Second graders begin the study of Chumash, following the Torah narrative closely. Second grade Chumash study focuses on parshiot (Torah portions) Beresheet, Noah and Lech Lecha. At this age students are ready to appreciate the motivations and the life events that have an impact on the journeys of the people introduced in these stories. Through guided practice, songs, text-study and discussion, students:

Begin to learn Torah in the original text, learning to navigate the Chumash

Closely read Torah text, identifying nuances in the story and giving close attention to the details in the text,

Explore the concept of “order within the world” through the study of the creation story in Genesis

Develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment as indicated by the commandment to tend the Garden of Eden and everything within

Research the lives of Chumash personalities in preparation for the Chagigat HaChumash, and present their work to the community

Receive their first Chumash (Torah book) at their Chagigat HaChumash (Torah Celebration)

Second graders begin to develop greater independence with the Hebrew language. Through songs, games, hands-on activities, computer-based work and discussion, students:

Read and write in Hebrew with independence

Maintain a daily Hebrew journal, in which they apply their budding Hebrew vocabulary in short sentences

Engage in active participation in class conversations, both with the teachers and with each other

Show curiosity and initiative towards learning Hebrew

Work in groups using technology that advances their Hebrew skills

Explore daily life in the class, at home and outdoors

Focus on the daily routines of the home concerning clothing, cleanliness and proper nutrition and the mitzvot and customs corresponding to them

Second graders engage with exuberance as they deepen their understanding of Jewish prayers, rituals and celebrations. Through songs, stories, hands-on activities, art and discussion, students:

Focus on the relationship between G-d and human beings

Write prayers as part of their study of Jerusalem

Analyze the meaning of rituals and ritual objects on the celebration of the holidays

Differentiate between Jewish laws and Jewish customs related to the holidays

Explore the source of mitzvot in the Torah

Identify points of personal connection with each holiday

Deepen their understanding of themselves as spiritual beings through the study of Beresheet and the concept of humans being created in the image of God

Work to create a sense of kedusha (holiness) within the classroom during prayers

Second graders enjoy building a strong connection to the land and people of Israel. Through songs, stories, games, hands-on activities and discussions, students:

Relate the symbols of Israel to particular moments of the history of Am Yisrael

Articulate how the symbols representing Israel are able to contain a message, a dream or a goal

Expand their study of Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, the flag, the anthem and the symbols

Explore the history of Israel and Am Israel through the study of maps

Identify key events in the history of the people of Israel

Compare the city of Jerusalem now and 2000 years ago