Classes

Sunday 9:00 to noon.

HEBREW & TEFILLAH: Introduce basic blessings and prayers such as Shema, Modeh/Modah Ani, food and holiday blessings Teach Hebrew words and short phrases through music, games, movement and visual aids. Invite and encourage families to participate in Tot Shabbat services to build connections with other young NSS Beth El families.  

HOLIDAYS: Uncover the joys of our holiday traditions, such as eating challah on Shabbat, shaking the lulav and etrog on Sukkot or preparing mishloach manot on Purim. Explore Jewish holidays through songs, movement, stories, art, music, dramatic play and cooking.

MITZVOT: Discover mitzvot by doing mitzvot. We believe in the notion that one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah (mitzvah goreret mitzvah).

– Bring learning home by involving families in home activities and family programs. –

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon

HEBREW & TEFILLAH: Teach Hebrew words and short phrases through fun games, music, movement and visual aids. Continue reinforcing basic blessings and prayers such as Shema, Modeh/Modah Ani, Shabbat blessings, food and holiday blessings. Invite and encourage families to participate in Tot Shabbat services to build connections with other young NSS Beth El families.  

HOLIDAYS: Explore Jewish holidays through a multidisciplinary approach integrating the holidays with art, music, movement, and creative-thinking activities.

 ISRAEL: Introduce concept of Israel as the home of the Jewish people.

MITZVOT: Continue exploring mitzvot by doing mitzvoth. We believe in the notion that one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah (mitzvah goreret mitzvah).

TORAH: Introduce Torah stories and Biblical heroes ranging from Creation to Exodus, from Abraham to Moses.

– Bring learning home by involving families in home activities and family programs. –

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon

HEBREW & TEFILLAH: Learn names, shapes and sounds of the Alef-Bet as well as sight-read their names and holiday vocabulary words. Introduce right-left directionality and learn to write their Hebrew names.Introduce the joy of prayers by learning the most important prayers of the Shabbat morning service. Continue to add in prayers and songs when applicable. Families are encouraged to attend Tot Shabbat services.

HOLIDAYS: Continue exploring Jewish holidays by retelling holiday stories, introducing key holiday objects, rituals and holiday vocabulary.

ISRAEL: Study the symbols of the State of Israel and learn basic geography. Inspire a love of the land of Israel in students.

MITZVOT: Connect mitzvot with the Jewish holidays, Torah stories and Jewish symbols. Put mitzvot into action throughout the year. Foster a feeling of community in the classroom.

SYNAGOGUE: Explore the synagogue, the places in it and the people who work there, so as to make the students feel comfortable and welcomed at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El.

TORAH: Teach Torah stories and focus on distinctive Jewish values drawn from them. 

– Bring learning home by involving families in home activities and family programs. –

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday OR Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW: Develop basic literacy and decoding skills. Gain familiarity with words and their forms and sounds. Identify all letters and sounds, names of letters, vowels and writing of the Hebrew letters.

TEFILLAH: Learn to read and chant selected prayers of the Shabbat morning services. The Bet class will lead one Shabbat morning service in Junior Congregation. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Congregation on Shabbat mornings.

SHABBAT ATTENDANCE: Attend 4 Shabbat Services during the school year.

SHALOM LEARNING: Second Grade curriculum explores Jewish values and holidays through literature and art. Students are introduced to artists, authors and musicians and create an original piece of work connected to the theme of the lesson in the style of the artist. Students will put mitzvot into action throughout the year and continue fostering community in the classroom and synagogue.

TORAH/PARASHAT HA’SHAVUAH: Explore connections between the weekly Parashah and core Jewish values.

ISRAEL: Embark on a journey through Israel by connecting Hebrew letters to significant locations. We will explore Israeli culture through its holidays, symbols, and foods.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday OR Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW: Correctly identify letters and vowels, syllables and sentences as individual words. Continue blending and developing basic literacy and decoding skills. Focus on reading accuracy and chanting skills of grade-level Shabbat tefillot. Communicate using single words, expressions and language patterns acquired in subjects studied on a regular basis.

TEFILLAH: Learn to read and chant selected prayers of the Shabbat morning services. The Gimmel class will lead one Shabbat morning service in Junior Congregation. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Congregation on Shabbat mornings and read one or two lines of Torah.  

SHABBAT ATTENDANCE: Attend 4 Shabbat Services during the school year.

SHALOMLEARNING: Third Grade curriculum explores Jewish values through the lens of Family. Each value incorporates Social and Emotional Learning skills that enable students to build positive relationships and make responsible choices. Through the values, students explore Jewish text, history, tefillah and holidays. Students will put mitzvot into action throughout the year and continue fostering community in the classroom and synagogue.

TORAH: Students will engage in authentic, dynamic Torah study by pondering and grappling with the text. Students will explore connections between the text and core Jewish values that will help personalize the Torah stories. 

HOLIDAYS: Continue learning about holidays through historical context.

ISRAEL: Students will explore the story of Israel from its origins to the present day, meeting influential figures such as pioneers, politicians, farmers, and generals who helped shape the state. Through engaging stories and activities centered around meaningful locations, they will examine key themes like Connection, Independence, Diversity, Innovation, Hope, and Zionism. This journey will help students develop a deeper understanding of Israel’s history, culture, and modern achievements while fostering a personal connection to the land and its people.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday OR Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW: Continue blending and developing basic literacy and decoding skills. Focus on reading accuracy and chanting skills of grade-level Shabbat tefillot. Students will work at their own pace to master prayers and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services.

TEFILLAH: Read and chant selected prayers of the Shabbat morning service (using Siddur Lev Shalem). Dalet students will lead one Shabbat morning service in Junior Congregation. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Congregation on Shabbat mornings and read one or two lines of Torah.

SHABBAT ATTENDANCE: Attend 5 Shabbat Services during the school year.

SHALOMLEARNING: Fourth Grade curriculum explores Jewish values through the lens of Self. Each value incorporates Social and Emotional Learning skills that enable students to build positive relationships and make responsible choices. Through the values, students explore Jewish text, history, tefillah and holidays. Students will put mitzvot into action throughout the year and continue fostering community in the classroom and synagogue.

JUDAIC STUDIES: Using Etgar Yesodi, students will delve into the concepts ranging from Zikaron: My Roots, My Memories, Brit: My Beginning, My Name, Berakhot: My Blessings, Tokhehah: Improving My Friendships and more.

TORAH: Students will continue to engage in authentic, dynamic Torah study by pondering and grappling with the text. Students will explore connections between the text and core Jewish values that will help personalize the Torah stories.

ISRAEL: Students will explore Israel through a Biblical lens, finding locations and learning Israel’s history through what is described in the Torah.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday OR Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW: Build students’ Hebrew reading accuracy and fluency skills. Students will work at their own pace to master grade-level Shabbat tefillot and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services.

TEFILLAH: Read and chant selected prayers of the Shabbat morning service (using Siddur Lev Shalem). Hey students will lead one Shabbat morning service in Junior Congregation. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Congregation on Shabbat mornings and read one or two lines of Torah.

SHABBAT ATTENDANCE: Attend 5 Shabbat Services during the school year.

SHALOMLEARNING: Fifth Grade curriculum explores Jewish values through the lens of Peers. Each value incorporates Social and Emotional Learning skills that enable students to build positive relationships and make responsible choices. Through the values, students explore Jewish text, history, tefillah and holidays. Students will put mitzvot into action throughout the year and continue fostering community in the classroom and synagogue.

TORAH & PROPHETS: An exploration of key Biblical prophets, especially as they relate to Jewish holidays, how the prophets’ timeless moral and spiritual teachings continue to resonate in today’s world.

ISRAEL: Begin an in-depth exploration of contemporary Israel, examining its diverse cultures, people, innovations, and the challenges it faces today. We will explore key aspects of the country’s history, geography, security, and conflict, gaining a broader understanding of its complexity. In addition, students will investigate the Biblical roots of the Jewish connection to the land and how these enduring values continue to influence daily life in modern Israel.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday OR Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW: Build students’ Hebrew reading accuracy and fluency skills. Students will work at their own pace to master grade-level Shabbat tefillot and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services.

TEFILLAH: Read and chant selected prayers of the Shabbat morning service (using Siddur Lev Shalem). Vav students will lead one Shabbat morning service in Junior Congregation. Students are encouraged to attend the main service. Students are also encouraged to ready Torah in Junior Congregation. 

SHABBAT ATTENDANCE: Attend 6 Shabbat Services in the main sanctuary during the school year.

B’NAI MITZVAH CLERGY CLASS: Parents and students attend joint B’nai Mitzvah preparation classes with the clergy, including Tefillah, the Jewish Life Cycle, and Tough Questions Jews Ask.

• MOVING TRADITIONS B’nai Mitzvah program is a new model of Jewish education for students and parents that speaks directly to the psychological, spiritual, social, and developmental issues that pre-teens face as they prepare for and celebrate the rite of passage. 

SHALOMLEARNING: Sixth Grade curriculum explores Jewish values through the lens of Community. Each value incorporates Social and Emotional Learning skills that enable students to build positive relationships and make responsible choices. Through the values, students explore Jewish text, history, tefillah and holidays. Students will put mitzvot into action throughout the year and continue fostering community in the classroom and synagogue. 

JUDAIC STUDIES: MY FAMILY STORY is a family root research project that has students use their creative skills to design an original, artistic display that captures the essence of their family history.

JEWISH LITERACY: Students will develop a deeper understanding of Jewish skills and knowledge by learning about rituals, observances, mitzvot, and core texts. They will explore the connections associated with holidays, life cycle events, and customs.

ISRAEL: Students will be introduced to Ha-Tikvah, the national anthem of Israel, and explore its historical and emotional significance. They will begin an initial exploration of Zionism by learning about three key figures who helped shape the movement. In addition, students will engage with current events through classroom visits from Shinshinim (Israeli young emissaries) and other visiting Israelis, fostering personal connections and real-time cultural exchange.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HEBREW & TEFILLAH: As time allows, students will review Shabbat morning tefillot and be introduced to modern conversational Hebrew.

 JUDAIC STUDIES:

• HISTORY: Students will explore the broad arc of Jewish history, reviewing foundational Biblical narratives—from the lives of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs to the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The exploration continues through the Rabbinic period, covering the First and Second Temples, and the eventual destruction and dispersion of the Jewish people.
• ISRAEL – PAST & PRESENT: Students will learn about the deep historical and spiritual ties between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, while also engaging with modern Israeli society. We will dive into contemporary Israeli culture, including its innovations in technology, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, diverse cuisine, and global influence. Students will also grapple with the complexities Israel faces today—political, social, and cultural—developing a nuanced understanding of the country’s challenges and achievements.
• SACRED TEXT: In this unit, student will learn about various Jewish sacred texts, ranging from the Torah to the Talmud to the Shulkhan Arukh. They will gain an understanding of what each sacred text is about how they provide not only religious guidelines, but also historical, cultural and social customs of the Jewish people.
• HOLOCAUST EDUCATION: Throughout the year, students will engage with primary source documents and video testimonials as they learn about the Holocaust. Students will explore pre-war Jewish life, the history of antisemitism, Ghetto life, righteous gentiles and discuss upstands vs bystanders. Students will visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
• SOCIAL ACTION: Students will engage in meaningful opportunities that promote helping others—both within the local community and beyond. Through hands-on experiences and reflection, they will develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and the value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Partnerships with organizations such as Bernie’s Book Bank, Ma’ot Chitim, The Ark, and others will allow students to participate in projects that make a real impact. These experiences help foster a lifelong commitment to social justice and community involvement.