Jewish Life & Learning

List of 4 items.

• Hebrew Language

  Our Hebrew language program nurtures students’ sense of identity, connection, and belonging while providing the benefits of second language acquisition—strengthened cognitive development, problem-solving, and communication skills. Hebrew as a second language is taught through an immersive approach beginning in Kindergarten. Beginning in the 3rd grade year, students work in small  flexible groups that allow for differentiated learning and support a variety of Hebrew proficiency levels. Through Hebrew, students also develop the ability to access prayer and text in original form, deepening their ties to Jewish life and preparing for B'nai Mitzvah. 

• Judaic Studies

  The Judaic Studies program fosters understanding of Jewish texts, traditions, history and values while developing critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Through explorations of Jewish history, and usage of the Pedagogy of Partnership approach, students develop skills in inquiry, perspective-taking, and constructive debate that prepare them to navigate complexity and contribute thoughtfully to society. Through the study of Jewish text and prayer, students learn to analyze and discuss what they read, preparing them to both question and appreciate the written and spoke word. Through the study and experience of Jewish practice and values, our students learn to live a thoughtful and engaged Jewish life.

• T'fillah - Prayer

  Our students participate in prayer experiences and services led by our synagogue clergy, and often have opportunities to be prayer leaders. Students will become comfortable in the skills of reading, chanting, understanding key phrases, the structure of the siddur, and locating prayers in the siddur. 

• Israel Education

  At Valley Beth Shalom Day School, Yisrael-Connecting to Israel and the Jewish People-is a core value. Israel education plays an important role at VBS Day School and in our curriculum. Our Israel Education program cultivates knowledge of Israel’s history, culture, and civic life while promoting critical inquiry and global awareness. Israel is taught across the curriculum and not isolated in one subject area or grade level.
  
  

  • Students develop a strong personal and ongoing relationship with Israel, its people and its culture.
  • Israel education is based on a paradigm of Jewish peoplehood where Israel is seen as a center of Jewish life and essential to Jewish identity in the modern world.
  • Students understand Israel as a varied, multifaceted, and complex nation. This includes knowledge and understanding of Israel’s history, culture, people, and geography.
  • Students’ connection to and understanding of Israel is related to and strengthened by their own personal Jewish identity.
  • Hebrew language learning is a significant aspect of connection and relationship to Israel and can serve as an entry to better understanding the modern State of Israel.
  • The Jewish people have a historic and sacred liturgical and textual relationship to the Land of Israel.

  In 6th grade, students have the option to attend the Grinberg Passport to Israel Trip as a culmination of their Israel education.