Overview
In 1st–2nd grade, students build a joyful foundation for Jewish life through stories, song, prayer, and hands-on learning. Children explore Torah, holidays, Hebrew, mitzvot, Israel, and Jewish identity in ways that foster belonging, curiosity, and connection, helping Judaism feel meaningful, lived, and joyful.
Teachers: Drew Algava, Sarah O’Malley
May our learning bring us joy.
Each Sunday, our 1st–2nd grade students gather as a school community to begin the day together. We open with a short Havdalah service and selected morning prayers, helping children feel connected to Jewish life, rhythm, and one another.
T’filah (Prayer)
May our songs and prayers make us strong.
Students explore Jewish prayer through music, stories, and shared ritual, learning that prayer can be meaningful, joyful, and personal. Children are introduced to core prayers and blessings that build gratitude, belonging, and a sense of community.
Prayers and Blessings include:
Music, Songs, and Prayers
Through shared singing, students experience prayer as joyful and meaningful and prepare to participate in Zimriyah, our end-of-year celebration.
Prayers and songs include: Modeh Ani, Ma Tovu, Shema, Hinei ma tov, Shalom Chaverim, Dip the apple, Sevivon, Dayeinu, Siman tov.
Holidays
Text: I Can Celebrate my Jewish Holidays
Students experience Jewish holidays through stories, music, art, and joyful celebrations. Holidays are taught as meaningful moments that connect children to Jewish values such as gratitude, courage, freedom, caring for the earth, and community.
Holiday highlights include:
Torah
Text: A Child’s Garden of Torah
Students explore Torah through storytelling and hands-on learning, discovering Torah as a living tradition that guides our lives. Stories include Creation, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the Exodus, and Ruth. Through these stories, students explore Jewish values such as kindness, courage, forgiveness, freedom, and community.
Learning includes basic Torah vocabulary, visiting the sanctuary to see the Torah in the Ark, and creative projects such as making a personal Torah scroll.
Mitzvot & Jewish Identity
May we grow in kindness, friendship, and love.
Mitzvot come alive through stories, songs, prayer, and hands-on experiences. Each month, students explore one mitzvah and practice living Jewish values with joy and intention.
Mitzvah of the Month includes:
Hebrew/Text: Journeys through the alef-bet
Hebrew learning grows through music, stories, blessings, and hands-on experiences connected to the Jewish year. Students are introduced to age-appropriate Hebrew words and phrases linked to holidays, prayers, and Jewish values. The focus is on listening, speaking, and recognizing Hebrew in joyful, meaningful ways.
Grade 2 Hebrew highlights include:
