1st Grade: Jewish Calendar and Life Cycle Events
In years when 1st and 2nd grades are combined in a single classroom, this curriculum alternates with the 2nd grade curriculum in a 2-year cycle, so that all students learn both parts.
| Main Focus: | Continue learning about Jewish holidays. Learn about main life cycle events: Brit Mila / naming ceremony; Bar/Bat Mitzvah; marriage. Learn how the holidays are observed in Jewish communities around the world. |
| Holidays and Celebrations: | Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah*, Tu BíShvat,
Purim*, Passover*, Lag BíOmer, Shavuot, Yom Ha-Atzmaut; Shabbat. The meaning of the holidays is discussed at the depth appropriate to the student's age. |
| Bible Stories: | Bible stories appropriate to the calendar events being studied: Ruth and Naomi; Queen Esther; Moses. |
| Jewish Values and Ethics: | Tzedakah, mitzvot, and their importance in everyday life. |
| History and Israel: | How holidays and life cycle events are celebrated in Israel |
| Prayers, Blessings: | Blessings for the holidays and Shabbat. |
| Music/Dance/Arts & Crafts: | Music: weekly Dance: monthly Arts and crafts: art projects are an integral part of every lesson. Cooking projects are used to demonstrate traditional holiday foods from different parts of the Jewish world. |
| Textbook: | My Jewish Year |
*School-wide celebration