Mishnah/Talmud
GRADE FIVE | GRADE SIX | GRADE SEVEN | GRADE EIGHT
The Talmud curriculum is divided into two parts. Students in grade five and grade six study Mishnah. Students in grade seven and grade eight study Talmud. The curriculum seeks to teach the historical development of the Talmud, the relationships between the Torah she-bi-Khetav and the Torah she-be-al Peh, and the Talmudic method of learning through questions and answers. Students are taught how to read and translate the text, search for alternative meanings and to anticipate questions and answers. The program teaches students how to read and understand the Talmud on their own, as well as how to study with a chavruta and in a classroom. Students are encouraged to think analytically and to debate openly with their classmates and teachers. They are taught not to be afraid to challenge postulates and to recognize that questions can have more than one correct answer. Students also learn many practical halakhot, aggadot and Talmudic morals and values.
|
A. |
Grade Five
The fifth grade studies Massekhet Berakhot. The curriculum focuses on the mitzvot bein adam la-Makom, including prayers such as the Shema, Shemoneh Esreh, Birkhot ha-nehenin and other practical aspects of tefillah and daily blessings. Students are also taught about the relationships between the Written Torah and Oral Torah, as well as the history and development of the Mishnah. Pirkei Avot is also taught in this grade.
|
B. |
Grade Six
The sixth grade continues to study Mishnah, with an emphasis on the relationship mitzvot bein adam la-chavero. Students study selected Mishnayot from Seder Nezikin covering the laws of damages, theft, loss, partnerships and negligence. The curriculum teaches students practical rules of behavior and sensitizes them in their dealings with others.
|
C. |
Grade Seven
Grade seven students begin the study of Talmud. Students focus on tefillat ha-shachar in the fourth chapter of massekhet Berakhot. This chapter was not studied in the fifth grade Mishnah curriculum and the students return to this familiar Massekhet in the context of their Talmud study. The laws that are highlighted are those with which seventh graders are familiar, the Shemoneh Esreh. Studying the laws of tefillah in Talmud class helps to reinforce the instruction received by the students in tefillah.
|
D. |
Grade Eight
In grade eight, study returns to the laws between mitzvot bein adam la-chavero. Students study selections from the first chapter of Massekhet Kiddushin. However, the focus of study is on the relationships between parents and children, and the obligations and responsibilities of one towards the other. The topics include kibud av va-em and talmud Torah, social responsibility and she-lichut.
|
