Hebrew School (3rd– 6th)

Our Hebrew Programs

We look forward to working with your child in our Hebrew programs. Our formal Hebrew School program meets on Sundays from 12:30pm-2:00pm, OR Tuesdays, from 4:00pm-6:00pm beginning in third grade and concluding in sixth grade.  Our Private Hebrew Tutoring program meets at a time that is convenient for the student and tutor.

Useful Hebrew School Quick Links:

• 2022-2023 Kulanu Calendar (PDF) or view our online calendar
• Link to Parent Handbook
• Link to Volunteer Participation Form
• Register for Kulanu (you must log in to your Shir Hadash account to register)
• Tuition and Fees

PRIVATE HEBREW Tutoring (Alternative to KULANU Hebrew)

Our Private Hebrew Tutoring program is for those students who need to learn at their own pace or whose schedule prevents them from attending on Sundays or Tuesdays.  Tutors meet with students weekly for 45 minutes at Congregation Shir Hadash or via Zoom for a total of 26 sessions (equivalent to the total number of sessions of the school year), at a time that is most convenient for the student. 

Please note that students in this Private Hebrew Tutoring program commit to participating the entire school year.

Goals for our Students

• to identify Hebrew letters and vowels, decode multi-syllable words, and understand special rules.
• to fluently read prayers associated with the weekly and Shabbat evening and morning services.
• to develop an awareness of key vocabulary and roots associated with the prayers found in the weekly and Shabbat evening and morning services.
• to have a greater sense of understanding of the weekly and Shabbat evening and morning service structure.
• to effectively describe personal meaning associated with the prayers found in the weekly and Shabbat evening and morning services.
• to identify the symbols and melodies of Torah trope, in preparation for chanting from Torah
• to be confident prayer leaders and have comfort when attending services at other congregations.
• to gain a sense of Jewish pride and connection to past generations.
• to familiarize students with a Hebrew vocabulary encompassing words associating with Jewish life.

Our Curriculum

third Grade -  Rishonim

In Rishonim, students will learn basic Hebrew decoding skills, which include identifying Hebrew letters and vowels, reading multi-syllable words, and learning Jewish life vocabulary. In addition, students will begin to understand the purpose of prayer and become proficient readers in select Hebrew prayers. Regularly reviewing material and practicing reading at home will help students hone the Hebrew decoding skills and vocabulary they learn in class. As such, students will complete weekly homework via a supplemental online component associated with our student’s textbook, Alef-Bet Quest. Students will print out an online lesson summary when they have completed all the activities in a lesson and submit it to their teacher. 

fourth and fifth grade - Kochavim and Chalutzim

Students apply the decoding skills acquired in third grade and formally begin the study of key prayers and blessings in Jewish tradition.   In addition to becoming proficient readers, students will begin to develop a personal connection to the prayers themselves.  Students will engage with prayer intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.   They will experience prayer through multiple modalities, including music, movement, art, digital learning, and mindfulness.   Our hope is that our students will not only learn prayer Hebrew skills but find meaning in praying as a community.   Students will also participate in a Shabbat service with the clergy.

Regularly reviewing material and practicing reading at home will help students hone the Hebrew decoding skills and vocabulary they learn in class.  As such, students will be assigned weekly homework.  To help parents work with their children, transliterations of prayers will be provided for their use only recordings of the prayers will be provided to ensure accuracy.  

sixth Grade - Bonim

In Bonim, students will further their understanding of the prayers and structure of the Shacharit (Morning) service on Shabbat.  Attention will also be placed on the Torah service, Haftarah blessings, and trope (cantillation).  In addition to becoming proficient readers, students will begin to develop a personal connection to the prayers themselves.  Vocabulary exercises, hands-on activities, and discussions strengthen prayer knowledge and acquisition.  Students will also lead a Shabbat service with the clergy.

Regularly reviewing material and practicing reading at home will help students hone the Hebrew decoding skills and vocabulary they learn in class.  As such, students will be assigned weekly homework consisting of submitting recordings of their reading to their teachers. 

Tuition

See tuition and fee details for the Hebrew School and alternative Individualized Tutoring programs.

Private Tutoring

For those students who are enrolled in the Kulanu Hebrew School and need additional help, we will refer you to experienced tutors who are familiar with our curriculum.   Payment for private tutoring will be made to Shir Hadash and we will then pay the tutor directly.

Attendance

It is the policy of the Kulanu Hebrew School that a child who misses any session needs to contact the teacher or class peers to make up missed work. If there are three absences in a row, the family may be required to engage a tutor to assist with the missed material.

Special Needs

Kulanu is sensitive to the educational journey of our students and understands that each child is unique and should be allowed to learn in a manner that is appropriate for their learning needs. In Pirke Avot (22:6) we are told, ”Teach each child according to his or her own abilities.”  We work hard to help all of our students to realize their fullest potential and skill level.  Preparation for a student’s B'nai Mitzvah is individualized and is adapted based on the B'nai Mitzvah's learning needs.  Please reach out to Rabbi Schwartz so that he can work with you and your child(ren) to ensure a meaningful experience in our program.