Modern Hebrew:

Kadima utilizes the NETA www.netahebrew.org program for its middle school Hebrew language curriculum. The NETA curriculum is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. The curriculum consists of four levels: the Mechina (preparatory) level, beginners, intermediate, and advanced. The Mechina is designed for one year of study, while the other levels are each designed for two years of study. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy. Each unit of study incorporates art, music, prose, poetry, news articles and Jewish texts, in layers of language ranging from biblical Hebrew to current scientific Hebrew terminology and common colloquialisms.

A unique and important feature of the NETA curriculum is its adherence to a steady pace that allows students to experience tangible progress in their Hebrew proficiency so that by the end of the advanced level students will be able to study subject matter in Hebrew. The curriculum specifies clear goals and measures of achievement, and is accompanied by standardized tests written by the curriculum development team and educational evaluation experts.

Dividing the students into small groups according to their Hebrew level allows the teachers to conduct all lessons in Hebrew. Using current Israeli music, poems, short stories, basic literature make the class time stimulating and allows for higher level thinking.

Judaic Studies:

In the Judaic Studies program at Kadima , our students will study Jewish history, culture, ethics, and holidays. In pursuit of their Jewish heritage they will use a wide range of source materials, from the Bible and Rabbinic texts, to poetry, prose, fine arts, and music. Our program has three primary goals. The first, and most important goal, is to reinforce each student’s Jewish identity so that they will deepen their involvement in, and commitment to Jewish life. Our second goal is to integrate Jewish studies into the full middle school curriculum, especially in the areas of language arts and social studies. Our third goal is to tie issues of the past with the present time, to make Jewish Studies relevant to their personal experience.

T’Filah is an important part of the Judaic studies program. Our goal is that all students, progressively, will be familiar with the Siddur. With the order of the daily and Shabbat T’Filah, and will understand the meanings, its sources and historical development of T’Filah. We will introduce various rituals and melodies, in the spirit of Jewish pluralism. Our graduates will not only actively participate in T’Filah service but they will be able to lead one, as well.

6th Grade Judaic Studies

In 6th grade, students will study Ancient Jewish History through the destruction of the Temple and Roman rule. During each period, students will explore how Jews maintained their identities and adapted to changing environments as well as how the Jewish people’s experience interacted with those of other peoples. Furthermore, students will learn to analyze primary sources, determining how our Jewish texts affect our understanding of how we, the Jewish people, have become who we are.

Additionally, students will explore Jewish texts–TaNaCh, Mishna, Talmud, Codes, midrash, modern Responsa and commentaries–relating to the following core themes:

• Civil law
• Kindness to Animals
• Protecting the Environment
• Pursuing Peace
• Ethics of War

During the unit on Civil Law, for example, students will study Mishna Baba Metzia, learning about Rabbinic laws of Lost and Found and then applying these laws to their lives in a contemporary context. Our hope is that through this in depth exploration of key themes, students will begin to resonate with the texts and values of our tradition, gaining a deeper understanding of how Jewish tradition might inform the way they live their lives.

7th Grade Judaic Studies

In 7th grade the history component of the curriculum will continue its parallel track with social studies, as students study the medieval era, but through a Jewish lens. The medieval period in Jewish history extends from the late Gaonic era (800-1000 CE) to the beginnings of the Enlightenment (1750 CE). On the map our studies will extend from Europe and North Africa, to the Middle East all the way to India.

In the cultural and ethical component of the curriculum, students will focus on five critical themes in Jewish thought:

• Social justice
• Treatment of foreigners
• Issues of aging and the elderly
• Communication and censorship
• Life cycle events.

To explore these themes and their historical background, students will read a wide and engaging body of literature. Many readings will come from the Bible and Talmud, including the prophet Hosea and the Book of Daniel. However, the majority of readings will come from texts written during the Jewish Medieval period. Specifically, students will read excerpts from Moses Maimonides, Rashi, other commentators; poetry by Judah Halevi and Ibon Gabirol; stories from The 1001 Nights and Sefer Hasidim; and travelogues by Jewish and Muslim travelers. In this way, thematic studies will be intimately interwoven with historical studies, and students will learn history from the point of view of those that were living and creating it.

8th Grade Judaic Studies

8th graders will continue the movement through history, picking up with the Enlightenment and moving right up to the 21st century. In between, they will cover the migrations to America, the emergence of Zionism, the Shoah, and the establishment of Israel. Thematically, the 8th grade will focus on:

• The sacredness of marriage
• Modesty
• Medical ethics
• Leadership

As is the case in previous years, literary and religious texts will be interwoven with historical studies, and students will learn both history and Jewish thought from the point of view of those actively creating it. Readings will be chosen from among the rich body of literary, religious, and political texts produced in this vibrant era of cultural development. Along with important biblical and midrashic texts, students will sample the political writings of Moses Mendelssohn, Theodore Herzl, David Ben Gurion, and Ahad Haam, and will read the literary works of Hayim Nachman Bialik, Sholom Aleichem, Shai Agnon, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Art Spiegelman. Our goal is to bring Judaics and Jewish life alive with some of the most exciting and insightful texts ever written. Each of these primary documents will be used to help our students understand the development of modern Jewish history through the eyes of those who lived through it and helped shape it.