Our Judaic Studies program is comprised of three components.
1) Bible study is included in the weekday schedule, with a focus on the language forms of the text. In addition, key themes are highlighted and discussed in light of traditional and modern commentaries and Midrash. These classes include:
In the Beginning, Exodus as it Was Meant to be Read, Leviticus and Beyond, In the Footsteps of the Prophets, and Scroll Around.
2) Core Judaic Courses
On Sunday mornings, each grade level studies the following year-long courses:
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7th Grade: Ma La’asot {toggle the descriptions for these?}
Mah La’asot, is taught in two parts. The first part, taught during the first half of the year, presents moral dilemmas to solve, with guidance from the Bible and rabbinic sources. During the second part of the year, the focus of the course is on the relationships students forge and hold throughout life, starting with themselves, and continuing with their families, peers, their local and American Jewish community, Israel, the world, and Klal Yisrael.
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8th Grade: Dorff Ethics
As students build character and continue to mature, they need a safe place to discuss issues that are most relevant to their lives in the 21st century. LAHHS aims to create a lively and challenging environment in which teens are able to explore and critically assess their views. LAHHS’ curriculum creatively presents a traditional Jewish perspective, while displaying respect for the opinions and beliefs of each student. Through coursework, students begin to reflect upon the concept of ethics and how they choose “paths” to follow.
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9th Grade: Rabbinics
Students are introduced to rabbinic literature, through which they gain an understanding of the types of literature created by the sages and develop skills to understand these texts. The Rabbinics program is part of the LAHHS Sunday morning core curriculum for all 9th grade students. This survey course exposes students to Pirke Avot, Mishna, Talmud, and Midrash, both in Hebrew and English, and studies the classic commentators; Rashi, Maimonides, and Bartinura. Students often work in chavrutah (with a study partner), and join the conversation in which the Jewish people have been engaged for centuries. Students are asked to take an active approach to studying these texts, questioning what they say and even arguing with their conclusions. The class explores how the rabbis thought about the world and the ethical principles that they believed were vital for living a moral life. In the process, students are asked to think about how they can apply the lessons taught to their own lives.
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10th Grade: Jewish History & Zionism
Israel and Zionism are two of the most important concepts focused upon in the LAHHS curriculum. Over the course of the year, students trace the geographic, political and cultural origins of Israel, connecting these concepts back to each their own personal identity and Israel’s importance to all Jewish people around the world. Students are introduced to the most important leaders and thinkers of modern Israel. The curriculum also focuses on the religious and historical origins of the Jewish state and the varied concepts that are the foundations of modern Zionism. Students learn about the Jewish people’s hope of returning to our ancient homeland through nearly two thousand years of exile. This course encourages students to deepen their knowledge and passion for Israel and Zionism and prepares them to travel to Israel with a keen understanding of the Jewish homeland.
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11th: Farkas Junior
The Farkas Junior Seminar introduces our 11th graders to a higher education college-style learning environment. Each Sunday, students are exposed to and dialogue with some of Los Angeles’ finest teachers and scholars.
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12th: Pressman Senior Seminar ~ College-style session with presentations from different rabbis, Jewish educators, and other prominent Jewish community members each week