At the Eleanor Kolitz Academy, our students are taught to have an appreciation of the heritage and traditions of the Jewish people and to learn the values of honesty, respect, cooperation and love of learning.
The Judaic Studies program provides instruction in Torah and other Jewish texts, Hebrew, Jewish traditions, prayers and observances, Jewish history and literature, and Jewish values. It recognizes that the wisdom of our ancestors continues to have meaning and application for us today.
The Judaic Studies Curriculum of the EKA promotes cooperation and harmony among all students in the school, as well as a sense of unity with all the Jewish People (K’lal Yisrael). We endeavor to instill in our children a deep sense of love, respect, and commitment to the land of Israel, the people of Israel and Torah. We foster and promote among our pupils the qualities of love and loyalty to the United States, respect for its laws, a commitment to its democratic values and a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live.
At the Eleanor Kolitz Academy the individual disciplines within each curriculum are not mutually exclusive. For instance, a science report is expected to be written neatly, contain proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Scientific vocabulary will also be used. In Social Studies, students do not only learn history and geography, but concepts that are historical, sociological, and even economic.
The study of Navi is not limited to prophets relaying the words of G-d; students may also discuss the qualities of leadership or the legal consequences of homicide vs. manslaughter. They may even discuss the factors that lead to a rebellion against authority and the importance of standing up for what is right.
When students begin their formal study of Chumash text, one long-term goal for our graduates is the ability to learn on their own using the original text. Therefore, learning Chumash is not just text but also involves a specific set of reading skills.
Some related topics include: the importance of Tzedakah and supporting communal organizations, Lashon HaRah (gossip), accepting responsibility, the destructive force of jealousy, the importance of a judicial court system, and organizing and properly using the time available.
Students learn the meaning of many of their daily prayers, to read with fluency, and to lead services when appropriate at their own synagogue. The weekly Torah portion is taught so that when students attend Shabbat services, they are familiar with the story line, main themes, and ideas.
Throughout the years a student is at our school there are milestones in Judaic learning. Listed below are some of the special events to recognize those milestones in our students' lives.
March 10 Town Hall Meeting 7 pm
March 11 PSIA
March 17 Science Fair
March 17 PIE Meeting 8:15 am
March 18 Siddur Dedication
(Grade 1) 8:30am
March 19 All School Kabbalat Shabbat
March 25 EKA Model Seder 1:30pm
March 29-31 No School – Passover Break
April 5-6 Spring Break
April 7 School Resumes
