4th Grade Curriculum

Overview The fourth grade curriculum will help students master the reading and chanting of Hebrew prayers while gaining a deeper understanding of prayer vocabulary. Students will continue to build upon their knowledge of , biblical stories and Jewish history.

Total number of sessions: 56

Note to teacher: Some units have been paired with holidays based on when it is estimated the unit will take place during the school year. You may need to extend preceding units in order for holiday lessons to fall at the correct time of year. Only 56 lessons have been planned to allow for this flexibility and to work around potential snow days etc.

Texts * Denotes abbreviations used to refer to texts later in this curriculum

 The Book of Jewish Holidays - *JH  Journeys Through the Siddur (Friday Evening) - *JS (Uses the Imahot—so an explanation will be given to the students and they will use the e- Siddur program for learning the text of the  The Explorer’s Bible - *EB

Total Units: 19

1 Unit 1: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JH 58-73; JS 3-7, EB 7-13

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to read and understand about Kabbalat  Students will be able to explore the concept of welcoming the Shabbat Bride  Students will be able to access Tefilot on e-siddur program on the i-pads  Students will be able to reinforce chanting using the eSiddur program  Students will be able to explain the significance of Shabbat.  Students will be able to fluently read and understand the Shabbat/ blessings on JH pgs 65 & 69.  Students will be able to recount the Exodus story EB pgs 7-11.

Key Words:  B’samin  Shavua Tov  Eliyahu Hanavi  Erev Shabbat  Bracha

Key Concepts:  Jewish tradition gives us a way to thank God for all our blessings at each time of the day  Just as God rested on the seventh day of Creation we need to give ourselves a day of rest during our busy weeks.

Key Terms:  Shabbat  Queen of Days  Kiddush  Lecha Dodi  Havdalah  Kabbalat Shabbat

Assessments: Oral quizzes Pencil and paper quizzes Boys vs. girls quiz games

Unit 2: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Rosh Hashanah

Texts/Pages: JH 6, 11-23; JS7-11; EB 14-21

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to read and understand the basic concepts of L’cha Dodi  Students will see the acrostic of Rabbi Shlomo ha-Levi’s name, the author of L’cha Dodi as they learn to chant it

2  Students will be able to explain the concept of a root and recognize the root bet-resh- kaf.  Students will be able to explain the significance of Rosh Hashanah.  Students will be able to recognize the different names for Rosh Hashanah and explain the origin of each name.  Students will be able to explain the origin and meaning of Lecha Dodi.

Key Words:  Bride/Kallah  Awe  Challah  Erev  Tzimmes  Shanah tovah umetukah  Shofar  Mitzvah  Tekiah Gedolah / Shvarim / Truah  Akedah  Shabbat  Kabbalist  Tikkun Olam

Key Concepts:  Jewish tradition gives us daily reminders that allow us to turn everyday events into special ones.  Shabbat is a special day of the week set apart from other days.  Holiness is all around us if we take the time to look for it.

Key Terms:  Brachot  Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim”)  Rosh HaShanah / Yom Hazikkaron / Yom Hadin / Yom Truah  The Book of Life / L’Shana tovah tikatevu  Tashlich  Lecha Dodi

Unit 3: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Yom Kippur

Texts/Pages: JH 25-33; JS 12-21; EB 22-29

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance of Yom Kippur and Teshuvah.  Students will be able to explain why we fast on Yom Kippur.  Students will be able to recognize all three names for Yom Kippur.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the .  Students will be able to recognize the roots vet-resh-kaf & Ayin-resh-bet.  Students will be able to demonstrate how to “dance” the Barechu.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the Aravim.

3  Students will be able to recount the story of the twelve scouts, Moses striking the rock and Moses’ death.

Key Words:  Kol Nidre  Jonah  Mahzor  Olam  Atah  Erev  Or  Galal  Hoshech

Key Concepts:  We all try to do our best but sometimes we make mistakes. When we wander away from God we can always find our way back by making a fresh start.  Although Jews can pray on their own, there are many times when we pray together.  Courage and optimism can influence the way we see the world and can also help us achieve our goals.

Key Terms:  Yom Kippur / Shabbat Shabbaton  Days of Awe  Teshuvah  Fasting  Barechu  Maariv Aravim

Unit 4: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Sukkot

Texts/Pages: JH 34-47; JS 23-32; EB 30-37

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance and origin of Sukkot.  Students will be able to fluently read the blessing for sitting in the Sukkah.  Students will be able to demonstrate how to say a blessing over the lulav and etrog.  Students will be able to recognize alternative names for Sukkot.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of .  Students will be able to recognize the roots Chet-yud-hey, aleph-hey-vet and shin- mem-Ayin.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the Shema.  Students will be able to recite the Shema from memory along with accompanying choreography JS pg 30  Students will be able to recount the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho.

Key Words:  Sukkah  Shalosh Regalim

4  Etrog  Lulav  Hadasim  Aravot  Klal Yisrael  Hoshana Rabbah  Hoshia-na  Shemini Atzeret  Hag  Ushpizin  Jeremiah  Hai  Ahava  Kol Mitzvotai  Melech  Echad  Kvod  Joshua

Key Concepts:  Sukkot gives us the opportunity to recognize where our food comes from and gives thanks for the bounty in our lives.  The Shema is probably the most important sentence in the entire Torah. It states our central belief that there is only one God.  Sometimes when we say prayers or blessings we pair them with actions so that our heart, soul and body are involved in what we are saying.

Key Terms:  Sukkot / He Hag / Z’man Simchatenu /Hag HaAsif  Rosh Hodesh  Ahavat Olam  Ahavah Rabbah  Shema  The Temple  Torah/Prophets/Writings

Assessments for Units 2, 3 and 4:  Quizzes and games  Vocabulary worksheets  Oral reading  Written notes  Homework  Fill in the blanks

Unit 5: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Simchat Torah

Texts/Pages: JH 48-57; JS 33-39; EB 38-45

5 Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance of Simchat Torah.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the V’Ahavta.  Students will be able to fluently read the V’Ahavta JS pgs 34-35 and chant using the e- siddur program  Students will be able to recognize a kamatz katan.  Students will be able to recount the stories of Deborah and Yael on EB pgs 38-41.  Students will be asked to think about the question: How do we know there is really a God?

Key Words:  Sidrah  Parashah  Erev  Sefer Torah  Hakkafah /Hakkafot  Tallit  Hatan Torah  Kallat Torah  Hatan Breshit  Kallat Breshit  Hakafa  Mitzvot  Lev  Nefesh  Kashar  Otiyot  Yad  Ainaim  Rabbi Akiva  Deborah / Yael

Key Concepts:  Every year Jews read the Torah from start to finish. Finishing the Torah and starting again is a cause for much celebration!  Judaism teaches us that it takes courage to ask for help – and that when we do we make ourselves (and our community) stronger.

Key Terms:  Simchat Torah  Gemilut Hasadim  V’Ahavta  Mezuzah  Prophetess

Assessments for Units 5, 6 and 7:  Oral reading  Written notes from the board

6  Homework  Vocabulary worksheets  Quizzes  Games  Art activities and projects

Unit 6: 4 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 40-45; EB 47-53 JH 68-73

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the origin and meaning of the Mi Chamocha and chant using e-siddur program  Students will be able to recount the story of Samson.  Students will be asked to think about the question: Where does God come from?  Students will revisit Shabbat and be able to recite the Havdalah blessings

Key Words:  Emunah  Samson / Delilah  Nazirite / Philistine  Ruach  Separation  Kodesh/Chol

Key Concepts:  There are different kinds of mitzvot, those towards God and those towards other people. Both are an important part of being Jewish.  The Mi Chamocha shows us that if we have faith God will help us.  Like wind and breath, ruach reminds us that God is present – in the air in our lungs and all around us.  Role of Miriam and the women  There is a difference between Shabbat and the weekdays

Key Terms:  Mi Chamocha

Unit 7: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 46-52; EB 54-61

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to recognize the roots shin-lamed-mem, zayn-kaf-resh, shin-kaf- vet, Ayin-mem-dalet and shin-lamed-dalet.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the Hashkivenu and chant using e- siddur program  Students will be able to recount the story of Ruth.  Students will be asked to think about why there are so many religions if there is only one God.

7 Key Words:  Baruch  Yisrael  Sukkah  Yerushalayim  Zecher  Shalom  Ratzon  Paras  Shalom  Ruth / Naomi / Boaz

Key Concepts:  When someone decides to convert to Judaism they become a full member of the Jewish community.

Key Terms:  Hashkivenu  The Laws of Noah

Unit 8: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 53-57; EB 62-69

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the meaning and origin of V’shamru.  Students will be able to recognize the roots shin-vet-tav and nun-fey-shin.  Students will be able to recount the story of Samuel and Saul on EB pgs 63-67.

Key Words:  Yom  Shabbat  Nefesh  Elijah  Eretz  Sheva  Samuel / Eli / Saul

Key Concepts:  Shabbat is such a holy day that we have a special ceremony, called Havdalah, to separate it from the rest of the week.  Sometimes it’s good to do what everyone else is doing, but other times it’s not a good idea. We have to decide when it’s good to follow the crowd and when it’s good to walk away.

Key Terms:  Havdalah  V’shamru

8 Unit 9: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 58-64; EB 70-79

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to recognize the roots shin-mem-Ayin, Chet-Samech-dalet and zayn-kaf-resh.  Students will be able to explain the significance of the Avot vImahot  Students will be able to name the Avot and the Imahot.  Students will be able to demonstrate the choreography at the beginning of the Avot vImahot.  Students will be able to recount the story of Saul, David and Goliath on EB pgs 71-76.

Key Words:  Av  Em  Hesed  Zocher  Banim  Saul / David / Jonathan / Goliath / Philistines

Key Concepts:  Prayers always begin with praise of God before making a request from God  We make requests from God based on the merit of our ancestors  Friendship is an important Jewish value. We should strive to be good friends to others and to appreciate our own friends.

Key Terms: Praise Silent prayer Introspection

Unit 10: 2 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Hanukkah

Texts/Pages: JH 74-89; EB 80-89

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the historical and symbolic significance of Hanukkah.  Students will be able to demonstrate how Hanukkiyah candles are lit.  Students will be able to fluently read the blessings on JH pg. 81.  Students will be able to recount the story of David and Bathsheba on EB pgs 81-86.  Students will be asked to consider whether God knows what they are thinking or will do.

Key Words:  Menorah/Hanukkiyah  Shamash  Brachot  Dreidel / Sevivon

9  Nes Gadol Haya Sham/Po  Latkes  Mezuzah/Mezuzot  King David / Nathan / Bathsheba / Uriah / Joab

Key Concepts:  We take pride in our Jewish traditions and appreciate the freedom we have to practice Judaism.  We can learn about our own lives by studying what happened to other Jews throughout history.  It isn’t easy to admit when we’ve made a mistake, but just like King David it’s important that we take responsibility for our actions.  God doesn’t force us to do what is right, but God can remind us to care.

Key Terms:  Hanukkah  Beit HaMikdash  Maccabee  Free will

Unit 11: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 65-71; EB 90-97

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the G’vurot, including mechayeh hametim.  Students will be able to recount the story of King Solomon and the two women.

Key Words:  Nofel  Rofe  Holeh  Asur  Yashen  Afar  King David / King Solomon  Ark of the Covenant

Key Concepts:  Just as Solomon used his wisdom to help others, our talents are at their best when we use them to make other people’s lives better.

Key Terms:  G’vurot  Tzadik

10 Unit 12: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Tu B’Shevat

Texts/Pages: JH 90-99; JS 72-80; EB 98-105

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance of Tu B’Shevat.  Students will be able to recite the prayer for fruit.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the Kidusha.  Students will be able to recognize the root kof-dalet-shin.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the K’dushat HaYom.  Students will be able to recount the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal and of Elijah’s death.

Key Words:  Seder   Kadosh  Yom  Elijah / Ahab / Elisha  Baal

Key Concepts:  Judaism teaches us that the many wonders of Nature – trees, rainbows, flowers – are signs of God’s presence in the world.  Wood from trees used to build Ark of the Covenant.  There is a strong connection between the Land of Israel and the Jewish People.  We have a responsibility to help God care for the world.  We must be careful not to have faith in things that can become false idols, like celebrities, money or fashion.

Key Terms:  Tu B’Shevat / Rosh HaShanah LaEilanot  Kidusha  K’dushat HaYom  HaMakom  Idolatry

Assessments for Units 11 and 12:  Tests  Quizzes  Oral reading activities  Individual read alouds

Suggested Activities:  Students will plant parsley to be used for Pesach Seder

Unit 13: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 81—86; EB 106-113

11 Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the Birkat Shalom.  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the root Shin-Lamed-Mem  Students will be able to recount the story of Jonah and the fish.  Students will be asked to consider whether prayer can make someone well.

Key Words:  Shalom  Yisrael  Ainaim  Olam  Al  Melech  Tov  Nineveh / Jonah

Key Concepts:  Judaism values peace and teaches that when we pursue it we are doing something holy.  Just as the people of Nineveh asked for God’s forgiveness, we hope that God will accept our teshuvah.  One of the most important things we can do for a sick person is taking the time to visit him (her).

Key Terms:  Peace  Shalom Rav

Unit 14: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 87-91; EB 114-121

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the .  Students will be able to summarize what the Book of Isaiah is like.  Students will be able to describe Isaiah’s vision of a perfect world.  Students will be asked to consider whether God understands Hebrew best.

Key Words:  Korim  Melech  Kadosh

Key Concepts:  Our actions have a huge impact on the kind of world we live in.  God is the ruler of the whole world  God is the one God

12 Key Terms:  Book of Isaiah  Prophecy

Unit 15: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Purim

Texts/Pages: JH 100-113; EB 122-139

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance of Purim.  Students will be able to recount the story of Jeremiah on EB pgs 123-126.  Students will be able to recount the story of Esther.

Key Words:  Megillah  Megillat Esther  Ra’ashanim / Groggers  Esther  Haman  Mordechai  Ahasuerus  Purim Shpiel  Hamantaschen / Oznei Haman  Fast of Esther  Mishloach Manot / Shalach Manot  Klal  Jeremiah  Esther / Vashti /Ahashuerus/ Mordecai / Haman  Shushan / Persia

Key Concepts:  The Purim story teaches us just how dangerous hatred can be and how important it is to realize that we are all one big Jewish family.  We are God’s partners in making sure that justice is done in the world.  Students just like you are the future of the Jewish people.  All Jews are responsible for one another. Being part of the Jewish people is like being part of a huge family.

Key Terms:  Purim  Tzedek  Book of Esther  Simcha

Suggested Activities:  Create Purim masks for bulletin boards  Bake Hamantaschen  Create Mishloach Manot baskets to be exchanged in class

13  Practice Avot/Amidah

Assessments:  Oral reading  Games  Tests  Quizzes  Class discussions  Create Purim Shpiel

Unit 16: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Texts/Pages: JS 92-96; EB 140-147

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the meaning of the .  Students will be able to recount the story of Daniel.  Students will be able to recount the story of Shadrach, Mishach and Abednego.  Students will be asked to consider whether the Bible is true.  Students will be asked to consider whether God performs miracles.

Key Words:  Gehinon  Kaddish Yatom  Zohar  Daniel / King Nebuchadnezzar  Shadrach / Mishach / Abednego

Key Concepts:  Judaism challenges us to let others know when they have done something wrong, like when they gossip or bully someone. But we must tell them in a way that is respectful and appropriate.  The important thing about Bible stories is that we take their lessons to heart.  The world is filled with miracles and it’s our job to recognize them.  Kaddish is in praise of God and not about death

Key Terms:  Aramit / Aramaic  Torah / N’veim / Ktuvim / Tanakh  Miracle

Unit 17: 4 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Pesach

Texts/Pages: JH 114-131

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to recite and translate the Four Questions.  Students will be able to explain the main qualities of the Four Children.  Students will be able to explain the significance of Pesach.

14  Students will be able to identify and name the items on the Seder plate and describe their symbolic meaning.

Key Words:  Matzah  Maror  Kulanu M’subin  Shtey P’amim  Layla  HaZeh  Haggadah  Hametz / Bedikat Hametz  Zeroa  Beitzah  Maror  Haroset  Karpas  Afikomen  Dayeinu  Omer  Yitziat Mtzraim

Key Concepts:  In every generation it is important that we remember the exodus from Egypt.  Though we are free there are still people in the world who are oppressed. We must work with God and others to free people in need.  We are God’s partners in making the world a better place.

Key Terms:  Ma Neshtana  Pesach  Pidyon Sh’vuyim  Counting the Omer  Shir Hashirim

Suggested Activities: Make Seder plates Make charoset

Unit 18: 3 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holidays: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut

Texts/Pages: JH 132-153; EB 148-155

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance of Yom HaZikaron.  Students will be able to explain the significance of Yom Ha’atzmaut.  Students will be able to recount the story of Ezra and Nehemiah.  Students will be asked to consider whether God punishes people for their actions.

15 Key Words:  Holocaust/Shoah  Ghetto  Yahrzeit  Warsaw Ghetto Uprising  Haluztim  Kotel  Yom Yerushalayim  Hatikvah  Zion  Jerusalem Day  Remembrance Day  Ezra / Nehemiah / King Cyrus  Jerusalem

Key Concepts:  All people are made in God’s image (b’tzelem Elohim).  By remembering the Shoah we can help prevent it from ever happening again. We should also remember the goodness of people who fought against the Nazis and that there is always hope for the future.  Judaism teaches us the seeking peace is a holy act.  Starting over can be hard, but sometimes it can make us stronger and build a confident community.

Key Terms:  Yom HaShoah  B’tzelem Elohim  Kaddish  Anne Frank  Hannah Senesh  Promised Land  Zionism  Teshuvah  Theodor Herzl / Chaim Weizmann / David Ben-Gurion / Gold Meir

Suggested Activities: Make maps of Israel Make Omer counting Chart using barley to mark each day

Unit 19: 2 sessions, 1 hour each // (Estimated) Holiday: Lag B’Omer & Shavuot

Texts/Pages: JH 154-173

Goals and Objectives:  Students will be able to explain the significance & customs of Lag B’Omer.  Students will be able to explain the significance & customs of Shavuot.  Students will be introduced to different ideas about what happens to people after they die.

16 Goals and Objectives:

Key Words:  Omer  Tikkun leil Shavuot  Hag Habikkurim  Zachor

Key Concepts:  The Torah is the life of our people, containing our laws, traditions and history  God gave the Torah to all Jewish people

Key Terms:  Lag B’Omer  Shavuot  Rabbi Akiva  Ruth  Reincarnation  Messiah

Suggested Activities: Make Torah scrolls and have students pick a favorite Bible story to illustrate for their scroll

17