Judaic Studies

Hebrew

At Heschel, Hebrew serves as a vibrant link uniting the Jewish people across time—past, present, and future. Through reading, writing, and speaking Hebrew, our students connect with Jews worldwide (k’lal Yisrael), engage with their Jewish heritage (moreshet), and explore the modern State of Israel (medinat Yisrael). Our goal is to embed Hebrew within their Jewish identity, using it as a vital means to access Jewish textual treasures, immerse in Jewish and Israeli culture, and participate in Jewish rituals. Learning Hebrew at Heschel is not only meaningful and joyful but also relevant to students' lives. Hebrew is spoken daily, empowering them to initiate discussions and take risks in their language use. 

In the Lower School, Hebrew is taught by immersing students in the language from the moment they enter the school. The standard of "Ivrit b'ivrit" (Hebrew in Hebrew) is implemented from Grades 1-5, with teachers actively connecting Hebrew vocabulary to students' everyday lives. Reading is approached phonetically, emphasizing accuracy, fluency and comprehension. Building on the foundation established in Grade 1, students expand their spoken and written vocabulary, incorporate new grammatical concepts, and deepen their understanding of various texts. By the end of Grade 5, they acquire the skills to express themselves both orally and in writing, as well as analyze modern and biblical texts. Teachers and learning specialists work closely together to support each student's emerging needs. 

Humash (Bible/Torah)

Learning Humash at Heschel is centered around fostering a genuine love for Torah among students, while cultivating a positive and meaningful approach to its study. Curiosity, reverence, and respect are the cornerstones of our daily learning experience. We encourage students to explore both the plain and deeper meanings of the biblical text, uphold a sense of reverence for its sacredness, and develop a passion for making these teachings relevant to their lives. Additionally, we emphasize respect for the diverse interpretations that have emerged throughout history and in class discussions.

Heschel students embark on their formal Humash learning in 3rd Grade, marked by the 3rd Grade Humash Ceremony. Just as Avram is blessed as he begins his journey to an unknown land, we celebrate our students’ initiation into the study of Torah during this ceremony. Students study the first verses of the Torah in Parashat Lekh Lekha and then present their learning, questions, thoughts, and reflections in a heartfelt celebration of their new journey. The Humash curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become independent, lifelong learners of the biblical text. Students develop sensitivity as close readers, recognizing the Humash as a meaningful narrative that shapes their identities, while actively participating in its ongoing interpretation. By the end of 5th Grade, students also learn to read and understand Rashi commentary and ask a wide range of questions for a deeper understanding of the text. They read selected Humash texts in Hebrew, apply strategies to identify key themes, and engage in discussions on topics such as challenges, growth, relationships with God and family, Jewish identity, and leadership.

Toda’ah (Jewish Heritage)

At Heschel, our celebration of Hagim (holidays) is central to shaping our communal life as students explore the customs and themes associated with each holiday. Students experience joy through singing and learning together, linking their family traditions to communal practices. By the end of 5th Grade, students grasp the textual sources for each holiday and connect Jewish texts like the Humash and other rabbinic sources to contemporary practice. They explore diverse customs, reflect on major themes, and make connections between holidays. Our Toda’ah curriculum introduces stories, observances, and ritual objects related to each holiday, with students in Grades 1 through 5 learning these traditions in increasing depth. By the end of the Lower School, students are well-versed in the practices and mitzvot (laws) of our holidays, culminating in festive assemblies where they sing and celebrate together as a Lower School community.

Parashat haShavua (Selections from the weekly Torah portion)

Students learn about the weekly Torah portion in each grade in Lower School.  We focus on asking questions and becoming familiar with the narratives of the Torah. As they move through the grades, students will also consider commentary, or Midrash, related to the content of the weekly Torah reading.  

Tefillah (Prayer)

In the Lower School, children learn the words and melodies for the shaharit (morning) service and Hallel (the psalms sung on holidays and at the beginning of each month). There is ongoing engagement in iyyun tefillah (discussion of prayer) to deepen the students' personal connections to the prayers and to the act of prayer itself. In all grades there is a weekly tefillah b'yahad in which the grade or grades come together with parents for a spirited experience of song, prayer and iyyun tefillah.