Grade 6

Kitah Vav (6th Grade) Information 

Kitah Vav (6th Grade) students are priming themselves for a life as a future responsible member of the Jewish community. They take their studies to the next level and take themselves that much more seriously, and we honor that. The 6th grade curriculum is designed to meet these emerging young adults where they are today – questioning, evaluating, sure of themselves, uncertain.

Goals:

  1. To meet the changing intellectual and emotional needs of middle school students.
  2. To study the prayers found in the Shabbat morning Torah service and the concluding prayers of the prayer service.
  3. To begin preparing to become B’nai Mitzvah.
  4. To study the history of the Jewish people beginning with East European Jewry in the late 1800’s through present time with specific focus on Jewish Immigration to the United States in the early 1900’s, the Holocaust, and the development of the State of Israel.
  5. To strengthen bonds and build relationships between students and among families in order to encourage long-term commitment to Jewish education.

The 6th grade Pre-B’nai Mitzvah and History curriculum will includes parent education, family education, team-building opportunities, and fall and spring family gatherings.

In May, the two grades and their parents will join the Principal, teachers, and Rabbi on a trip to Ellis Island/NYC for an exploration of Jewish history and family roots/routes.  This trip will take place every other year.

In addition, but by choice, the girls in this grade will participate in Rosh Chodesh:  It’s a Girl Thing!

In 6th Grade, the primary Judaic focus is History, beginning with the roots of Anti-Semitism in Europe leading up to the Holocaust, the voluntary and forced emigration of Jews from Europe into America, and how these events prompted the formation of the State of Israel.  Students will delve into these studies from a personal viewpoint – finding “My Place in the World” as they follow their family’s history.  In the second semester, students will prepare an Immigration and Holocaust museum featuring individual papers, projects, artifacts, and art pieces that will be available for viewing by the Religious School, parents, and Temple community.

6th Grade students will begin preparing to become B’nai Mitzvah by mastering the prayers and blessings in the Torah service as well as the concluding prayers of the service. Students will be required to read the Hebrew prayers, translate key words, and understand the general meaning of each prayer.  During the year, students will participate at a Friday night service, demonstrating their ability to lead the congregation in prayer and performing a play based on the weekly Torah portion.

6th Grade families will engage in a 2 part Family Education series focusing on B’nai Mitzvah preparation.  Families will have the opportunity to meet with clergy, begin exploring their assigned Torah portion, discuss the meaning of B’nai Mitzvah beyond parties and gifts, and begin their 13 Mitzvot B’nai Mitzvah – Mitzvah Mate projects.

Texts:

The Rabbi’s Bible: The Early Prophets

This book leads the student through Judges, Kings, and the early prophets. It is intended as a textbook and guidebook for the beginning student of these texts. The book provides commentary and resources to engage more fully in the text. The goal in this process is for the student to gain a sense and appreciation for these texts and find personal meaning within.

Joshua

Judges

Samuel 1

Samuel 2

Kings 1

Kings 2

Text: Bible Scenes, Stan Beiner

This book provides funny, yet informative dramatic skits for each of the weekly Torah portions. It is a great way to involve and engage all the students in the learning of our sacred text.

The Time of Our Lives: A Teen Guide to the Jewish Life Cycle

In this text our students explore how Jewish life cycle events help us mark and celebrate the milestones we each encounter in our lives. By exploring these events, they are connected to past and future generations. This book also teaches students what they can expect at various life-cycle events and what they can do to make personal and meaningful traditions for themselves.

Text: Hineni 3: The New Hebrew Through Prayer

This book takes the student through a series of vocabulary and exercises to help understand and gain confidence in several prayers:

Ayn Kamocha

Av Harachamim

Ki Metzion

Lecha Adonai

Bircat HaTorah

Bircat HaHaftorah

VeZot HaBracha

Eitz Chayim Hee

Al Shlosha Devarim

Aleinu

Kadeesh

Ayn Keloheinu

Evening Shabbat Zemirot

Holiday Concepts and Vocabulary:

Rosh Hashanah

Shehecheyanu with apples and honey

Aseert Yemei Teshuvah

Avina Malkeinu

L’Shanah Tova Tikateivu v’tichateimu

Machzor

Shabbat Shuvah

Selichot

Yamim Noraim

Yom Ha Din

Yom Hazikaron

Yom Teruah

Yom Kippur

Al Chayt

Ashamnu

G’mar Chatimah Tovah

Kol Nidrei

Yizkor

Sukkot and Hoshana Rabba

Hoshana Rabbah

Lulav

Shalosh Regalim

Shemini Atzeret

Mashiv ha Ruach u’morid Ha Geshem

Shemini Atzeret

Al HaNissim

Chanukiah

HaNerot Halalu

Judah Macabee

Kislev

Latkes/levivot

Modin

Mesgadol Haya Po/Sham

Sufganiot

Purim

Adar

Al Hanisim

Esther/Hadassah

Matanot La-Evyonim

Mishloach Manot

Ta’anit Esther

Pesach

Arba’ah banim

Arba Kushiot

Hag Ha-Aviv

Kos Shel Eliyahu

Hallel

Mechirat Chametz

Nisan

Shabbat HaGadol

Yom Hashoah

Shoah

Yad Vashem