In grades 4 and 5 students learn about the lives of the people in the Bible, modern Israel, life cycle events, ethics, prayer and the structure of the worship service. Grade 6 students study Pirke Avot, the Prophets and basic prayers. Alternatively, sixth graders may attend Torah Study Shabbat worship services held monthly on Shabbat evenings where they participate with the congregation in exploring the meanings of the weekly Torah portion, followed by a study program with the Rabbis. Parents are encouraged to participate as well. The Academy consists of five, three-week courses held on Sundays.
Students bring a brown bag lunch for a social time between class sessions.
The students enroll in both core and elective courses in areas such as Jewish philosophy and theology, language and liturgy, the bible and rabbinics, Jewish history, and congregational music. During the confirmation year, students meet each week with the Rabbis to explore Jewish life, strengthen their Jewish beliefs and knowledge and study the Jewish community in depth. Confirmation culminates with the Shavuot festival service, written and lead by the students themselves. The Edison Retreat Center is a unique and integral part of our approach to experiential Jewish learning. Beginning with day retreats at the pre-school level and culminating in 4 overnight retreats during the eighth grade, students join with Rabbis and retreat staff to immerse themselves in intense Jewish experiences.