Hebrew and Judaics
From early childhood through Grade 8, JDS inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity through an innovative curriculum enriched by the co-curricular experience.
The Hebrew & Judiacs curriculum helps to shape the character and values of our students and strengthen their skills and understanding of the Hebrew language and Torah. When a JDS student completes our program, they will be:
Inspired, Torah-centered, young adults prepared and proud to lead a Jewish life based on tradition, practiced with understanding and meaning.
Sophisticated, critical thinkers who are literate and articulate in Jewish text and thought, as well as the Hebrew Language.
Leaders with an enduring Jewish identity and sense of responsibility that guides active voluntary community involvement and supports Jewish, Israel-related, American, and global social and philanthropic causes.
Demonstrates an unshakeable connection to Israel and an awareness of current events.
Appreciates the diversity within – and unity of – the Jewish community and the world at large.
Hebrew
The Hebrew language plays a vital role in the JDS experience. Hebrew is taught for the purpose of studying the written and oral Torah, developing the ability to pray in Hebrew, as well as for modern communication with Jews in Israel, and those who come from diverse communities around the world.
Hebrew also serves as a window that exposes students to contemporary Israeli culture and society. As a link in the chain, JDS students are taught to value their heritage and history with the realization that it is now their turn to write the next chapter of Jewish History.
The state of Israel is that tangible connection between memories of the past and modern lives today. Thus, the JDS of the Lehigh Valley demonstrates a love of Israel and a passionate Zionism as an integral part of Judaism.
The Ulpan Program
The Ulpan Program emphasizes the mechanics of reading and teaches vocabulary and the structure of simple sentences. Reading and writing skills are developed through a selection of short dialogues in basic Hebrew. The focus in this class is on acquiring vocabulary, understanding simple texts, listening comprehension, and class discussion. The program begins with the Chalav U’dvash curriculum for early childhood and lower elementary school and continues with additional Hebrew Language source material curated by our expert teachers.
The Hebrew Immersion and Experience Program
The Hebrew immersion and experience program emphasizes the four Hebrew language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The goal of this class is increased fluency in the Hebrew language. In addition to this class, students will have the opportunity to listen to speakers and video programs in Hebrew. This program is based on the Granite curriculum for elementary school and the Bishvil HaIvrit program for upper elementary and middle school as well as other curriculum elements such as the HaKol Chadash books.
The Bishvil HaIvrit Curriculum
The Bishvil HaIvrit curriculum is linguistically sequential: texts and tasks increase in length and complexity as the student’s Hebrew improves. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom.
Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture, and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature, and philosophy. Each unit of study incorporates arts, music, poetry, news articles, and Jewish texts, in layers of language ranging from biblical Hebrew to current scientific Hebrew technology and common colloquialisms.
Prior to entering the program, each student’s level is determined by a multiple-choice placement test.
Early Childhood Judaics
Introducing a love of Judaism
Our youngest learners are welcomed into our JDS family surrounded by the excitement and pride that comes with being Jewish.
Holidays are eagerly anticipated as stories, songs, and projects give young students context for the traditions happening around them. The Friday Shabbat party is a highlight of the week and classes just can’t wait to sing their favorite songs and taste the grape juice and challah.
Middot, ethics, are woven into every day as kindness, charity, and respect are reinforced and celebrated. Prayers and blessings are learned and everyone loves dancing with their stuffed Torah.
In our classrooms: Judaism is Joy!
Elementary School Judaics
Fostering an appreciation of Judaism
Jewish learning takes a big jump into the details and substance of Jewish life, with the Hebrew calendar taking the students on a historical tour of the true significance of the holidays.
Chumash study is added as well in addition to weekly Parsha explorations through the Lehavin U’lehaskil and the Bonim B’yachad programs. And morning prayers take on an entirely new meaning as the Ani Tefilah curriculum teaches the children to Stop, Think, and Feel as they communicate with G-d.
Israeli history and culture become central to the classes’ understanding of their place amongst the Jewish nation.
Our students are so proud to be Jewish!
Middle School Judaics
Strengthening the Jewish Foundation
As our middle school students prepare for life beyond the JDS, we want to ensure that they are knowledgeable, confident Jewish community members who will feel at home wherever their future takes them. Tanach studies intensify and focus on text-based learning, deciphering Biblical language, and understanding thematic concepts. Class research projects lead students to greater comprehension and a heightened curiosity to know more.
A very sophisticated dive into the Jewish year reveals an in-depth, inspiring, and relevant historical understanding of the Jewish experience. Holiday stories take on a new meaning with a global view of what was happening to the Jewish nation before, after, and during the classic tales, and how those times in our history affect us today.
Israeli history classes bring the students right up to the current political situations with a greater understanding of what led us to where we are now.
Daily prayer ensures that our graduates can join any congregation with ease. While accomplishing all of this, our middle school students still revel in the school spirit that each holiday brings, often helping to organize and lead events. They complete their time at their JDS as well-rounded, proud Jewish citizens who can’t wait to make their mark on the world!