SCHOOL PROGRAM
We are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to the children through the excellent Hebrew School program at The Dr. Cy Gruberg Hebrew School of Ulster County.
We have prepared an outstanding program that will give your child a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Judaism, and will instill in your child the faith, beauty and values of our heritage.
All lessons will be taught in a manner that will give the children a great appreciation of our rich Jewish heritage. Role-playing, crafts, and songs will be incorporated to help make the lessons enjoyable.
We are planning special programs which will take place at different times throughout the year, such as Shabbat experiences, Chanukah Party, Purim Fun, Passover Matzah Baking, Model Seder, Lag B'Omer Community Barbeque, and more. We believe that the joy and pride in Judaism that will be experienced at Hebrew School will make an indelible impression upon the children.
Curriculum
HEBREW LANGUAGE:
Children will learn to recognize and identify all of the Hebrew letters and vowels. As the children progress, they will climb the ladder of Hebrew reading at their own pace, using the Aleph Champ reading program (please see attached for more information about the Aleph Champ program). Additionally, they will begin to learn how to write some of the letters.
Children will learn Hebrew words related to current themes.
MITZVOT:
Children will be taught the meaning of Mitzvoth - Torah commandments - and will be encouraged to enjoy the experience of doing mitzvoth (good deeds). Some mitzvoth emphasized are Charity, loving one another, kindness to living creatures, hospitality, honoring parents, and mezuzah.
JEWISH HOLIDAYS:
Children will learn to appreciate the special quality and holiness of Shabbat and Holidays. They will become familiar with the historical background, customs, and observances of each festival throughout the year.
PRAYERS:
Children will become familiar with basic prayers and blessings, as well as the reasons and meanings behind them.
JEWISH HISTORY & TRADITION:
Over the year the children will learn about many of the important events and lessons which have helped shape Jewish History. Each year we incorporate a central theme into our weekly Hebrew lessons.
This year our theme is based on Breishit, the book of Genesis, which is the first of the five books of the Torah. B’reishit is jam-packed with very important and well-known bible stories. Using the book of B’reishit as a base for our theme, the children will learn the stories and the valuable lessons gleaned from the stories, as they encounter several heroic
figures who serve as role models for us. Each story emerges with a practical application that the children can relate to in their own lives in today’s society.
The Aleph Champ Reading Program
The Aleph Champion Program is a brainstorm idea based on the karate motivational system of colors and levels. The entire reading system was divided into levels of different colors. This arrangement ensures that students learn to read Hebrew at their own pace in an efficient, well-organized method.
Children begin with the white level, practicing the first half of the aleph-bet and move through the ten levels, ending with reading fluently.
Children will be tested throughout the year and can move up a level at any time. Awards are given throughout the year as well.
Aleph Champ Levels
1. White Aleph Champion – Master the first 18 letters of the Aleph Bet.
2. Red Aleph Champion – Master all 32 letters of the Aleph Bet.
3. Orange Aleph Champion – Master the first 3 vowels with letter combinations.
4. Yellow Aleph Champion – Master the first 6 vowels with letter combinations.
5. Green Aleph Champion – Master the first 9 vowels with letter combinations.
6. Blue Aleph Champion – Master all the vowels and exceptions to the rules.
7. Purple Aleph Champion – Master reading familiar Prayers and Brachot.
8. Brown Aleph Champion – Master reading important Tefillot.
9. Grey Aleph Champion – Master reading from the Siddur in a timed fashion.
10. Black Aleph Champion – Master reading over 100 words in a minute
