Young Learners:
Essential Question
- Who are some of the important characters in the Bible, what are their stories, and why are they important in my life and in my family’s life?
Evidence of Learning
- Learners know the names of the Bible characters and their stories, are able to convey how they identify with the characters, and identify values they learn from them.
Supporting Materials
- Teach Me Torah (gr K–1): Learners encounter 16 illustrated Bible stories (Adam and Eve, Noah, Tower of Babel)—each in its own folder—that closely adhere to biblical text but are told in simple language written in a large font.
Elementary Learners:
Essential Question
- How do we make personal meaning of Torah text?
Evidence of Learning
Supporting Materials
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The Explorer’s Bible 1 (gr 3–4): True-to-text English translations of 18 Bible stories give learners an authentic Bible experience. Text is literal with commentaries and midrash clearly separated out.
Middle School Learners:
Essential Question
Evidence of Learning
Supporting Materials
- Judaism’ Great Debates (gr 6–7): Ten classic debates awaken in learners the spirit of argumentation and debate and challenge them to critically examine decisions made by Bible characters, and our sages and philosophers. For example, in the story of Nathan and David—with its competing values of Courage vs. Talebearing—learners debate the right to free speech vs national security demands for secrecy.
'Why Study Torah' is a small portion of the new Big Ideas for Jewish Learning Curriculum by Leslie Litman and Ellen Rank. This mini curriculum was created to identify three BIG IDEAS that encompass the key values and purpose of part-time Jewish education programs. Within these big ideas, there is room for flexibility and community-specific choice of subjects, personal exploration, and desired outcomes.
You can get the whole curriculum when you sign up for the Behrmanhouse Newsletter.
