Torah Study
Saturdays 9 am – 10 am

Torah Study
Saturdays 9 am – 10 am

Torah StudySaturdays 9 am – 10 am

Torah StudySaturdays 9 am – 10 am

Torah Study
Saturdays 9 am – 10 am

Torah Study
Saturdays 9 am – 10 am

Events Calendar

Name: Torah Study<br/>Saturdays 9 am – 10 am
Start: 2024-05-04T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-05-04T10:00:00-04:00
Location: Temple Beth Ami

In grades 3-6, we offer two complementary learning blocks which are called L’mala (upstairs) and L’mata (downstairs).

L’mala is the classroom-based learning block during which students work on Hebrew reading and decoding, prayer literacy, Shabbat liturgy, Torah, holidays, Israel and history.

L’mata is the experiential learning block during which students in grades 3-6 have a weekly musical t’filah (prayer) session, large-scale interactive programming, Jewish values lessons, and various engaging electives.

The combination of classroom learning and experiential opportunities allows children to experience Judaism in different ways and to find a path to which they can connect. Our program has received recognition from the Washington DC edition of the Slingshot Guide.

The L’mala (Classroom-Based) Program

Students in the classroom-based block for grades 3-6 have two educational components: Jewish Studies and Hebrew. Incorporated into both is the goal of building Kehillah (community) and a positive relationship to one another, to Temple Beth Ami, and to Judaism.

In Jewish Studies, students explore Torah, Holidays, Israel, and Life Cycles as part of a 4-pronged spiral curriculum. Using this approach, students revisit key topics utilizing various methodologies during their Machane TBA education. As students progress, the complexity of topics increases and deep new learning takes place. Concepts in Jewish history and spirituality are addressed.

Hebrew goals for grades 3-6 begin with a focus on letter and vowel recognition, decoding and reading fluency. As the Hebrew curriculum advances, students study key prayers related to Shabbat, holidays and lifecycle events with the goal of achieving decoding fluency. Students are introduced to Torah cantillation, liturgical melodies, and the service structure in an interactive and lively way. Our 5th and 6th grade students have the opportunity to lead our congregation in a service each year, which gives them the experience of being on the bima leading up to their B’nai Mitzvah.

Our grades 3-6 Hebrew program is tailored to reflect and dovetail with the Jewish Studies lessons in terms of introducing vocabulary, appropriate liturgical prayers from tefillah, and Torah texts whenever appropriate.

The L’mata (Experiential) Program
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. 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.
2. Choice chugim (elective classes) – Students choose from a list of several possible classes.
3. Chugim (grade level activities) – Among other activities, we have art, Israeli Dance, and Jewish movement with specialists and clergy.
4. Kitah (individual class time) – Each grade has a middot (Jewish values) curriculum.
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.

Atzmai’im (“Independents”) Inclusion Program

Our school is extremely proud to have one of the longest-standing synagogue inclusion programs in the DC Metro area which serves students of all abilities. The Atzma’im program is available on Sunday mornings. This cohort of students is fully included among their peers and is supervised by a highly-trained Inclusion Coordinator and aided by a team of trained student madrichim who provide one-on-one support and assistance. This program represents a partnership between families and Machane, and students participate in a capacity which works most effectively for their individual needs.

Erev Machane – An immersive camp-style experience that is designed to strengthen the connection between the curriculum, the Machane TBA staff, student peers, and the Temple Beth Ami community. These special events will be shared with families and posted on the Machane calendar.

Shabbat Family Experiences – Machane TBA is pleased to offer our “Family Shabbat Experiences” for students in grades Pre-K-6. Once per year, grade-level families are invited to celebrate Shabbat at the Temple together with our faculty and clergy. These special events will be shared with families and posted on the Machane calendar.

Additional Hebrew Support- Throughout the year, extra Hebrew support is available for any registered student in grades 5 and 6 that would like to take advantage. There is no additional fee for this extra support. This option is offered virtually and each session is 30 minutes. To schedule a time slot, please email Lisa Goodman, L’mala Supervisor.

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