Limmudei Kodesh

We aim to provide a rich and relevant limmudei kodesh programme, through which our children will gain a commitment to Torah values - a strong Jewish identity with a strong positive attitude towards Israel.

For the younger pupils, we base our limmudei kodesh lessons on the ‘TaL AM’ curriculum of Hebrew language, arts and Jewish studies.  This programme has been used to nurture a generation of Jewish children around the world.  This curriculum was developed by a team of writers and teachers in Montreal and Israel led by Tova Shimon following years of research into the principles of language development and learning patterns.

We have high aspirations for our limmudei kodesh teaching. Upon leaving the school, a Morasha pupil should:

Jewish way of life

• Know the basic halachot to leading an orthodox Jewish life, whether in relation to mitzvot bein adam l'makom (such as Shabbat, kashrut and chagim) or mitzvot bein adam l'chaveiro (such as tzedaka, lashon hara and g'milut chasadim).
• Understand reasons, concepts and values underpinning the Jewish way of life, including life-cycle events.
• Be able to participate confidently in Jewish life at home and in shul.
• Appreciate the beauty and importance of Jewish values and Jewish family life.

Torah

 

• Be familiar with a large number of stories from the Tanach
• Understand how to use commentaries such as Rashi to gain a deeper appreciation of the Torah.
• Comprehend selected mishnayot in Hebrew and English, and understand the relationship between the written law and the oral law, through practical applications.
• Appreciate the role and continuing centrality of the Torah in modern Jewish life.

Tefillah

• Have the ability to navigate his/her way around a siddur.
• Feel comfortable and confident in an orthodox synagogue.
• Be able to recite and understand the general meaning of the most important tefillot for weekdays, Shabbat and the Chagim.
• Appreciate the importance and relevance of prayer in his/her own life.

General

• Have a basic understanding of key events in Jewish history.
• Feel a connection with Jewish people around the world and the different minhagim.
• Respect other cultures and the dignity of difference whilst maintaining a strong Jewish identity.
• Have a strong desire to continue on the path of learning.
• These aspirations will be achieved in three main ways:
  1. Through dedicated limmudei kodesh lessons
  2. By integrating the acquisition of Jewish knowledge with secular learning
  3. Through experiential learning, e.g. assemblies, daily tefillah, during meal-times or on school trips.