Palo Alto School for Jewish Education
8th Grade: Jewish History and Ethics
In years when 7th and 8th grades are combined in a single classroom, the curricula alternate the 8th grade curriculum in a 2-year cycle, so all students are exposed to all of the material. 8th graders prepare a speech to present at their graduation.
Main Focus - 8th
By examining Jewish history and law, the students grapple with the questions of Who am I? What do I believe? How does my Jewish heritage influence decision making in my life?
Holidays and Celebrations - 8th
Students review and discuss all major holidays and their significance to Jewish ethics and history. They participate in school-wide celebrations of the High Holidays, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover.
Bible Stories - 8th
Students explore Jewish ethics using Biblical stories and other Jewish texts for insight.
Jewish Values and Ethics - 8th
Various texts, including the Talmud, are used to enhance student understanding of issues regarding the Jewish life cycle and the modern Jewish family.
History and Israel - 8th
Students engage in the study of Jewish history integrated with their knowledge of world history.
Prayers, Blessings - 8th
Students learn prayers to help conduct the school wide Passover Seder. They evaluate the historical significance of some prayers. The students plan and conduct a classroom Tu B'Shevat Seder.
Music/Dance/Arts & Crafts - 8th
Music is taught weekly and dance monthly.
Textbook - 8th
The Story of the Jews by Stan Mack (an award winning graphic history).
Mah La Asot (case studies in Jewish Law).
