7th Grade Curriculum
Our 7th grade program is designed as a bridge between childhood religious school experience and adult Jewish learning. The curriculum is composed of mini-units which are explained below in more detail and include some of the essential questions students should be able to answer at the conclusion of the unit. The year is designed to help students explore their Jewish identity, a process which we hope will continue throughout the rest of their lives. At the conclusion of the year, students should be able to articulate what it means to them to be Jewish, what role Judaism plays in their life, and what they hope it will be in the future.
B’nai Mitzvah and You
Seventh grade is a busy time in the life of a Jewish student. Preparations for bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies are taking place, Torah portions need to be learned, prayers need to be practiced, a d’var torah needs to be written, etc. This unit allows students a time for reflection and discussion on the meaning of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Essential Questions:
1) What is the significance in my life of the milestone of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
2) How will entering Jewish adulthood change/shape my Jewish identity?
3) What is truly important to me in my bar/bat mitzvah experience?
God, Torah, and Israel
Judaism is defined by the three core concepts of God, Torah and Israel. How we understand each of these reflects our Jewish identity and ultimately, our relationship with Judaism. This unit offers a chance for students to deepen their understanding of each of these three essential concepts.
Essential Questions:
1) What are the various ways that our tradition explains God and God’s role in our lives?
2) What is my current understanding of / relationship with God?
3) How can Torah be seen in a variety of ways (as law code, book of values, family history, etc)?
4) How are we, as American Jews, connected to Israel? What are our responsibilities to Israel?
Holidays
Each year, the cycle of holidays gives us the opportunity to deepen and enrich our understanding of Jewish history, traditions, and rituals. By celebrating holidays together, students are able to review the themes of each holiday as well as expand their appreciation for our heritage.
Essential Questions:
1) What do each of our holidays celebrate?
2) How is that celebration meaningful in my modern life?
Holocaust
Facing History and Ourselves, an organization dedicated to promoting the development of communities of more humane and informed citizens, offers the following powerful rationale for Holocaust studies:
“Young people are growing up in a world tested by conflict and rife with extremism. As shepherds of the next generation, it is our responsibility to give them the tools to think critically, understand the connection between history and ethics, and to understand how the lessons of history can help guide moral choices they face in the present and future.”
This is our rationale of why we are compelled to study the Holocaust with our students - to learn from the lessons of history and teach the art of moral decision making for the present.
Essential Questions:
1) How can we explain the Holocaust through the lenses of victim, perpetrator, bystander, and rescuer?
2) What does our obligation to “never forget” mean? In what ways can we commemorate and teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the next generation?
Social Justice
Bringing more justice and righteousness into our world is one of our most sacred obligations as Jews. In this unit, students will learn more about some of our prophets and the messages of justice that they tried to deliver in their own time. Students will consider how they, like the prophets, can compel people in their community to action.
Essential Questions:
1) How will the lives of the prophets inspire you to speak out for justice, even when it is controversial or unpopular?
2) What do Jewish traditions teach us about our obligation to build a better world?
3) How are you a leader in your communities?
Electives
Having choices in learning is critical, especially for 7th graders. Twice during the year, students will be given options of a variety of classes so that they can find something that speaks to them. Teachers plan a variety of fun and distinctive classes that speak to topics and themes that students find most compelling. Examples of elective courses from the past are:
- The Artist’s Studio, Israel and the Modern World, Kesher Mensches, Current Events, Madrichim-in-Training, Tzedakah and Helping Hands, Jewish Food
