental aspect of a healthy Reform Jewish identity is a commitment to advancing the cause of religious pluralism within the modern State of Israel.
Kindergarten – Grade 1 Torah
Avodah
G'milut Chasadim
Israel
Grades 2 & 3 Torah
Avodah
G'milut Chasadim
Israel
Grades 4 & 5 Torah
Avodah
G'milut Chasadim
Israel
Grades 6 & 7 Torah
Avodah
G'milut Chasadim
Israel
Grades 8 - 10
Our post Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah students have a special opportunity to explore what is most important to them. Based on their understanding of Jewish values, they will delve into discovering "Where Do You Give?" -- a groundbreaking new curriculum created by the American Jewish World Service.
They will be empowered to claim their own tzedakah priorities in connection with contemporary issues that matter to them. They will be on the cutting edge by integrating social media with Jewish text, history, culture and values. They will create lasting change by bringing their own young voices into a national conversation about tzedakah. They will make a real and deep impact on the way our community thinks about giving.
Confirmation - Grade 10 10th graders are an integral part of our YAFE program and attend Sunday mornings throughout the year. In addition, they have a special confirmation class that meets on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 pm, with Rabbi Gottlieb, beginning in January 2013. Important dates/meetings with the Rabbi: January 9. 16, 23, 30 & February 6, 13, 20, 27 March 6, 13, 20 [no class March 27 & April 3] April 10, 17, 24 May 1, 8 [no class May 15 = day 1 Shavuot] Please make note that the confirmation service (which will be led, in part, by your child) will take place on Friday, May 17, 2013, and will be part of the Friday Night Feast for that month. |
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