Curriculum

What is a Spiral Curriculum and how does it apply to Kehillah?

In a spiral curriculum, key concepts are presented repeatedly, but with increasing depth and complexity each time. Students are introduced to topics in early childhood and then build on them as they progress through elementary school and junior high. Each year, the students will continue to build on their prior knowledge.

We have created a two-year spiral curriculum for Kehillah in which all grades will learn about the same modules or topics at the same time, but at levels that are age-appropriate. Each school year is divided into three eight week modules.

Wise Temple’s spiral curriculum features cutting edge resources tailored to our specific needs and goals by an expert in Jewish experiential education. The curriculum also includes elements of Project Based Learning, in which classes explore the topics at hand through group projects which build community through cooperative collaboration.

Overview of Year 1 Modules (2022-2023) and Year 2 Modules (to be implemented in 2023-2024):

Year 1 Learning ModulesTorah
Our Sacred Text
Avodah
Prayer + Ritual
G’milut Chasadim
Acts of loving Kindness
Pre K – KTorah Stories + Jewish SymbolsAleph Bet | Hebrew as a sacred language, Shema + Shabbat prayersBuilding a Mitzvah Tree | Loving Qualities in Me
1 & 2Torah Scroll + Genesis StoriesSanctuary, Prayers + Blessings, HavdalahJewish Values + Mindfulness Moments
3 & 4Introduction to Torah + Exodus StoriesGod + GratitudeWays We Care for Others
5 & 6Jews + Jewish HistoryExpressing Jewish Values through PrayerJudaism + the Natural World
7 & 8My Identity + TorahPraying with our Feet | Social JusticeJewish Ethics | Mussar
Year 2 Learning ModulesMy Jewish Life and Community Rhythms and Passages: Jewish TimeIsrael and Global Judaism
Pre K – KLet’s Explore Being JewishHow We Celebrate HolidaysWho Lives in Israel? Plants, Animals, and People!
1 & 2Symbolic and Ritual Objects:  Making challah covers, candlesticks, and more!The Jewish CalendarBeing Jewish Around the World
3 & 4I Am Part of Cincinnati Jewish Life and HistoryThe Cycle of Holidays and Holiday TraditionsIsraeli Culture Through Food: Making recipes and cookbooks!
5 & 6Jewish American History and IdentityExploring the Jewish Holidays Through ArtThe People and Cultures of Israel Part 1
7 & 8Movers and Shakers of Jewish Life and ThoughtThrough the Seasons and Cycle of Jewish LifeThe People and Cultures of Israel Part 1