Welcome to JS 9-3!

Neely Snyder

FIRST QUARTER

This quarter we will explore what the Jewish world was like before the denominations, as we know them, came into being.  We will discuss how political and social dynamics led to the creation of both the Orthodox and Reform movements.  Throughout the rest of the quarter we will compare how these two movements approach Torah, Mitzvot, and Halacha, as well as how their fundamental beliefs and conceptions of Judaism’s role in the larger world differ. Students will recognize the dynamic nature of both of these movements and explore ways that each has changed over the years.  Finally we will conclude the quarter examining the practical implications of these differences, both in terms of halachic decision-making and prayer.  Throughout the quarter, students will be challenged to do focused writing in conjunction with ideological discussions that arise in our study of these movements.  Students will develop skills in text study, both as individuals and in chevruta (pairs or small groups) and will begin to both make connections and distinctions between ideology and ritual observance. 

First Quarter Assignments

Due 9/10

Read the Expectations and Policies and bring back a copy signed by both you and a parent.

Due 9/24

Identify three specific plans of personal teshuva you will commit to in the coming year, one for each of the following areas:

1) Myself

2) Others

3) God or Jewish practice

Due 10/1

TAKE HOME QUIZ

Due 10/17

Read pg 90-92 in the sourcebook "Halacha -- The Jewish Way" and write a one paragraph summary.

10/26 QUIZ on Orthodox and Reform Movements' attitudes toward Torah, Halacha and Rabbinic Literature

11/8 Teshuva Project Due

SECOND QUARTER

This quarter we will continue our examination of the Jewish denominations by exploring the Conservative and Reconstructionist movements.  We will discuss the founding of each movement within a historical context and the broader implications of each movement’s genesis on the American Jewish community.  We will compare how these two movements approach Torah, Mitzvot, and Halacha, as well as how their fundamental beliefs and conceptions of Judaism’s role in the larger world differ. With each movement, these comparisons will also be made to what we have previously learned about the Orthodox and Reform movements.  We will discuss how these movements have each changed over the years and some contemporary challenges each faces.  Finally we will conclude the quarter examining the practical implications of their core values, both in terms of halachic decision-making and prayer. Students will also be working diligently on synthesizing all of the information they have learned about the four denominations in preparation for their midterm exam.  Students continue to develop skills in text study, both as individuals and in chevruta (pairs or small groups) and have begun to both make connections and distinctions between ideology and ritual observance. 

Second Quarter Assignments

Conservative Advertising Campaign Due Dec 17th

Midterm Outline Due Jan 7th

Midterm Due Jan 24th

Hebrew Vocab List

Expections and Policies