4th Grade: Introduction to Jewish History and Jewish Communities around the World
In years when 3rd and 4th grades are combined in a single classroom, this curriculum alternates with the 3rd grade curriculum in a 2-year cycle, so that all students learn both parts.
| Main Focus: | Cultural and historical similarities and differences between Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemenite, and Mizrahi communities. Deeper look at Jewish holidays, traditions, and culture. |
| Holidays and Celebrations: | Study and celebrate Jewish holidays as they occur during the year. The emphasis is on the Jewish multicultural experience of the holidays. |
| Bible Stories: | Bible stories are reviewed in conjunction with the study of early Jewish history. Comparisons are made with folktales. |
| Jewish Values and Ethics: | Customs practiced by Jewish communities around the world. |
| History and Israel: | Early Jewish history. Primary focus is on the Diaspora and the development of the Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemenite, and Mizrahi communities in Europe, Africa, and Asia. |
| 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: used for holidays and for making food for others as holiday gifts (shalah-manos for Purim, for example). |
| Textbook: | A Kid’s Mensch Handbook |