Middle School Girls Yahadut
Yahadut, which literally means “Judaism” in Hebrew, is a course through which our middle school girls will learn what it means to be successful Jewish women in the modern world. The curriculum works in a three year cycle, so that all grades will be learning the same general topic (but tailored to their specific grade level) each year, creating a uniform environment which opens the door for inter-grade projects and study opportunities. Within each general topic, we explore the philosophy, halachic (law-based) concepts, and real world applications for our everyday lives. At the end of all three years, our girls will emerge with the knowledge, tools, and excitement to become well-rounded, spiritually motivated young Jewish women.
Year One: Shabbat
What is this mini-holiday that comes around each week? Where does it come from, why do we observe it, how do we keep it, and what does it mean to us today? The Shabbat course aims to answer these fundamental questions, beginning with the sources for the concept of Shabbat in the Torah and deeper ideas of the commentators explaining why Hashem commanded it. We then move on to the bulk of the year, exploring all 39 Melachot (or forbidden activities) on Shabbat, their origins in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the practical applications of each of these laws. Study of the 39 Melachot culminates in a middle school-wide Fair, where students prepare presentations for their classmates and parents of what they have learned. The rest of the year is devoted to understanding the many rituals of Shabbat, including candle lighting, reciting kiddush, challah baking, eating three meals, praying, and reciting Havdallah at the close of Shabbat. We explain the origin, meaning of the text, and seller significance of each practice, bringing it to life and emphasizing its beauty in our weekly observance. The curriculum culminates in an in-depth study of the Eshet Hayil (woman of valor) prayer traditionally recited on Friday night before kiddush, giving our girls a strong sense of what it means to be an exemplary Jewish woman.
Year Two: Tefillah (Prayer)
Through ten exciting units, we will understand the philosophy of tefillah, analyze relevant halachot (laws) pertaining to women and tefillah, look for sources in our Tanach where our forefathers (and mothers!) used prayer to connect to Hashem, and of course- we will translate and uncover the deeper meaning behind our daily tefillot. We will also take a look at the specific tefillot that pertain to the chagim (holidays) as we approach them on the calendar!
Our Yahadut curriculum also includes an in-depth study of each of these chagim as we approach them on the calendar- what the holiday is, what rituals we perform, why, and a study of any relevant texts (like Megillar Esther before Purim time, the Haggadah before Pesach time, etc). Time will be carved throughout the year for this aspect of Yahadut, while still moving through our wider Tefillah curriculum!
Class Objectives: Students will be able to recognize the centrality of tefillah to modern Jewish life, with a concrete understanding of what we say, why we say it, where it comes from, and how we can maximize this mitzvah to achieve a truly close connection with Hashem.
Year Three: Kashrut (laws of kosher) TBD