The Jewish studies program at Beit Rabban engages children in an authentic study of the classical Jewish texts, with the goal of creating young Jewish people who are literate and at home in the central texts of our tradition. In order to acquire deep knowledge and understanding, children closely engage with the text by asking questions, discussing with their teachers and peers, and interpreting and making meaning of the words. Children grapple with text as Jews have done for centuries — with the humility to try and understand what our predecessors thought and the courage to create their own interpretations — and with this textual literacy, are able to make educated decisions about how they might lead meaningful Jewish lives.

In Garinim (kindergarten/1st grade) children are immersed in Hebrew language study incorporating art, music, snack, cooking and baking, and critical thinking games to build vocabulary, grammar, and communication abilities, as well as reading and writing in Hebrew. Children embark on a broader and deeper study of Tefillah, with the goal of knowing and understanding the meaning of each prayer and the structure of the tefillot, and comfort with navigating the organization of the siddur.

Children in Garinim (kindergarten/1st grade) are also introduced to the study of Jewish text with a weekly Parsha discussion in which the children ask each other interpretive questions and share their thoughts; these are then collected and sent home for further study with their families. This model is their introduction to text study and is woven throughout their learning of Tefillah, Parsha, Megillah, Hagaddah, and texts related to other holidays.

As children move into Shtillim (2cd/3rd grades) they begin their formal study of Chumash with a focus on narration, Biblical Hebrew, grammar and cantillation. The beginning of their study is celebrated with the whole community at the Torah Reading Ceremony, in which each child chants several verses from Beresheit and receives their first Tanakh from their parents. The Shtillim years are a bridge between the introductory years and the years of more independent learning. Familiarity and comfort with traditional study is heightened as students examine the Torah text together and in-depth as a community of learners. They are encouraged to share their questions and insights in chevruta (study partnerships) and in larger class discussions.

Our older children in Niztanim (4th/5th grades) continue to learn Chumash and undertake the study of Torah Shebe'al Peh (Oral Torah) in a Beit Midrash style guided by both teachers and peers and designed to increase their independence as learners. As students engage in text study they discuss not only literal translation, but also historical interpretation, contemporary application, and meaning for their own lives.

Each classroom community works together to engage in the rituals of daily Jewish life in an open and respectful environment. Like our approach to text study, daily tefillah is a communal experience that blends traditional interpretations and personal connections. Shabbat and Jewish holidays are studied in school to prepare students for celebration at home with their families and in the larger community.