CAARS Learning Objectives
The Jewish values we teach our children
The CAARS instills in its students a love of being Jewish and an understanding of God. We feel this love is fostered through a comprehensive CAARS curriculum centered on Jewish values, Hebrew and Tefillah, and knowledge of our history. The curriculum develops Hebrew skills, prayer book skills and mastery of the following concepts:
Limmud Torah – Jewish learning
Tzedakah – giving to make the world a more just place
G’milut Hesed – acts of loving kindness
Kibud Av V’aim – honoring parents
Lashon Ha’ra – refraining from hurting others through speech
Emet – truth telling
B’kur Holim – visiting the sick
Tikun Olam – mending the world
Ahavat Yisrael – identifying with the Jewish people and the modern state
Ahavat Habriyot – a loving concern for others
B’tzelem Elohim – All humans are created in the Divine image and should be respected as such
Milestone | Year | Typical Time |
Consecration marks the time when our congregation welcomes our youngest students to the beginning of their formal Jewish education. | Kindergarten | December |
Kabbalat ha Siddur marks the public acceptance of our students of their responsibility to learn liturgical Hebrew and one day lead the congregation in prayer. Each child receives a “Sim Shalom” siddur. | Third grade | April |
Kabbalat ha Torah marks the beginning of formal preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. All children receive their own copy of the “Etz Hayim” chumash to prepare for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. | Sixth grade | November |
Bar/Bat Mitzvah when children reach an age where they become responsible for their own actions and may lead prayer and other services in the family and the community. | 6th and 7th grades | According to Hebrew birthdate |
Bikkurim (First Fruits) signifying the first fruits brought to the temple as found in the Michnah and the Talmud. | 10th grade | Shavuot |
Graduation | 12th grade | End of school year |