The Learning Center PK to 12th

About Us

Learning at The Temple will help our students to develop three things:

The Lens: We want our children to see and experience the world through a Jewish lens. There are specific insights and perspectives that only Judaism can offer.

The Path: Judaism has a rich tradition and history. There are unique ways that Judaism teaches us how to experience the world, community and learning.

The Compass: Life is full of challenges and important decisions. We want to help strengthen our students’ Jewish compass so when there are challenges or dilemmas, their Jewish Compass will guide them to make the right choices.

Goals for Learning:
Develop a Sense of Community
Create Memorable Jewish Experiences
Instill Jewish Values
Strengthen Jewish Identity
Deepen Jewish Knowledge
Develop Spiritual Connections

If you have questions or need help determining which program is best for your family, please contact Rabbi Stacy Schlein, Director of Learning, at 216-831-3233, sschlein@ttti.org

SHABBATON FAMILY LEARNING

Shabbaton is an innovative alternative to Sunday Learning Program, which provides Jewish education for the entire family. It is an opportunity to spend quality Jewish time together, learn in a warm informal atmosphere and create memories that will last a lifetime. This Saturday afternoon program meets from 3:00-5:30 pm. It is geared for families with children in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Shabbaton includes a separate adult study, grade level cohorts, family learning and whole group worship and singing. The major emphasis this coming year will be monthly Social Justice Projects.

Children younger than four years old have a separate play program on Saturday afternoon called ShabbaTots. Older siblings (grades 7 – 12) of children still enrolled in Shabbaton with their parent(s) serve as Madrichim (teaching assistants) in Shabbaton classrooms. Families will choose between Parent Child Hebrew , Midweek or Skype classes based on enrollment.

Schedule:
3:00-3:30 Service/Song Session
3:30-5:00 Adults will learn with Rabbi Block and have a short break for snack. Each week, one of the adults will lead a conversation on an area of expertise, a book they are reading or a topic they would like to discuss together.
3:30-5:00 Children grades Pre-K to 6 will learn within grade level clusters. Everyone will have a combination of Hebrew and Jewish Studies.
5:00-5:15 All Group Learning, Mitzvah Project, Movie or Game
5:15-5:30 Havdallah

Check out our blog!

Background and historical information on the Torah

The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide A wonderful overview of the Torah, historical background, in an easy to read and yet very comprehensive format. Click here to see the page about the book. You can also preview the book with Google Preview. http://www.jewishpub.org/product.php?id=102

Translations of the Torah

The JPS Torah Commentary:

Reference Section of our Library

Traditional Hebrew Text with New JPS Translation.

This translation has commentary written by some of the greatest Biblical Scholars.

The Torah: A Modern Commentary

Call Number 222.1

This translation includes commentary and longer articles of interest.

Author: Gunther Plaut. Publisher: New York. Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Publication Date: 1981.

The Five Books of Moses

Call Number 222.105

This translation follows the poetic language of the Hebrew rather than being a strict word by word translation.

Author: Everett Fox

Publisher: New York Schocken Books Publication Date: 1995

The Torah: A Women’s Commentary

Call Number 222.107

Publisher: New York URJ Press and Women of Reform Judaism Publication Date: 2008.

Includes the text of the Pentateuch in Hebrew and English plus feminist criticism. The articles are written by the outstanding female biblical Scholars of today.

Torah Study Aides

A Torah Commentary of Our Times

Call Number R222.107 FIE

Author Harvey Fields. Publisher: New York UAHC Press Publication Date 1991.

Teaching Torah: A Treasury of Insights and Activities

Call Number 222.106 LOE

Author: Sorel Goldberg Loeb. Publisher: Denver Colorado A.R.E. Presss Publication Date 1997

Online Resources

1) www.urj.org/learning

The Union for Reform Judaism has a collection of commentaries on each of the Torah portions of the week. You can sign up to receive these lessons by email or you may view the archive. Once you reach this page look under the Torah Study Section.

2) www.myjewishlearning.com

My Jewish Learning is a non- denominational website devoted to serious learning on a variety of subjects. There are a variety of perspectives presented. They are written on a scale from basic to more complex. It is a very user friendly website.

3) www.judaism.ajula.edu Parshat HaShavuah (The Torah Portion of the week) written by Rabbi Bradley Artson, the dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in California. His commentaries tend to focus on both practical and spiritual subjects. Click on the tab on the left side that says Torah.

4) http://www.babaganewz.com/parashah/ This is a fun website for children. There are a variety of games and activites to complete. Each week they have a short video on the Torah portion. This is appropriate for children 8 and over.

5) http://www.ajws.org/what_we_do/education/publications/dvar_tzedek/ The American Jewish World Service provides a weekly Torah commentary exploring themes of social justice which emerge from the parshah.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
SUNDAY • K – 6
Pre-K and Kindergarten: Me and You, Jew and Jew! *
Judaism is a religion based on values that, when followed, help our world be a better place. The focus of this kindergarten curriculum uses the phrase from Leviticus 19:18, “Love your neighbor as yourself” to look at the Jewish holidays, tz’dakah, Jewish Book Month, synagogue life, and our general interactions with each other. Kindergarteners visit the library, music and Hebrew Through Movement Specialist.

1st Grade: Cycles of My Jewish Life
Jewish holidays and lifecycle are interwoven in this exciting hands-on year of learning. Our congregation’s Consecration ceremony, welcomes the first graders into their formal years of learning, and creates an inspiring beginning to the year. Music and Hebrew Through Movement introduce them to songs, prayers, and cultural expression appropriate to their age.
2nd Grade: Treasures of Israel
There are so many amazing things to learn and discover about Israel. Throughout the year you will create your own treasure collection. At the end of the year our second graders will host a treasure hunt for their families. Hebrew Through Movement, Music and Library add to the experience!

3rd Grade: We Are Family!
With the start of Hebrew decoding, Sunday morning is divided between Jewish Studies and Hebrew. In Jewish Studies, we meet our ancestors, learn the stories of our people and begin to explore the invaluable lessons of the Torah. One of the highlights of the year is creating and starring in our Torah Movie which shares their interpretations of our sacred literature.

4th Grade: It’s Up to You!
We are taught that “It’s not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” In Jewish studies we will delve deeply into this concept through suspenseful stories from our tradition, history and today. The second half of the year we will put the values into action through a variety of projects and challenges.
Hebrew: L’sim Lev – Pay attention*
Our Hebrew studies will strengthen our ability to L’sim Lev – pay attention in multiple aspects of our lives through the prayers of the Shema and Its Blessings. Click here for a great resource to practice. Both Hebrew and Jewish studies will focus on Jewish values.
5th Grade: Love Peace & Pursue Peace!*
Our fifth graders will examine one of the most powerful concepts in Judaism through challenges, technology, project based learning, group exploration and in depth hands on activities.
Hebrew: Stand Up!*

The focus of our Hebrew learning for the year is the Amidah. In addition to understanding these prayers, we will also find ways to integrate these values into our lives. What do you stand for? Click here to see the prayers we are learning.
5th & 6th Mitzvah Corp: We know it can be hard to find meaningful, engaging volunteer experiences for our children especially as they prepare for B’nai Mitzvah. That is why we are launching our Mitzvah Corp so our children can sample a variety of volunteer opportunities. This is an enrichment opportunity outside of Shabbaton and Sunday Learning.
6th Grade: All In!*
Building on your experience in 5th Grade you will work in teams exploring a variety of Jewish values challenges as they unfold. Creativity, tough questions and curiosity help to make this interactive learning experience even more engaging. The depth and meaning of these lessons depends on you. Are you all in?

* Please note that all items with asterisks are projects of the JECC supported by the Fund for The Jewish Future of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

ONLINE RESOURCES (Click the Grade for links to online resources or check out HEBREW KARAOKE HERE)

3rd Grade – Learn All of the letter and vowels in the Aleph Bet.

4th Grade – L’sim Lev – Pay Attention Shema & Its Blessings*

5th Grade – What do you Stand For? – Amidah*

6th Grade – Torah & Concluding Blessings

OPTIONS:

Wednesday: children attend on the weekend and Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 pm. This includes Tefillah Tech where children work together to create large scale projects (like games, art walks, movies and more.)
Parent Child Hebrew: children and parent/s attend Hebrew during Shabbaton or Sunday. This option is for families who want to learn together and spend 30-45 minutes at home during the week. There is an additional $35 fee.

Skype Hebrew: children learn Hebrew during Shabbaton or on Sunday. This also includes a private 20 minute Skype lesson midweek and 30 minutes of practice independently at home. Past participants may select Skype times starting on July 17th and new participants starting on July 24th. There is an additional $125 fee.
HEBREW LANGUAGE PROGRAM

We are proud that our Hebrew program begins in Kindergarten! Our students participate in the innovative and highly successful Hebrew Through Movement Program* – a language acquisition strategy in which students learn Hebrew by hearing and responding to Hebrew commands. It is an adaptation of James J. Asher’s Total Physical Response (TPR).[1] It starts with a foundation in modern, spoken Hebrew but has as its goal making the prayers, as well as synagogue and Jewish vocabulary, more easily accessible to those with limited learning time.

This Hebrew Through Movement program was developed by faculty at Siegal College of Judaic Studies through courses and community workshops. It introduces Hebrew in a playful and meaningful way, creating a positive first link between children and Hebrew. This program is supported by the latest brain research on learning, providing an aural foundation for Hebrew that opens the door to more facile Hebrew decoding and reading.

Hebrew Through Movement is based on ways that children learn naturally:

They learn by moving about and doing.
They learn in an environment of positive emotional support.
They learn when they feel safe from the embarrassment of not knowing.
They learn when they can move forward at their own pace.
They learn best when learning is joyful and playful.
They learn through songs, chants and rhythmic activities.

(Please note, this description is adapted from the Hebrew Through Movement Website. Please click here to read more and see samples from classroom settings. http://www.hebrewthroughmovement.org/ )

OVERVIEW OF OUR HEBREW LANGUAGE PROGRAM GRADES 3-6

Students in third through sixth grade intensify their exposure to Hebrew language and allow their learning to accelerate as their study of prayers and ritual Hebrew intensifies. Building on the solid foundation, our students continue with Hebrew Through Movement and begin to decode during Third Grade.

Hebrew Flash Mob: a specially trained team of madrichim (teen assistants) that will work with small groups of 3rd & 4th Grade students to boost their Hebrew decoding through hands on activities or computer games. You will learn Hebrew in a flash! *

For questions regarding our Hebrew programs, please contact Gloria Grischkan, Assistant Director of Learning at (216) 831-3233 ext. 122

* Please note that all items with asterisks are projects of the JECC supported by the Fund for The Jewish Future of The Jewish Federation of Cleveland

19-20 SKYPE HEBREW Info for Website corrected

Chai Learning– Grades 7-12

Monday Madness: The Second* Monday Night of Every Month from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm all of our teens will join together for Monday Madness. Dinner will be served (and it will not be pizza) and a fun, social, and interactive programs will be hosted by TEFTY – our Senior Youth Group. Contact Jamie Collins for dates.

7th Grade Options

Your child has the choice of attending Sunday Morning or Monday Night. The first half of the year we offer a Hebrew Lab for those with Spring B’nai Mitzvah or those who want to boost their Hebrew skills. 7^th Learning continues the entire year through May.

* Sunday 9:30-10:30 Hebrew Lab (through December), 10:30-noon – 7^th Learning.

* Monday 5:30-6:30 Hebrew Lab (through December), 6:30-8:00 pm – 7^th Learning.

8th to 12th Grade Options

• Chai – Monday 7:00-8:00 pm.
• Kallot Mitzvah Corp – is a hands-on retreat style experience for learners in grades 8-12. Each lesson is a mix of learning, fun, volunteering & teamwork. This year our focus will be on intensive Tikkun Olam learning and experiences. Sessions may include: field trips, guest speakers, art projects, and text study too. We meet six times throughout the year for four hours at a time. Learners are asked to attend five times during the year. There will be a variety of Friday, Saturday and Sunday Sessions.
• Independent Study – Please call Rabbi Schlein to make arrangements 216-831-3233 ext 133

Curriculum for Chai Program

7th Grade – TEXTING
Take out your cell phones! Get ready for a scavenger hunt. Help create a meaningful school wide Tzedakah Fair. These are just a few of the exciting elements of our new 7th Grade Core Class. Our students may think they are the first generation to text. Think again! There are many powerful text messages hidden throughout the Torah. Come discover them with us. Each session will have intellectual challenges and hands on activities. Many of the sessions will integrate technology into the learning.

8TH GRADE – Members of the Tribe
Our 8th Grades will spend the semester on a quest for self and communal discovery. We will learn about what it means to be a community and specifically explore our incredible Cleveland Jewish Community.

9TH GRADE – MAKING JEWISH DECISIONS
The Israeli Experience
Students will interact with people, places, culture, and modern dilemmas facing Israel today in an effort to create a relationship with her that explores the Jewish past, present, and future. Our Shinshin, Israeli Year of Service Volunteer, will assist in teaching this course.
Whose Business Is It, Anyway?
Students discuss making ethical decisions in relationships with friends and family, in business dealings medical dilemmas, school violence and abuse. Judaism guides and directs us to make the right decisions.

10TH GRADE – CONFIRMATION
Teachers: Rabbis
Students study with our clergy in preparation for a meaningful ceremony marking this rite of passage into adult, faith-affirming, personal decision making. They explore the Ten Commandments, the text read at Confirmation, on the holiday of Shavuot. Studying together this trimester prepares them for the highlight of their year – their trip to New York City!

11th & 12th Grade Senior Seminar: On Monday nights our oldest students will have an opportunity to explore current events and larger questions of meaning in this fun and intensive seminar with our clergy.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Families today live busy, complicated lives. Our goal is to provide choices and guidance that match our students’ schedules and interests. We understand that teens don’t all connect to Judaism in the same way, nor do they all learn in the same manner. Our teen program expands the boundaries of time, place, and method of learning by offering choices for when and how students learn. Our CHAI PROGRAM is the expression of an educational Vision that inspires lifelong Jewish learning and living, and creates commitment to Jewish community. Students will choose among five core areas that connect us to Jewish living. Those five categories are: Talmud Torah – Jewish Learning, Gemilut Chasadim – Acts of Lovingkindness, Kehillah – Jewish Community Involvement/Social Interaction, Avodah – Spirituality and Me’aynai Yahadut – Seeing Contemporary Issues through a Jewish Lens.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The year is divided into two parts. The first half we have core classes and second half learners are able to choose their electives. Learners are able to sign up for the program and times that work best for them. Requirements not met during the academic year can be made up over the summer or will be carried over to the following school year and made up through Individualized Learning Projects.

Madrichim – Madrichim serve as role models for our students, assistants to our teachers and essential help at The Temple-Tifereth Israel Learning Center. To be eligible for the Madrichim program you must attend Chai School with consistent attendance. 7th grade students who attend our Chai Learning program on Sundays are not eligible to be madrichim on Sundays. As a madrich/a, there are opportunities to work Saturdays, Sundays, or Wednesdays. Madrichim assist in learning spaces, the office or as specialists.

– Madrichim Orientation – Wednesday, August 28th 5:00-8:00pm. First time madrichim will meet at 5:00pm, returning Madrichim will join us at 6:00pm. Dinner provided.

– Hebrew Flash Mob: A special team of madrichim will be trained to work with small groups of students to boost their Hebrew decoding through hands on activities or computer games.

Compensation – First year madrichim are not monetarily compensated. We will gladly sign any forms you may have to fulfill your community service hours for school or other programs. Second year madrichim and above have the option to be paid. Madrichim receive compensation for the session they work (not by the hour).

How Do I Sign up to be a Madrich/a?
New and returning Madrichim need to complete the preference form online as soon as possible. Application deadline is August 15th. See link below. Please note, your preference form will be finalized after your Temple Learning Center registration has been submitted and we have confirmation of payment or payment arrangements.

Madrichim Orientation is Wednesday, August 28th, 2018. First year madrichim will meet at 5:00pm at The Temple. Returning madrichim will join us at 6:00pm. Dinner will be provided.

Please contact Jamie Collins, Director of Youth Engagement at 216-455-1707 or jcollins@ttti.org with questions.

Link to our Madrich/a Preference Form

We hold a special Consecration ceremony on Simchat Torah for our first graders (and some second graders, too) within the Learning Center. This is the first year they begin their journey of formal Jewish education. In this way, we send the message that Jewish learning is special. In general, when something is consecrated, it is made sacred, set apart, dedicated or given a new purpose. We believe that through the ritual of Consecration, our youngest students learn that they are beginning a sacred journey, full of wonder, excitement and fun.

Consecration Practice Audio Files:

If you are on any device you may click the following link to listen to and/or download any of these MP3 files from our dropbox folder: http://bit.ly/consecrationmp3download

Don’t feel comfortable with downloading? Please contact Rabbi Schlein to request a CD.

2019 Consecration Letter

At The Temple-Tifereth Israel we recognizing that informal education and social opportunities help to create memorable moments and deepen ones Jewish identity.

During the year, we host a handful of events September through May. Our events range from Cooking Class, Skyzone, Escape Rooms and sleepovers at temple. They offer wonderful opportunities to meet new friends and continue building relationships with old ones.

Keep an eye out for emails and temple calendar updates with event information. Please contact Jamie Collins, Director of Youth Engagement at jcollins@ttti.org to discuss ways of getting your kids involved!

There are a variety of ways for youth and teens to be involved at The Temple-Tifereth Israel.

Club 4-5 (4th & 5th Grade)

Through a variety of activities, both in and outside of temple, our dynamic 4th and 5th graders become enthusiastic members of The Temple community, create friendships and (something else). They are actively involved in fun, engaging and social activities and events. We often host events with other Cleveland reform synagogues as a way to connect our kids and community!

Junior Youth (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)

This group of motivated 6th, 7th and 8th graders enjoy a variety of fun, social and community service events. They not only spend time with their friends from The Temple-Tifereth Israel but have the opportunity to meet teens from the five other Cleveland Reform Synagogues and participate in events sponsored by NFTY, the Reform Jewish Youth Movement of Reform Judaism in North America.

Temple Teens (9th-12th Grade)

It is with great excitement that we announce changes and enhancements to the structure of teen leadership at temple. We see so much potential and energy amongst our teen community and want to create a model to match that need. This year (2019-2020) we will be experimenting with a new, more inclusive model.

We are excited to present theTeen Leadership Committee. Each position will have specific roles and responsibilities. The committee will work together to enhance teen programming and engagement in a variety of different ways. We are so impressed by the level of passion and excitement among our temple teens and are working toward creating a leadership structure that highlights all the amazing potential.

Our 9th through 12th grade students are active in youth groups, community service, and social activities. Meeting with other Jewish high school students in Cleveland and throughout the region, they become committed and active members of the Jewish community. We are part of the Northeast Lakes Region of NFTY.

Our teens hosts High Holiday Services, Monday Madness, and Hump Day Hangout. They execute our Temple Purim Carnival, work as Madrichim in our Learning Center and participate as members of our vibrate congregation!

Monday Madness occurs the second Monday of every month from 6:00-7:00pm, before Chai Learning. During Monday Madness our 7th-12th graders have the opportunity to hang out and get to know each other, play fun games and eat dinner (something other than pizza).

Humpday Hangouts occur every other month (or so!) on Wednesdays. This is a time for kids to come hangout in the Youth Lounge, catch up with Temple friends and relax, maybe even get some homework done!

Madrichim serve as role models for our students, assistants to our teachers and essential help at The Temple-Tifereth Israel Learning Center. To be eligible for the Madrichim program you must attend a Chai Learning program with consistent attendance.

Chai Learning occurs on Monday nights from 6:30-8:00pm. The year is divided into two parts. The first half we have core classes and second half learners are able to choose electives. A few times a year we have special guest, artist-in-residence and community programs.

Kallah Learning is a hands-on retreat style experience for learners in grades 8-12. Each lesson is a mix of learning, fun, volunteering & teamwork. Sessions may include: field trips, guest speakers, art projects, and text study too. We meet six times throughout the year for four hours at a time.

Independent Study is also available for those who need a more individualized or flexible scheduling. Please call Rabbi Schlein to make arrangements 216-831-3233 ext 133.

Need some help paying for youth activities? We can help you if you complete a Financial Aid Application funded through The Temple-Tifereth Israel Teen Scholarship Fund & TWA Youth Endowment Fund. You may access this form in an ONLINE version. If you need help, please fill this out as soon as possible so that we might be able to meet the early-bird discount dates.

For more information about these groups please contact Jamie Collins, Jcollins@ttti.org

How can I support our Youth Groups?

We have regular fundraisers during the year by running a snack shop on Wednesdays as well as a Bagel Shop on Sunday mornings!

Link to Online Payment form to Sponsor the Bagel Shop

Link to informational flyer about Bagel Shop Sponsorship

The Temple Learning Council (TLC) is a unique partnership of lay leaders, clergy, and professional educators. The TLC is responsible for educational excellence and innovation.

TLC Members:

Leslie Cohen, Ava Hilliard, Nachama Moskowitz, Naomi Weiss, Erica Wilkov, Jill Cahn, Gloria Grischkan, Cheryl Bendis, Jamie Lader, Jamie Hardis, Bob Hardis, Jamie Collins, Rabbi Stacy Schlein, Alan Leitson and Maxine Miller.

Mission Statement
The Temple Learning Council drives educational excellence, innovative learning and educational leadership for The Temple-Tifereth Israel.

Temple Religious School Goals for Learning: Develop a Sense of Community, Create Memorable Jewish Experiences, Instill Jewish Values, Strengthen Jewish Identity, Deepen Jewish Knowledge, Develop Spiritual Connections.

The Temple Learning Council and the Temple Religious School work to make the Temple Vision real in relationship to learning.

Temple Vision
We are a warm, welcoming synagogue family where each person matters. We cherish our rich history and traditions and foster a dynamic culture of imagination and innovation. Members of all ages find meaning and inspiration by developing enduring personal connections with each other, Torah, God, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People, and through acts of justice and compassion.

__________________________
We invite you to join us on this educational journey to shape the future of our synagogue and Jewish learning. Please feel free to contact us with your interests.

Rabbi Stacy Schlein, Director of Education
216-831-3233
sschlein@ttti.org