Jewish Life and Learning - Brawerman Elementary School

The inquisitive nature of Judaism, which invites the curious to explore, discover, and debate, provides the ideal learning environment. Holidays and heritage encourage shared experiences that foster community. Brawerman is often credited for “making mensches” and much of this is derived from the ethical standards established in the Torah.

Hebrew
Judaic Studies

Hebrew

Hebrew, the ancient holy language of our people and a dynamic modern language, is an important vehicle for communication. Students build on skills acquired through a proficiency approach to language acquisition by conversing, writing, and reading in modern Hebrew, as well as reading basic traditional Jewish texts. Additionally, studies show the acquisition of a second language helps in brain development, particularly in the area of mathematics. The best time to acquire a second language is during these elementary school years.

Judaic Studies

Brawerman's integrated Judaic Studies program nurtures the mind, soul, and heart of each student. Our conviction is Jewish identity in all its forms, supports the Jewish future. Our school community embraces diversity of Jewish thought and practice. Each student brings to the discussion a particular experience of Jewish life enjoyed in his or her own family, and participates in ongoing tikkun olam activities.

An invigorating facet of our Jewish holiday curriculum is parent participation in school-wide holiday celebrations, which enhances their own connection to Judaism and our community. On the path to developing Jewish identity that lasts a lifetime, students explore the rich and varied tradition of Judaism through text and history, ritual and spirituality, arts, culture, language, and expression. Students are taught Judaism's moral and ethical roots to prepare them for living lives informed by our rich tradition. Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people, is a central component of the Judaic curriculum.

Jewish learning is vibrant and alive at Brawerman Elementary School East. Our tradition, temple, and school focus on Torah, Avodah, and Gimilut Hasadim. Torah is both the wisdom texts of our tradition and the wisdom and creativity brought to the tradition from the lives of the students. Through story, theater, art making, and study, Brawerman East students integrate Torah in all aspects of the school in many inventive and meaningful ways.

Avodah is worship, prayer, and ritual. Our t’filah (prayer) curriculum explores the Hebrew words, the inner meanings of the prayers, and the students’ personal experiences through writing, drawing, music, and movement. Our communal t’filah is filled with ruach (spirit) and helps to strengthen the community connection between students, teachers, administrators, and parents that is at the heart of the school. Gimilut Hasadim are acts of loving kindness.

Inspired by the possibilities of Shabbat, the Problem Solving Fridays curriculum was created to allow students to think deeply and act with compassion in areas of our world and community needing care. The care and concern for the world also includes the care and concern for each other. Brawerman Elementary School East is committed to creating a community where we all think about our words and actions in our day-to-day interactions. This too is part of our ancient tradition.

Judaic studies is not a single class rather it is integrated into the fabric of the school. Whether singing a prayer, running for a Purim scavenger hunt, or thinking about how to talk to someone on the playground, the students are in dialogue with the Jewish tradition and both the students and the tradition are better for it.