Students learn the basics of Hebrew reading in Year K and spend considerable time, throughout the Primary years, gaining additional fluency and accuracy in this important skill.

Our Hebrew reading program involves continuous assessment of each student. We use the Aleph Champ Program which is an internationally acclaimed reading program based on levels similar to a martial arts motivational philosophy. It has been proven to be a successful program motivating students as well as making learning Hebrew fun. Students read at their own pace moving up a level as they master each stage.

Students begin to learn the script letters towards the middle of Year K and build on these skills throughout Years 1 and 2.

Students begin the study of Beraishis in the second term of Year 1. The content goal is to cover the books of Beraishis and Shemos during the Primary grades. Beraishis is covered during Years 1 – 4 and the students study the book of Shemos during Years 5 and 6.

In addition to covering the important narrative, Mitzvos and values featured in these sections of Chumash, a structured Torah skills program in each year of study develops the students’ ability to understand and translate the text. Basic grammar, identifying sheroshim (root letters), use of the Ta’amei Hamikra (cantillation notes) and a focus on high-frequency words, help students to develop the skills necessary for the study of the Chumash text.

Another important feature of this area of study is the values and lessons to be learned from the great personalities and stories featured in the Torah.

Included in this subject are the traditions associated with the Festivals as they occur during the year and the laws and customs which are so much a part of the daily life of a Jew. We also examine important parts of the prayer and feature important values such as respect, kindness, the central place of the land of Israel and our role in the wider community.

Jewish life revolves to a significant extent around the Torah portion read in the Synagogue each week. At Kesser Torah College, we teach our students the events and concepts found in each Parshah and focus on lessons and values which can be learned.

In Years 3 – 6, there are different focus points in order to ensure that students learn something new each year in addition to reviewing the basic Parshah topics. Students bring home a short Dvar Torah (Torah explanation), which they can share with their family each Shabbos, as well as questions on the Parshah.

The study of modern spoken Hebrew takes place in all Primary Years K - 6. The development of vocabulary and the use of specific word patterns take place within the various themes studied. Opportunities to hear and speak Hebrew are a feature of each Ivrit lesson.

“Chalav U’Dvash” Ivrit program exposes children in Years K and 1 to the language through songs, games and dialogue. Visit http://www.chalav-udvash.org.il

Students study a variety of Mesechtas (volume of the Talmud) from Year 3 through to Year 6. Understanding Talmudic concepts, as well as the vocabulary and structure of the Mishnah, are features of these classes. Boys in Year 5 & 6 begin the study of Gemara. They are introduced to the Aramaic language which is used in the Gemara, as well as the discussions and the structure of argument and counter argument, which are a feature of Gemara study.

This begins in Year 5 where students are exposed to the knowledge and values of this period in history, from the original text.

Geared towards individuals or small groups, this program caters for the needs of new students or students who need tutoring to bring them up to the class level. Attention is given in the main part to Hebrew reading or Chumash skills.