The curriculum for Sunday Religious School is based on spiritual development where new knowledge and insights are explored as the child develops from year to year. Teachers work very closely with our School Administrator and Rabbi, and with one another in order to create a curriculum which builds upon itself each year as the child grows and develops.

While in class, children study the holidays and experience some of the foods, traditions and music of those holidays. They become familiar with age appropriate songs, stories and dances of our people. Projects and crafts are encouraged to reinforce the learning of holidays and symbols of Jewish life.

Children will begin to talk about God, finding God in the love of family and the beauty of the world. They will be encouraged to ask personal questions about God and their religious experiences. Analogies are quite helpful for children in assisting them to develop a concept of God. God is like love, you may not be able to see love but you can feel the love. God is like our friend who loves us. God is like a parent or a judge.

A major component of the total curriculum is the use of the URJ’s Chai Curriculum/ Learning for Life. Together, our School Administrator, Rabbi and the teachers choose the lessons which are most appropriate for our school. The intent of the lessons is to ensure that student learning will go beyond the specific class activities and will reach a deeper and enduring understanding. The enduring understandings refer to three “big ideas” which provide for the foundation for meaningful Jewish learning and living. Torah can help us to live a life filled with holy moments.  Avodah and the practice of prayer can help one grow through personal reflection, can increase a connection with the Jewish community and can strengthen one’s relationship with God. G’milut Chasadim encourages the responsibility of performing acts which will make the world a better place.

Each Sunday there is a time set aside for the entire Am Echod student community and teachers to gather with our Rabbi and School Administrator in the sanctuary.  The focus of the assembly is to reinforce that which is going on in the classroom and to build community between the student population of all ages.