Third graders are ready to engage with increasingly complex themes as they take an in-depth approach to Torah study. Students:

Explore the lives of Avraham and Sara primarily through the study of parshiot Lech Lecha, Vayera and Chayei Sara

Write short Divrei Torah on the weekly Torah portion

Connect the actions of the Avot (patriarch) with mitzvot performed today

Ask questions of the Torah texts they learn in class

Study the journey of the Avot through maps

Begin their study of Torah commentary by exploring the life and work of Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi)

Third graders take a big leap in building their Hebrew vocabulary and comprehension skills. Through songs, games, dramatic play, stories and discussion, students:

Produce Hebrew writing samples that demonstrate their ability to organize their thoughts in writing

Respond in Hebrew to questions and prompts from classmates

Work with a Chevrutah (study partner) in responding to basic Hebrew questions about the texts read in class

Create a Memory Box which helps them recollect what they have learned in the past and retell the story of what they have learned

Explore their strengths and hobbies through the study of multiple intelligences

Articulate their basic needs

Describe everyday objects and events

Develop fluency with the use of the Hebrew past tense

Third graders engage with confidence as they extend their knowledge of Jewish prayers and discover new layers of meaning in Jewish rituals and celebrations. Through songs, stories, hands-on activities, art and discussion, students:

Examine how the actions we take can impact our spiritual growth

Identify examples of important actions taken by the “heroes” of the different holiday stories and Torah readings

Investigate the interaction between G-d and the various personalities in Torah narratives

Gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the world through prayer

Learn about the meaning of blessings for different occasions

Deepen their understanding of and connection to the central prayer of Shema

Develop an understanding of the concepts of kodesh (the sacred) and chol (the day-to-day)

Sing Shabbat songs on Friday

Research the different family Shabbat traditions

Third graders begin to explore the geography and diversity of modern Israel. Through songs, games, stories, art and discussions, students:

Identify the wonders of Israel through the study of the four holy cities: Jerusalem, Tzfat, Hebron and Tiberias.

Explore holy places in Israel and explain what makes them special

Understand that Israel is a small country with tremendous geographic and demographic diversity

Develop a sense of their own personal connection to the land of Israel

Learn about important historic and biblical sites in Israel including Sdom and the Red Sea, Ein Gedi, Rechovot, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, Kibbutz Yotveta, the Kineret, Kibbutz Degania