Ma Koreh
Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary
What is happening in Jewish Studies this term?
Year 3 will learn about the lives and exploits of key Biblical personalities who comprise the Jewish family tree found in the stories from the book of Genesis. Based on the concept of Torah meaning ‘teaching’, the students will focus on the ethics, values and moral lessons contained within the Torah and make connections to our world and lives today. Leading up to Shavuot, students will have an interactive and up close examination of our school’s Sefer Torah.
Year 4 will be following the journey, trials and experiences of the Jewish people after the Exodus from Egypt. We will be exploring ideas of leadership as modelled by Moshe Rabbeinu and the challenges and opportunities of freedom for the people of Israel. Whilst the Jewish people have physically left slavery behind in Mitzrayim (Egypt), in what ways are they psychologically stuck in mitzrayim (the straits, a narrow place)? Our learning will connect with upcoming Shavuot celebrations and the Mount Sinai experience and culminate with the Year 4 Pathways Tanakh presentation event at the end of the term.
Year 5 students are concluding their learning about Jewish ethics and practices around food by designing their kosher dinner party, complete with recipes and kosher ingredients. Our focus will then turn to brachot (blessings) and their role and purpose within Judaism. After formulating their own blessing of gratitude, students will be delving into deeper meaning into the Hebrew words which comprise a blessing, which will prompt questioning and reflection on conceptions and beliefs about God.
Year 6 will be exploring the Jewish people’s historic, spiritual and contemporary connection and relationship with Israel, from Abraham to the present day. Framing the creation of the State of Israel as one of the most significant events in recent Jewish history, we will explore the events leading up to this moment 75 years ago, as well as the achievements, challenges and complexities of contemporary Israel.
