Yahadut

Middle School Girls Yahadut


Yahadut, which literally means “Judaism” in Hebrew, is a course through which our middle school girls will learn what it means to be successful Jewish women in the modern world. The curriculum works in a three year cycle, so that all grades will be learning the same general topic (but tailored to their specific grade level) each year, creating a uniform environment which opens the door for inter-grade projects and study opportunities. Within each general topic, we explore the philosophy, halachic (law-based) concepts, and real world applications for our everyday lives. At the end of all three years, our girls will emerge with the knowledge, tools, and excitement to become well-rounded, spiritually motivated young Jewish women. 


Year One: Shabbat

What is this mini-holiday that comes around each week? Where does it come from, why do we observe it, how do we keep it, and what does it mean to us today? The Shabbat course aims to answer these fundamental questions, beginning with the sources for the concept of Shabbat in the Torah and deeper ideas of the commentators explaining why Hashem commanded it. We then move on to the bulk of the year, exploring all 39 Melachot (or forbidden activities) on Shabbat, their origins in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the practical applications of each of these laws. Study of the 39 Melachot culminates in a middle school-wide Fair, where students prepare presentations for their classmates and parents of what they have learned. The rest of the year is devoted to understanding the many rituals of Shabbat, including candle lighting, reciting kiddush, challah baking, eating three meals, praying, and reciting Havdallah at the close of Shabbat. We explain the origin, meaning of the text, and seller significance of each practice, bringing it to life and emphasizing its beauty in our weekly observance. The curriculum culminates in an in-depth study of the Eshet Hayil (woman of valor) prayer traditionally recited on Friday night before kiddush, giving our girls a strong sense of what it means to be an exemplary Jewish woman. 


Year Two: Tefillah (Prayer) 


Year Three: Kashrut (laws of kosher)