Edmonton TTS develops Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Program

By: Michelle Huberman, Education Committee Chair

(Edmonton) – Since 1912, the Edmonton Talmud Torah Society (TTS) has been a steward of Jewish learning by providing an inclusive place of learning and community rooted in Jewish history, traditions, and values. Our vision is to deliver a high-quality foundation in a pluralistic Judaic and secular education that inspires students to achieve their personal best; to build a rich environment where our students develop a strong Jewish identity and a feeling of commitment and lifelong belonging to the larger Jewish Community; and to enrich Edmonton Jewish life by being an essential and foundational place of learning, community, and connection for generations to come.

In addition to the K-6 elementary school, the TTS offers an Early Learning Centre – ELC (ages 1 to 5) and an Out of School Care program under the Early Learning Centre umbrella. The purpose of the Early Learning Centre (ELC) is to provide care as well as a foundational education for young children that integrates early childhood development principles with Jewish values and traditions.

For the past 3 years the Talmud Torah Society has committed significant time, effort, and resources to undertake a comprehensive review and revision of the Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language program offered in the school’s grade K-6 program. We are making steady and positive strides in this area and are now also focusing attention on developing a Judaic Curriculum for our ELC program.

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s identity and fostering a sense of community and belonging. For Jewish families, a comprehensive educational program that introduces Hebrew language, customs, traditions, and values from a young age is invaluable. Such a program not only strengthens cultural identity but also prepares children for a lifelong engagement with Jewish heritage and community life.

This year, two of our ELC classes participated in a Hebrew immersive experience for one hour a day, four times a week. During these sessions, the children engaged in crafts, songs, and Hebrew language learning through play as they explored the Jewish yearly cycle, as well as our various customs and traditions.

To strengthen our programs, enhance the teaching and learning experience, and foster innovative practices, our curriculum will use a spiral approach. This method revisits and expands upon concepts each year, ensuring progressive learning. Additionally, the program will focus on play-based learning to engage children with activities that foster curiosity and creativity. Multisensory experiences, including music, art, movement, and sensory activities, will be used to cater to diverse learning styles and improve retention.

The areas of focus will include Hebrew Language: Introduce the Aleph Bet, basic vocabulary and common phrases through songs, stories, and simple conversational activities suitable for each age group. Customs and Traditions: Explore Jewish customs such as lighting Shabbat candles, blessings for holidays, and lifecycle events through interactive and age-appropriate activities. Holiday Observances: Teach the significance and rituals of Jewish holidays (e.g., Passover, Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah) through stories, crafts, songs, and traditional foods. Jewish Values (Midot) and good deeds (Mitzvot): Encourage positive character traits and social responsibility through stories, role-playing, and group discussions to teach concepts such as tzedakah (charity), tikkun olam (repairing the world), chesed (kindness), and kavod (respect).

Our Curriculum Development and Implementation Plan will include hiring Nurit Reshef, curriculum specialist in Hebrew Education, researching curricula of other Jewish early learning programs and receiving input from ELC educators, the ELC committee, and parents. We will develop teaching materials, including objectives, guiding questions unit plans, visual aids and activities. Additionally, we will create a resource library with books, videos, and online tools and purchase necessary visuals, games and manipulatives required to deliver the program.  Teacher training sessions will focus on the curriculum’s content and teaching methodologies, with ongoing professional development and support through mentoring and workshops.

The pilot program at the Early Learning Centre will be developed two months at a time throughout the year. This initiative aims to benefit the ELC by ensuring the transmission of Jewish culture and heritage to future generations, fostering a strong Jewish identity and sense of belonging in children and their families. It promotes lifelong engagement with the Jewish community and encourages family participation. By creating a partnership between home and school in Jewish education, the program lays a solid foundation for further Jewish education by introducing children to fundamental concepts and practices early on.

Thanks to generous grants from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton (Federation) and Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation (EJCCF), we plan to commence the project immediately, with the curriculum development and implementation occurring in stages. The Talmud Torah Society is committed to covering any shortfall between received grants and the total cost of this initiative, if needed. We expect that ongoing funding will be required after the project’s initial phase to effectively monitor and update the program, as well as to periodically replace materials. The Talmud Torah Society will ensure sufficient funds will be provided to support these requirements.

The Talmud Torah Society’s 2024-25 board of directors wishes to express its gratitude to both the Federation and the EJCCF for its ongoing support of TTS initiatives, and understanding that Jewish education is critical to our community’s viability and sustainability.

Through our website (www.talmudtorahsociety.com) and our social media channels (Facebook: Edmonton Talmud Torah Society & Instagram: @talmudtorahsociety) please look for updates on our pilot program.