Dalet-Sixth Grade
Monday/Wednesday or TuesdayThursday, 4:00-6:00 PM
Sixth grade begins the Bar and Bat Mitzvah course of study. In preparation, students learn to read and chant the Haftarah blessings. During this year, major emphasis is placed on the Jewish life cycles and ritual observance. Students participate in in depth examination of the mitzvot as students work at both "knowing and doing". Each child will explore their Bar/Bat Mitzvah portion and gain an understanding of it’s place and role within the context of the Torah.
Hey Class, Tuesdays, 6:25- 8:00 PM
I am very excited to unveil a brand new structure for our Hey Class students. This model provides our young adults with both core classes and electives. Each student must complete each of the core courses and can select from appealing electives designed to engage students in their area of interest. Please take time to review the Hey Class brochure with your children. Below we have provided an overview of the Hey Class program.
Many new components, such as dinner, have been added. You will need to fill out elective selection sheets for each child enrolled as well as the dinner form that are provided.
We hope that as we continue to evaluate this program in an ongoing and meaningful way, that enhancements will be made to make this a wonderful for reaching young Jewish adults. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at mweiner@tbanj.org or 973-994-3530.
B’Shalom,
Morah Melissa Weiner
Director of Jewish Education
Hey Class Schedule:
6:25-6:40 PM: Dinner & Guided Conversation
6:40-7:20 PM: Core Classes
7:20-8:00 PM: Elective Classes
Reference Guide:
CORE CLASSES
An Overview of Core Classes (please refer to the Hey Class brochure for a full description)
Core classes are required of each Hey student. Each student will spend 5 weeks in a core class before progressing to another. Attendance is important, as these classes are short in sessions but rich in learning.
- Hebrew Ulpan Immersion: An ulpan is an institute or school for the intensive study of Hebrew. Ulpan ( אולפן , plural ulpanim -אולפנים ) is a Hebrew word meaning basically studio or teaching, instruction.
- Tefillah Fluency and Comprehension: Understanding the Shabbat morning Service with Prayer practice is essential prior to the B’nai Mitzvah. Students will achieve Hebrew readingfluency through review and polishing of their existing skills. This course will study the Shabbat morning prayer service, its order and its meaning.
- Facing History and Ourselves: Holocaust and Human Behavior: The most disturbing question about the Holocaust is how humanity could become so depraved. In this course, students move from thought to judgment to participation as they confront the moral questions inherent in a study of violence, racism, antisemitism and bigotry.
- Why Israel Matters?: Students will love Israel from the first “SHALOM” in this class. We are striving to instill the love and partnership between our youth and our homeland. A journey through our Biblical promised land, the Zionist movement to modern Israel, will be an exciting experience.
- Ethics and Philosophy: This course will examine Jewish ethics, from its history to its applicability to our lives today. We will look at everything from the Sanhedrin (Supreme Court of ancient Israel) to making Jewish ethical decisions today.
- Mitzvot for the B’nai Mitzvot: During this year of Bar and Bat Mitzvah, students will begin to explore various mitzvot. The class begins with a midrash study on the creation of our world and the important role we play as partners with G-d in repairing the world.
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FIRST SECTION ELECTIVES
An Overview of First Section Electives (please refer to the Hey Class brochure for a full description)
Elective classes are required of each Hey student. Each student will spend 5 weeks in an elective class before choosing and progressing to another. Attendance is important, as these classes are short in sessions but rich in learning.
Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis, and class size is limited. Elective Choice Form (PDF)
- Jewish “Stars” in Hollywood: Morah Florence Goldberg
Learn about Hollywood films & Jewish Wisdom. We guarantee you'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll think. Sign up now for a unique cinema course featuring interviews with popular Holoywood personalities, film critics, professors and rabbinic scholars.
- Hiddur Mitzvah: The Art of Doing Jewish: Morah Ayssa Campbell
The Hebrew word mitzvah literally means commandment, but it has also come to mean a good deed. Learn about this mitzvah while using your creativity to craft beautiful ritual keepsakes.
- Arabs & Israelis: Brothers in Arms: Israeli Youth Emissary
One of the key and central stories in the Torah is the story of Abraham's two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Come explore the lengthy history of warring brothers and the complex contribution it makes to our world today.
- The Hunger Games and the Holocaust: Morah Arleen Lichtenstein (Prequisite: You must have read all three books to take this course.)
In print and film, The Hunger Games has captured our imaginations. But it sends a powerful message about meglomania, propaganda and the desire to kill and the will to survive. Come explore the trilogy through the eyes of history.
- Recipes from the Ashes: Morah Edit Yarkoni
The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook is a unique document which presents the stories of Holocaust survivors together with recipes from their homes. Students will cook and prepare recipes, while weaving the history of survivors through the class.
- Does My Vote Matter? Morah Nancy Lichtenberg
This November, American will go to the polls to choose a leader. Students will hear from and learn about lobbying and AIPAC. Mock elections, debates and marketing a candidate will all be featured in our class as we search for the Jewish role in American politics.
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A Slice of Heaven...Hey Class Dinner
Im ein kemach, ein Torah; Im ein Torah, ein kemach.
“If there is no bread, there can be no Torah;
If there is no Torah, there can be no bread.”
This year, you have the opportunity to pre-order dinner for your child. Dinner will consist of cheese pizza, salad and a drink (gluten free is an option). If you choose not to order, you may send a dairy snack or dairy dinner with your child. Dinner must be pre-ordered for the entire year. No refunds for absences or snow days.
Please return the form to the office by August 20, 2012.
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Other Hey Class Requirements
An Overview of Hey Class Requirements (please refer to the Hey Class brochure for a full description)
Shabbat Requriement: Students are required to attend a mimium of two Friday nigts and two Satruday mornign during the year. mornings during the year.
Hey Class Individual Student Volunteer Requirements: There are many mitzvot in Judaism, one of which is tzedakah. Tzedakah involves the giving of money, food and clothes. There is also Gemilut Chasadim, giving of ones time and energy. The Hey class students will be performing both of these mitzvot throughout the year. Volunteers are needed throughout the year to perform Tikun Olam, repairing the world in the Jewish community, (including our Synagogue) and the secular community. Each time you volunteer in the Synagogue or Community please fill out a Volunteer Voucher Form, (click on attached Voucher Form, to be posted soon).
Please let us know if you are involved in an organization that could use volunteers. The opportunity can be publicized in the weekly Mitzvah Opportunity Sheet. Babysitting, volunteering at school fairs or helping out with chores at home does not constitute community service. If you have a question as to whether something you are interested in doing would count as community service, please contact the office at bsmall@tbanj.org.
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Hey Class Graduation Commitment 2013
It is very important for a student to fulfill the educational requirements of Hey class and graduate with their peers in May. Not to complete the Hey class year sends a message that the Bar or Bat Mitzvah is itself the end goal, which is not the correct message we want conveyed. Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a wonderful lifecycle event, but it is not the end of the journey. The completion of the Hey class year is a critical element to one’s Jewish education. This commitment paper states that all parents and students understand the commitment to finish the Hey class year and graduate regardless of when becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If a student does not continue to attend Hey class before becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, there can be no ceremony at the Synagogue.
Please read the commitment form with your child, complete and return to the school office.
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Temple B'nai Abraham Derekh Eretz (Code of Conduct)
The Hebrew term Derekh Eretz literally means “the way of the land.” It applies to the good and respectful behavior of a person and his/her decorum in relation to other people. Derekh Eretz also implies a person’s proper respect for himself” (or herself). The Religious School staff works diligently to implement an environment of Derekh Eretz and each of us must accord respect for any activity taking place in it. Since each student is treated with respect, it is expected that he/she will give equal respect to teachers and fellow students. Our ultimate goal is to help the children become responsible, ethical, caring people. The Religious School is a part of the greater community. Each classroom is its own smaller community where students feel cared about and are encouragedto care about each other. The children are valued and respected – they matter for their teachers and for one another.
Please read the Code of Conduct with your child, complete the attached form and return to the school office.
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