Curriculum Overview

BJEP’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a life-long appreciation of Judaism. Our program for the younger grades introduces children to the joy of being Jewish. They learn classic Jewish stories (biblical and otherwise), sing favorite Jewish songs in Hebrew and English, celebrate the full cycle of Jewish holidays and enjoy tasty Jewish foods. The program is enriched by music, art, dance and story time. There is also a recurring emphasis on the importance of tsedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (“repairing the world”).

The upper grades continue the study of Jewish fundamentals with additional focus on Jewish values, and modern and contemporary Jewish history. A variety of study units are taught, including Israel (grade 5), Jewish life cycle and Jewish American History (grade 6), and Holocaust and the Jewish imperative to make the world a better place (Grade 7). Students can participate in an extended Sunday program that includes a Jewish theater program, a dance program and a Modern Hebrew class. Some students also take advantage of the BJEP tutorial program for Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation.

• Kindergarten: Kindergarteners eagerly look forward to their monthly BJEP meetings! Each class celebrates a different Jewish holiday. The morning routine includes a Jewish story followed by a craft activity and snack. Children also become acquainted with a number of favorite Jewish characters and Hebrew letters. The morning ends with a lively music session during which parents are welcome to attend.

• Grade 1: First graders have a jammed-packed year of excitement. They enjoy their first formal introduction to the letters of the Alef Bet and learn a full array of exciting bible heroes. Circle time happens every week, and children love singing Jewish songs and hearing great Jewish stories. First graders also love celebrating the Jewish holidays and participating in our music, dance and art specials.

• Grade 2: Second graders are excited to begin their formal study of the Alef Bet (alphabet) in Hebrew. By the end of the year, they are proud to have learned all their letters and vowels. They also enjoy a book-backed Jewish values curriculum. While second graders celebrate all the holidays, they spend extra time learning about the holiday of Shabbat (Sabbath); the children love coming together with their families to celebrate this holiday.

• Grade 3: Third graders begin their formal Bible study with the Book of Genesis and the first part of the Book of Exodus. They also continue improving their Hebrew reading skills. While third graders celebrate all holidays, they focus on the holiday Passover and the Passover Haggadah (book that is read during the Passover meal). The children enjoy coming together for a Passover celebration in the spring.

• Grade 4: Fourth graders study Jewish heroes, old and new. They learn about the kings and prophets of Ancient Israel and see how Judaism has evolved over time (and how Jews moved over time!). Students study Hebrew with an emphasis on Jewish home rituals. Fourth graders decorate their own siddur (prayer book) and come together with families to celebrate Havdalah, the home ritual that brings Shabbat (the Sabbath) to an end.

• Grade 5: Fifth graders study the state of Israel – its origins, history, culture and contemporary life. Highlights include a simulation of the UN Council vote for the State of Israel, a unit on the pursuit of peace and a culinary tour of Israeli culture. Fifth graders prepare for a Friday Night service and dinner in the spring.

• Grade 6: Sixth graders learn about the history of Jewish emigration to the United States and interview a family member for their own personal Legacy Project. They also study the Jewish life cycle with an emphasis on the significance of a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah. In Hebrew, sixth graders prepare for a Shabbat (Saturday) morning service when they share their Legacy projects.

• Grade 7: Seventh graders study the Holocaust – from how it began to why it was allowed to happen. They visit an art gallery that features art of a Holocaust survivor and take a leadership role in the Jewish Community’s Holocaust Commemoration in Boston. They also study the Jewish imperative to make our world better, choosing their own non-profit to support for the Grade 7 Mitzvah Fair and spearheading the annual schoolwide tikkun olam (improving the world) project. Grade 7 students study Modern Hebrew through Israeli music. Personal Bar or Bat Mitzvah tutoring is also available.