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

gemilut chasadim. It has what may seem to be conflicting claims, and yet we take on the commitmentto fulfill them all through learning, self-reflection, and action. Our students learn the Jewish valuesand study the texts that will deepen their commitments to social justice and acts of kindness in ourfamilies and communities, and ultimately, in our world.Specific objectives of this focus area of our curriculum include:Appreciation of the foundational importance of gemilut chasadim in Jewish thought and life.Exploration of ways that we can have a meaningful impact in our communities.Study of classical Jewish texts and contemporary thought concerning social justice, andethical decision-making.Commitment to take on social action engagements during the course of the year.Discovery of the relationships among gemilut chasidim and Jewish ritual, prayer, and learning.V. JEWISH HISTORY AND NARRATIVEAn understanding of Jewish history, its narratives and significant figures enables our children toidentify with their heritage and begin to develop an understanding of milestone events, including thepolitical and spiritual environments that helped create and establish those events.Our objectives for Jewish History and Narrative include: Knowledge of milestone events and significant figures in Jewish history and narrativeincluding:o The Exodus from Egypt and biblical settlement of the land of Israelo Development of rabbinic Judaismo Jewish settlement in Eastern Europeo Zionismo Development of the North American Jewish community.General understanding and appreciation of the diversity and pluralistic practices of Jewishcommunities throughout history.Knowledge about selected issues of the Shoah, including aspects of the politicaldevelopments leading to the Shoah, Jewish and world response, and its significance tosubsequent generations of Jews.VI.ISRAELWe strive to provide our students with an appreciation for the deep significance of Eretz Yisrael (theLand of Israel) through text study, tefilah and activities. The powerful relationship between thepeople of Israel and the Land of Israel is integrated throughout our curriculum. Aspects of thegeography, history, politics and culture of the modern State of Israel are taught as individual unitsthroughout the elementary school program and in the context of our upper grade history program.Israeli current events are reviewed in the classroom and at special programs.14