6th Grade

The sixth grade curriculum focuses on the Jewish life cycle, and revisits the Jewish holidays from a more mature perspective. Students will learn about the following life cycle events: entering into the covenant through Jewish ritual, becoming a B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, a Jewish wedding, conversion, keeping kosher, aging, and death, through discussions, mock life cycle rituals, speakers, and trips. Students make their own wimpels (Torah binders), hold a mock bris with mohel Barry Meisel, visit a local mikveh, hear from a panel of converts, hold a mock wedding, and visit a Jewish funeral home to learn about Jewish mourning rituals from Stephanie Garry of the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel. They also meet with a mashgiach (kosher supervisor), and participate in a kosher food scavenger hunt at a local grocery store. The holiday portion of the curriculum will inspire students to honor and explore the meaning of the Jewish holidays with the goal of personalizing each holiday’s rituals and observances.

In Hebrew, sixth graders will continue to expand their fluency with Hebrew prayer. Many students will be able to chant the following prayers: Avot V’Imahot, Gevurot, Torah Blessings, Haftarah Blessings, Chanukah Blessings and the Four Questions. Most students will be able to speak about the meaning and history of these prayers, and some of the most advanced students will be able to translate the prayers based upon an understanding of the Hebrew roots system, also used in Modern Hebrew. 

6th grade families have the opportunity to participate in two parent education sessions taught by a member of our clergy team.  Additionally, 6th grade students will share a shabbat dinner and lead a First Friday Shabbat Service.

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