Family School

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.

Family School 2017-2018 Registration

2017-18 Family School Calendar

Our Guiding Principles

Tikun 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.

Music

Enjoy the following links to some of our favorite songs from Family School
Oseh Shalom by Gesher
Al Sh’losha by Alan Goodis
Sweet As Honey by Dan Nichols
Love the Lord by Lincoln Brewster

Curriculum Overview

Early Childhood

Shalom Sesame Magazines Teachers: Robin Pinsof and Rhonda Wax * 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

Pre-K/Kindergarten

Let’s Explore Being Jewish Teachers: Stacia Goldstein and Alyce Lang *Discover the stories from the Torah

* Explore the building blocks of Jewish life

*Delve into the holiday celebrations through stories, music and art projects

First Grade

Let’s Discover Shabbat & Let’s Discover the Synagogue Teachers: Holly Ginsburg and Jamie Cohen * Discover the beauty of Shabbat through the observance of the traditions and the creation of ritual objects to use at home * Build a connection to their spiritual home by learning about the people and the artifacts found in a synagogue * Learn what goes into the sanctuary, and about the Sefer Torah

Second Grade

BJL Mitzvot Teachers: Jodi Berlinger and Jody Kenzer * Delve into the subject of Mitzvot (Commandments and Good Deeds). * Explore the key Mitzvot – giving Tzedekah, feeding the needy and preforming acts of loving kindness * Learning these core values teaches us how to live them each day

Third Grade

The Great Israel Scavenger Hunt Teachers: Ronit Levy and Danya Lev * Build a relationship to the State of Israel * Discover the beauty and history to the land * Explore each major city and extraordinary archaeological sites

Fourth Grade

The Explorer’s Bible: Creation to the Exodus Teachers: Maya Lev and Jori Kavorsky  * 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

The Explorer’s Bible: From Sinai to the Nation of Israel Teachers: Jodi Max and Amanda Max * 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

Life Cycles Teachers: Kelli Max and Dana Auerbach Harf * 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

Living Jewish Values Great Debates throughout Jewish history Teachers: Kenny Lyons and Alex Zuber * 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

Making Tough Choices Teachers: David Walcoff * Explore in depth the social/emotional issues of our lives through art, drama and narrative. * Examine how popular culture questions our values, faith and identity * Engage in a spiritual quest for knowledge through ethical and moral dilemmas.

High School Offerings

Register now for High School Programs 

Chat n’ Chew — Confirmation Class  

1 Sunday/month, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Gather with fellow teens and our clergy at a local restaurant for lunch and meaningful conversation. Discuss relevant issues, such as social justice, Israel, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, college prep, relationships, image, social media presence, and more.

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.  On Family School days, madrichim learn with Kelli Max, teacher and youth group advisor, to develop new skills, useful in and outside of the classroom. Here are the list of Family School Dates and Hebrew School dates.

L’taken Social Justice Seminar

Friday, Feb. 9 – Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 (Washington, DC)

Travel to Washington, DC to and meet teens from around the country for a four-day social justice seminar hosted by the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center (RAC). Explore advocacy, policy, and DC for an amazing weekend of learning and fun! Hang out in Georgetown, check out the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, experience the MLK monument, and participate in Havdallah under the stars at the Jefferson Monument. Learn about a variety of public policy issues, and explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform Movement’s advocacy on these issues. The weekend culminates with a visit to Capitol Hill to lobby Members of Congress. Email cdaniels@sukkatshalom.org for more information.

 

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, Kelli Max, the youth group will typically meet on Sunday afternoons.

We are looking forward to an amazing year!!