Lower School Israel Education

The Lower School Israel education program is designed to promote Ahavat Yisrael/Love of Israel, K’lal Yisrael/the Jewish people, and the Hebrew language as the language of the Jewish people. Israel is brought to life throughout the program, as students begin to identify with Israel as both the historical and modern homeland of the Jewish people and to celebrate Israel’s history, accomplishments, and people. Students study the diversity of people and religions that call Israel their home.

Students sing the Israeli national anthem HaTikvah every morning, the Israeli flag hangs next to the American flag in every classroom, students learn Israeli songs and participate in Israeli dance sessions, and Hebrew is a learned and spoken language. The use of authentic Israeli literature in Hebrew immerses students in a unique way into Israeli language and culture throughout their years in the Lower School.

Students study the basic history of Israel in their Hebrew and Judaic Studies classes, explore the historical relationship of the Jewish people to the land of Zion through the study of Torah/TaNaKH, learn about the leadership of Israel, explore Israeli geography and learn about various symbols associated with the modern state of Israel. Students have the opportunity to simulate travel throughout their experience, packing their suitcases in kindergarten and then again “traveling” to Israel on their homemade passports in third grade. 5th grade students engage multiple times a year with their peers at the Keshet Schools in Mazkeret Batya, building personal relationships. This partnership is highlighted by two synchronous virtual mifgashim (get togethers) during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

The Lower School calendar mirrors the Israeli calendar, with students celebrating Israel weekly on Shabbat as they dress in blue and white, connecting to the land and the greening of Israel on Tu Bishvat (the Jewish New Year for the Trees), marking Yom Ha-Zikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) through a ceremony organized and led by our Israeli students and families, and celebrating the significance of Jerusalem for the Jewish People on Yom Y’rushala-yim (Jerusalem Day). The highlight of the school year is Yom Ha-atzma-ut (Israel’s Independence Day). Every door in the school is decorated with an Israel-related theme; students engage in festivities and activities, and there is blue and white sheetcake for everyone!