CHILDREN’S, YOUTH and FAMILY PROGRAMMING Learning by Doing We believe that children learn most effectively through hands-on experience. That’s why we have introduced Yerusha to our program for students in grade 1-3. This program is guided and structured by a series of ranks and requirements, which students advance through at their own pace by completing tasks, such as making and hanging a mezuzah or creating a map of where Jews live in the world. Within each rank, there are recognized milestones for accomplishing required activities, so students are rewarded as they progress. Students advance through a 7-step rank system. To advance to the next rank, students must complete a number of activities, such as making an art project about a bible story, reciting a Shabbat blessing or learning a Hebrew song. (Eliminate this) When all the activities are completed, the student receives a kippah in the colour that corresponds to the rank and advances to the next rank. The student’s name is then posted on the Wall of Honour and their achievement is recognized during family services. Experiential learning is also happening in our grade 4-7 classes in Westmount. This year, we have introduced a series of electives as part of our religious school program. Students will now have the opportunity to choose an elective course, such as “Judaism Rocks”, “Jewish Traditions through Art”, “Jewish Eats and Treats” and “Tikkun Olam through the Senses”. These courses will allow the students to participate in fun and exciting activities while exploring Jewish themes, values and history.
“The Deep Dish” GRADES 8 AND 9 Saturdays, 9:00 AM- 12:15 PM at Temple Students will enjoy a pizza dinner and “dish” about topics and subjects that interest them. As a group, students will choose what they would like to study from a series of possible topics, including ethical dilemmas, current events, the Holocaust, Jewish and personal identity, comparative religion, and Israel and the Middle East. The overall theme of the Confirmation year is “What I know about being Jewish…and taking it on the Road”. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize all that they have learned throughout their years at Temple and to continue with their own ongoing development of Jewish identity and faith. In the spring, students will have an experiential learning opportunity on a Confirmation class trip, where they will have a chance to visit some interesting Jewish sights and connect with other Jewish teens. “A-TEEM” - GRADES 10 AND 11 (Assistant Temple Emanu-El Madrichim) The A-TEEM Madrichim program is a leadership and teaching experience for students in grades 10 and 11. The madrichim will have administrative duties as well as hands-on involvement with students. The A-TEEM will have the opportunity to facilitate school-wide tzedakah projects, assist with elective courses, photograph school events and holiday programs and help ensure the smooth running of day to day activities. Join the A-Teem! • Help shape Torah School • Gain new skills and develop new interests • Connect with friends, clergy, staff and the greater Temple community
To learn more about Temple’s Torah School, please contact our Director of Education, Melanie Alter, at 514-9373575, ext. 210 or Melanie@templemontreal.ca
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THE VOICE • APRIl - MAY - JUNE 2013
TEMPLE EMANU-EL-BETH SHOLOM