Curriculum

“Snap Shot” of Mercaz Aliyah Curriculum by Grade

(Click here to see the schedules for Sunday, Monday and Thursday classes)

At every grade, our overarching goals are to help students and their families develop a sense of belonging to our Kehillah (community); believing in something bigger than themselves; becoming an involved community member; and building a brighter Jewish future

Kindergarten/Grade 1:  Kitah Gan/Aleph

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings.  Core classes joyfully introduce students to Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish community, customs, and culture.  Core highlights of this year include a parent/child workshop in November to create Shabbat ritual items and a Shema pillowcase workshop in the Spring.  Kitah Gan/Aleph students have an option to enhance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug, or, Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our Sunday morning program, students may choose to come on Monday and/or Thursday afternoons to take part in our NEW KATAN classes (click here to learn more about KATAN!)  

Grade 2:  Kitah Bet

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings, and an additional two hours during the week, on Monday or Thursday afternoon – YOUR CHOICE.  Core classes joyfully engage students in their studies of Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish community, customs, and culture.  Core highlights of this year include a parent/child siddur workshop and siddur presentation ceremony in the spring.  Kitah Bet students have an option to enhance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug, or, Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our four hour Core requirement, students may also choose to enhance their studies by coming an additional weekday. 

Grade 3/4:  Kitah Gimel/Dalet

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings, and an additional two hours during the week, on Monday or Thursday afternoon – YOUR CHOICE.  Core classes joyfully engage students in their studies of Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish community, customs, and culture, in an age appropriate, project based/experiential manner.  Core highlights of this year include a parent/child Tu Bishvat Seder in the winter, and class co-sponsored Friday night dinner and service in the Spring.  Kitah Gimel/Dalet students have an option to enhance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug, or, Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our four hour Core requirement, students may also choose to enhance their studies by coming an additional weekday. 

Grade 5:  Kitah Hey

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings, and an additional two hours during the week, on Monday or Thursday afternoon – YOUR CHOICE.  Core classes joyfully engage students in their studies of Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Community, customs, and culture, in an age appropriate, project based/experiential manner.  Core highlights of this year include parent/child leadership opportunities on designated Saturday Shabbat B’Yachad mornings.  Kitah Hey students have an option to enhance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug, or, Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our four hour Core requirement, students may also choose to enhance their studies by coming an additional weekday. 

Grade 6:  Kitah Vov

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings, and an additional two hours during the week, on Monday or Thursday afternoon – YOUR CHOICE.  Core classes joyfully engage students in their studies of Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Community, customs, and culture, in an age appropriate, project based/experiential manner.  

Core highlights of this exciting pre-B’nai Mitzvah year include:

  • Lifecycle studies with Cantor Gloth 
  • Rosh Hodesh meetings with our Youth Advisors
  • Community service field trips as part of our B’Nai Telem curriculum
  • Hebrew language
  • Judaic arts 
  • Parent/child leadership on designated Saturday Shabbat B’Yachad mornings 
  •  
  • Kitah Vov students will have an option to enhance and advance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug or Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our four hour Core requirement, students may also choose to enhance their studies by coming an additional hour on Monday and Thursdays or by adding an additional weekday. 

 

Grade 7:  Kitah Zayin

Core classes meet for two hours on Sunday mornings, and an additional two hours during the week, on Monday or Thursday afternoon – YOUR CHOICE.  Core classes joyfully engage students in their studies of Siddur Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Israel, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Community, customs, and culture, in an age appropriate, project based/experiential manner.  

Core highlights of this exciting B’nai Mitzvah year include:

  •  A ten session seminar with Rabbi Perkins
  • Rosh Hodesh meetings with our Youth Advisors
  • Development of “roots and wings” through our Dor L’Dor curriculum
  • Parent/child leadership on designated Saturday Shabbat B’Yachad mornings and community festivals. 

 

Kitah Zayin students will have an option to enhance and advance their Sunday schedule by adding on a third hour of Chug, or, Jewish group activities, which will include a light bagel lunch.  In addition to our four hour Core requirement, students may also choose to enhance/advance their studies by coming an additional hour on Monday and Thursdays, or by adding an additional weekday.