The l’mata block has two basic parts. First, the entire group (all of grades 3-6) meets in the sanctuary for ruach (a spirited song session) and t’filah (prayer). With the clergy and song leaders, students learn Jewish songs and liturgy in an energetic, music-filled session. 

• • Weekly t’filah (prayer service) with inclusion of Friday evening and Saturday morning prayers
  • Weekly repetition of prayer structure
  • Weekly inclusion of and conversations around prayer meaning
  • Exposure to a variety of different melodies for each prayer
  • Inclusion of holiday music
  • Individual grade leading portion of the t’filah to practice and promote prayer fluency

 Next, the morning will take one of 4 paths:

1) Tochniot (large scale programs) – These programs range in topic and might include holidays, history, Jewish eco-farming, Israel, or other relevant Jewish subjects.

• Sukkot/Simchat Torah
• Hanukkah
• Maakhal Revi’im (Feeding the Hungry)
• Mock B’nai Mitzvah Service
• Purim
• Passover
• Yom Israel

2) Chugim (Grade Level Activities) – Among other activities, we have art, Israeli Dance, and Jewish movement with specialists and clergy.

• Art- Highlighting aspects of various Jewish Lifecycle events
• Cooking- Holiday Themed
• Krav Maga- Focus on History, Confidence, and Perseverance
• Photography– Jewish Relics

3)  Kehillah (Community)- Classes in the same grade level work together to build community.

• Opening Day Kehillah
• Mid-Year Kehillah
• Closing Day Kehillah

4)  Kitah (class time)- Classes work to learn a variety of Middot (Jewish Values) through hands- on experiential activities to solidify their new learning, personal growth, and commitment.

• Tzedek (Justice)
• Tz’ar Ba’alei Chayim (Kindness to Animals)
• Teshuva (Repentance)
• Bikkur Cholim (Visiting the Sick)
• Session with the Rabbi- Focus on Torah and B’nai Mitzvah Process

The L’mala and L’mata blocks are designed to complement one another with a goal of students achieving confidence in their Jewish education, competency in Hebrew prayer, and a strong sense of Jewish identity and community.