Tanach | תנ”ך

Our middle school students embrace the knowledge that the Torah is our guide to Jewish living – and is relevant to our past, our present, and our future!

As they study Tanach and its many commentaries, they gain an appreciation for the long history of Jewish philosophical thought – and how their own Torah study continues this vital, meaningful tradition.

Sixth Grade

Chumash

Sixth graders complete an overview of Sefer Shemot, which they began in fifth grade, and begin their study of Sefer Bamidbar. They learn to recognize and appreciate the differences between the peshat and the later commentaries of Rashi and other commentators. Students gain an appreciation for textual nuance, and learn how to distill Rashi’s commentaries into a question and answer format.

Navi

Our students study Sefer Shemuel Alef, focusing on the storyline and the characters in this key period of early Jewish nationhood. Students continue their mastery of interpreting a perek of Navi independently and breaking it down into its main themes and allegorical meaning.

Seventh Grade

Chumash

Students continue their study of the parshiyot of Sefer Bamidbar with intensive focus on the differences between the peshat and the later commentaries of Rashi, Ramban, and other commentators. Students gain a greater appreciation for textual nuance and hone their ability to elucidate Rashi’s questions and answers.

Navi

Students study Sefer Shemuel Bet, focusing on the storyline and characters – who include Shmuel, Shaul, David HaMelech, and Shlomo – of this pivotal period of early Jewish nationhood. They hone their ability to read a perek of Navi independently and break it down into its main ideas.

Eighth Grade

Chumash

Students begin their study of the parasha of Kedoshim, learning about the ethical and ritual laws entrusted to the Jewish people. As their focus shifts from narrative texts to legal and halakhic-based sections, students focus on philosophical commentaries from sources such as Rashi, Ramban, Rambam, and Ibn Ezra, as well as such modern commentators, including  Rabbi Samson R. Hirsch and Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik.

Navi

Our eighth graders study Sefer Melakhim Alef, focusing on the storyline and characters of this key period of early Jewish nationhood from the death of David HaMelech through the reigns of Shlomo, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and Hezekiah. Students analyze the characters and situations and gain a perspective on national Jewish leadership.