-- Pirkei Avot (Sayings of the Sages) - Congregation Mishkan Tefila

III. Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)IV. Gemilut Chasadim (Social Justice, Mitzvot, Ethics, and Acts of Kindness)V. Jewish History and NarrativeVI. IsraelVII. The Jewish Year CycleI. IVRIT (HEBREW)Hebrew is our holy language. Knowledge of Hebrew gives us access to our sacred texts andallows us to study them in their original language. Hebrew is the language of prayer and theprayerbook; it enables Jews to participate in prayer services at any synagogue in the world. Itprovides a common bond between Jews, linking Jews throughout the world and throughout time. Itconnects us with contemporary Jewish life in Israel. Hebrew language provides us with a tangiblesense of community, and of belonging to a unique group called into existence by the Creator:according to Biblical tradition, it is the language with which God created the world.Jewish values are often uniquely embedded and expressed in Hebrew. For example, the wordtzedakah, which we sometimes translate as charity, comes from the Hebrew root tzadi-dalet-kuf, whichmeans justice, or righteousness. The second part of the word Beit Knesset, which we translate as“synagogue” comes from the root kaf-nun-samech, meaning to gather, enter, or bring in. The sameroot is found in the Hebrew phrase for hospitality (hachnasat orchim). Hebrew words provide us witha Jewish cultural vocabulary that extends well beyond their literal translation. They provide aparticular lens through which we can come to view our world.The vocabulary of Judaism consists of words and concepts that have transmitted the essence ofJewish identity though time- words that are steeped in tradition and history. We teach Hebrewthrough an interdisciplinary approach that includes formal Hebrew instruction, Torah, holidays,mitzvot and tefilah (prayer). Our specific objectives for the study of the Hebrew Language include:Proficiency in reading, writing and translation of Biblical and Modern Hebrew as well assome rabbinic texts, with the help of supplementary vocabulary and language aids.Proficiency in tefilah (prayer) and comprehension of its content and meaning.Fluency in Hebrew concepts connected to Shabbat and festivals, mitzvot, life cycle events,ethics, values, family and community.Knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammatical forms for access to both classical andcontemporary texts and poetry.II.TEFILAH (JEWISH PRAYER)Our objectives for the study of Jewish prayer and liturgy include:Meaningful exploration of prayer as a means to respond to the world around us.Fluency with the matbea shel Tefila, the structure of the Shabbat and daily services, with theappropriate melodies.Comprehension of the meaning and content of special prayers for Shabbat and holidays.12