Cheder
Bushey Cheder accepts students in school years 1 to 6, who are halachically Jewish according to the criteria set by the Office of the Chief Rabbi.
There are approximately 20 children in each class. In addition to the class teacher, there are a number of assistants who concentrate on Hebrew reading, and a Head Teacher.
General Timetable for Sunday Morning
09:45 - Registration & Tefillah. |
10:00 - Lesson 1. |
11:00 - Break. |
11:20 - Lesson 2. |
12:30 - Assembly (most weeks) |
12:45 - End. |
SO WHAT DO WE DO ON SUNDAY MORNINGS AT BUSHEY CHEDER?
The teaching and learning are based around a number of main themes. Each Year, the students add to their knowledge and understanding, at a level appropriate to their age.
Hebrew Reading and Writing
The students begin by learning the letters of the Hebrew Alef-Bet in Year 1. By the end of Year 2, we would expect them to be reading quite fluently. In subsequent years they will be taught to read and write script.
Our team of 4 reading assistants support the teachers and are on hand to hear the kids read, and help them progress. However, as with all languages, the students MUST practice at home in order to improve.
Ivrit
From Year 1 we introduce words and phrases in Ivrit (Modern Hebrew).
Tefilah (Prayer)
The morning begins with tefilah. Each Year we add to the compendium of prayers learned and said at the beginning of lessons.
Emphasis is also placed on prayers of a practical nature such as Grace After Meals, Kiddush and Candle-Lighting.
Curriculum
Each Year has a theme that runs through. This theme provides the basis for the topics taught that Year. Certain topics, such as the Chagim (festivals) are taught every Year, but at a level appropriate to the students’ age.
Year 1 – Bible Stories
Each week the students learn about a different story in the Tanach (Bible), from Bereshit (The Creation) through to the Kings and Prophets. Teaching methods used include drama, arts, crafts, singing and storytelling.
In addition to this, the students in Year 1 learn about the festivals, the Aleph-Bet, and begin to learn some of the tefillot (prayers).
Year 2 – Reading/The Shul/ Shabbat
The main emphasis in Year 2 is for the students to learn how to read. This is achieved using a variety of methods including games, computer programmes and traditional teaching. During the first term, most of the morning is devoted to reading, but in the spring and summer terms the students learn about the objects in the Shul.
At the end of Year 2, at prize day, every student is presented with a siddur to mark the fact that they are now Hebrew readers.
Year 3 - Jewish Living and Home
In Year 3 there is a varied curriculum. The students learn about Kosher animals, and some of the basic laws of Kashrut. In the spring term they build on the basic knowledge of Shabbat from Year 2, and learn more about the things we do on that day.
Throughout Year 3 the students learn about Middot (good deeds) such as respect for parents and elders, kindness to animals, hospitality and visiting the sick.
Year 4 - Israel
Throughout Year 4 the students learn about the biblical sources, geography and history of Israel. Passports are needed as the teacher takes them on a trip through time to a country 2000 miles away from the UK. The links between the Jewish people and the State of Israel is emphasised.
Year 5 - Life Cycle and Outward Signs
From Brit Milah to Bar / Bat Mitzvah and onwards. He do we Jews celebrate and mark the yardstick events in our lives?
The mezuzah, tallit and tzitzit. What are they, and why do we have them?
Year 6 – Jewish History and Texts
Year 6 is the last Year in cheder. A trip through Jewish history is undertaken, from biblical times to the present day. Whilst on this trip, many of our famous scribes are investigated and their works are placed into the historical context of the day.
A careful study of one of the sidrot (portions from the Torah) is made.
Contact Cheder 07742 588019
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