CROSSING THE CURRICULUM PARSHAT HASHAVUAH

At Talmud Torah, Parashat Hashavua learning is not limited to brief, isolated instruction every Friday. The ideas of the weekly Torah portion are infused into other areas of the curriculum so that students create more connections and appreciation between the world of Torah text and the rest of the world around them. Students experience the centrality and connectedness of Torah though diverse experiences and exposures.

Students engage in activities related to Parashat Hashavua with other teachers in addition to the Kodesh teacher. Parasha posters and challenge questions are posted each week in the hallways and in the parent newsletter. Pre-planned activities allow General Studies teachers to reinforce the content and concepts of the Parasha. The students see that Torah surrounds them in their everyday lives breaking down walls between Limudei Kodesh and General Studies.

Students created learning products using seven predetermined connections to seven parashiot between Bereshit and Pekudei creating an extraordinary exhibit showcasing their cross curricular learning. The exhibition led visitors through the journey of the Jewish People’s development as seen in the narratives of Breishit and Shmot, and the growth of the students’ learning.

13 STUDENTS QUALIFIED FOR THE NATIONAL BIBLE CONTEST they learned through telescopes and an interactive moon viewing app.

Overall, this event provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the moon and its role in both scientific and Jewish contexts. It also allowed them to connect their knowledge of the natural world with their religious and cultural traditions.