Chevruta Lays the Foundation for Seventh Grade Judaic Studies

The 7th grade Judaic studies curriculum focuses on two major projects: JCAT (Jewish Court of All Time) and the Tzedek Program. Both of these projects center on partnered work, and learning to work in pairs and small groups is critical to the students’ success. To begin to develop skills working in partnership, this week 7th graders worked in chevruta (pairs), reading and writing about chevruta. “I want the 7th graders to truly learn how to work in partnerships and know what that looks like,” says Judaic studies teacher Jody Bloom. “It’s such an important skill both in this class and in life.”

 

Students took turns reading out loud and responding to one another by asking questions and bringing up important comments about what they had read. One paragraph of text they were reading explains, “A good chevruta does not blindly accept his or her partner’s interpretation of the material but challenges and questions him or her until they both reach a comprehensive understanding of the material.” Following this activity, students will participate in the JCAT program, a unique and innovative nationwide exercise in empathy, imagination, and critical thinking, in which they will debate how to best honor the memory of the passengers of the famous ship the MS St. Louis. MORE PHOTOS