Jewish Education for Spiritually-Engaged Lives
Torat HaLev is a religiously-rich, project-based educational program for 3rd-5th graders. We see Judaism as a set of tools to live an engaged holy life. Our approach is unique in that it aims to address core human spiritual needs–specifically, access to experiences of belonging, purpose, and hope. Our educational approach prioritizes opportunities for building relationship buildings, connecting and wrestling with the Divine, participating in spiritual practices, and contributing meaningfully to the community.
The educational curriculum emphasizes engagement with Hebrew and Jewish content (“Yahadut”) in ways that will directly enhance students’ experiences in services and throughout the Chochmat community. Their learning will also provide spiritual grounding that they can revisit throughout their lives. For Hebrew, students work in a traditional pair structure called “Chevruta”, which enables them to progress at their own pace with guidance and supervision from the instructor. Students learn how to offer and receive support within a partnership even while moving at various speeds. For Yahadut, there is a three year cycle of content. Year One was “Tefillah” or prayer. Year Two is Torah. Year Three will be the holiday cycle.
A Typical Day at Torat HaLev
Opening Circle
Welcome, grounding, and orientation
Students practice basic conversational Hebrew with one another
Hebrew
Students work in chevruta pairs to support each other as they work through learning to read and write the alef-bet.
Snack/Break
Time for relaxation, decompression, and organic connection with classmates.
Yahadut: Torah Learning
Students don’t just gain familiarity with Torah stories—they learn to utilize Torah study for exploring and expressing the personal, ethical, and spiritual questions of their lives. Varied means of engagement are utilized including Art, music, theater, debate, creative writing, and research projects.
Closing Circle
Time for reflection, connection to community, and offering one another blessings for the week to come.
Other Torat HaLev Program Elements
Family Potlucks
Family engagement is a core part of the Torat HaLev educational philosophy, and we want all Torat HaLev families to feel like they are part of a cohort. The school year begins with a potluck right before the holidays and families are encouraged to continue holding gatherings for Shabbat and holidays throughout the year.
The Jewish New Year with Torat HaLev
New this year, there will be a special Torat HaLev track so that 8-12 year olds can have a high holiday experience geared for them. Join us for engaging services, projects, and activities during the day on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This year’s theme is resilience. We look forward to starting the New Year with you!
Spacious Shabbat
New this year! Spacious Shabbat is a once-a-month invitation for Chochmat families to spend time enjoying Shabbat together through relaxation, learning, music, and food. These programs will coincide with Saturday sessions of Torat HaLev
Rabbinic Guidance and Support
Rabbi Rory is available to meet virtually with family members to discuss educational goals, learning needs, and any pastoral or spiritual issues that might be affecting your family. She is happy to meet your family wherever you are to make Torat HaLev work for you.
Torat HaLev Calendar
Torat HaLev meets approximately 2 Sundays a month and one Saturday a month. The Torat HaLev calendar is between the High Holidays and Shavuot. Sunday sessions are 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Classes during Spacious Shabbat begin at 10 AM, and are followed by a family service which goes from 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
SEPTEMBER
Beginning of Year Shabbat Potluck: September 12th
Rosh Hashanah: TUE Sep 23
OCTOBER
Yom Kippur: THUR Oct 2
SUN OCT 5
SUN Oct 19
SUN Oct 26
NOVEMBER
SUN Nov 2
SAT Nov 8*
SUN Nov 16
DECEMBER
SAT Dec 6*
SUN Dec 14 (Chanukah)
JANUARY
SUN Jan 4
SUN Jan 11
SUN Jan 25
FEBRUARY
SUN Feb 1 (Tu Bishvat)
SAT Feb 7*
SUN Feb 22
MARCH
SUN March 1
SAT March 7*
SUN March 15
SUN March 22
APRIL
SUN April 12
SUN April 19
SUN April 26
MAY
SAT May 2*
End of Year Shabbat Potluck: May 8th
SUN May 10
