Curriculum
Our goal with everything we teach is simple. We want our children to have a positive relationship and a warm attitude toward Judaism and toward Hebrew school. We believe children learn best through encouragement and positivity, never pressure. That is why our curriculum is built the way it is, and it is why we created our Hebrew School Prize Store, to reward and encourage every child along the way. We want every year at Hebrew School to be one your child remembers.
Hebrew reading: Aleph Champ
At the heart of our program is Aleph Champ, the highly praised Hebrew reading program. Modeled on the karate belt system, it breaks Hebrew reading into ten colored levels, and every child works at their own pace. Each new level a child earns is a real moment of pride, and it keeps them climbing higher. Step by step, children go from recognizing their very first letters all the way to reading Chumash with fluency.
| White | The first 19 letters of the Aleph-Bet |
| Red | The last 13 letters of the Aleph-Bet |
| Orange | The first 3 vowels |
| Yellow | The next 3 vowels |
| Green | The last 3 vowels |
| Blue | The exceptions to the rules |
| Purple | Prayer practice, reading 13 to 23 words per minute |
| Brown | Prayer practice, reading 23 to 33 words per minute |
| Grey | Holiday prayers, reading 33 to 43 words per minute |
| Black | Chumash reading, 43 to 53 words per minute |
Homework
This year we're also introducing a homework program, so children who want to can practice at home and climb the ladder of Hebrew reading even faster. When parents put in the work with their children at home, the children learn Hebrew faster, because reading has a lot to do with muscle memory. The more they practice, the quicker they move on to the next level.
Read more about our Homework Program →
Tefillah
Together we dive into the prayers and learn what they mean. The children learn the Shema, how to make the blessings on different foods, and the mitzvot of tzitzit and kippah. Most of all, they come to understand the importance of prayer and our connection to G‑d. We sing the songs that make davening something children look forward to, songs they will carry with them for life.
Jewish studies
Alongside Hebrew, our children explore the holidays, the heroes of the Bible, the mitzvot, and the story of our people through the acclaimed CKids curriculum. The lessons are brought to life with an immersive slideshow and followed by fun games, so the children learn in a joyful, positive way. That is always our goal, to teach with an encouraging and positive spirit.
The Hebrew School Prize Store
Across all of our learning, from curriculum to homework, children earn Hebrew School dollars they can spend in our Prize Store. With a large and exciting array of prizes to choose from, every child has a real incentive to excel, and every child leaves with a positive feeling about Hebrew school.