• Middle School
  • High School
  • Chumash

    6th Grade
    The objective for the year is to study Parshiot Yitro to Ki Tisa in Sefer Shemot, with an emphasis on the preparation for Matan Torah, the Aseret Hadibrot and Cheit Ha’egel. The class is dedicating time and effort to learning key Rashi vocabulary and practicing reading and understanding Rashi, in addition to reinforcing shorashim and dikduk in order to promote independent learning.

    7th Grade
    The seventh grade girls study the first half of Sefer Bamidbar, covering Parshiot B’midbar, Naso, B’ha’alotcha, and Shlach.  The focus is on building translation, reading and comprehension skills, as well as the ability to read and understand Rashi. Additional meforshim are introduced as well. 

    8th Grade
    The eighth grade is learning assorted topics in Sefer Devarim with additional meforshim.  Lessons are more geared towards independent and cooperative learning ( Chavruta style) to encourage and prepare the girls to learn on their own and at a higher level.

  • Navi

    6th Grade

    The sixth grade will spend the year learning Shmuel Aleph.   They will study the emergence of Shmuel as a prophet of Israel and trace his impact as he tries to convince B’nei Yisroel to repent, guides them in their wars and judges the nation. They will examine the nation’s request for a king and see how that leads to the ascent and descent of Shaul and of the rivalry between Shaul and David.  They will try to find relevance to the personality of our nation in present times. Emphasis will be placed on developing themes, becoming familiar with the language of the text and the various meforshim

    7th Grade
    The Navi Curriculum in seventh grade is focused on Shmuel Bet. The seventh graders will gain an appreciation of the contributions that David made by establishing the kingship of the House of David and securing the borders of Israel. They will study his spiritual endeavors as he accompanies the aron (ark) to Jerusalem and attempts to build the Mikdash.  They will learn from his strengths and his weaknesses and will understand why David is the prototype of a true servant of G-d, as well as the compiler of Sefer Tehillim.  The focus will be on reading the text, developing themes with the enhancement of selected commentaries such as Rashi, Metzudot and Malbim.

    8th Grade
    In eighth grade Navi, the class studies Melachim Aleph, examining the reign of Shlomo Hamelech and the splendor of his kingdom. They are also doing a webquest exploring the different chambers of the Beit Hamikdash. Afterwards, they will understand how and why the kingdom was split and the influence of Yeravam Ben Nevat. The objective is to trace the parallel lines of the Kings, of the House of David, and the House of Israel. They will be concentrating on reading and understanding Rashi and Radak and also note the commentary of the Abarbanel.  They will try to understand how the issues confronting the nation are relevant to the nation today.

  • Additional Limudei Kodesh Courses

    Halacha
    All middle school students study the same Halacha topic following a three-year cycle.  This year, the Halacha Curriculum will concentrate on the positive and negative commands and Rabbinic laws regarding Kashrut and other areas of Prohibited foods such as Tevilat and Hachsharat Kailim, Basar V’chalav, Nevaila, Dam, Bishulai Akum, Shratzim, Chalav Yisroel, Chadash and Yayin Stam.. There is also a unit focused on Bayn Adam l’chavero that includes  Derech Eretz, as it relates to the meal and to foods, as well as in general..Students will become familiar with general halachic principles and their application to practical daily life.

    Hebrew Language
    SBTAG offers Hebrew on all grade levels. Each year, the girls build on their previous level of skills in Reading Comprehension, Conversational Hebrew and the Culture of Israel. The Beginning level classes study on a basic level, through Conversation, Vocabulary and Grammar exercises. The Advanced classes utilize immersion so that all conversations are in Hebrew.  The students do projects in Hebrew, create videos and prepare special programs for the Chagim. In addition the girls become familiar with the land and culture of Modern Israel.

    Parshat Hashavua
    Once a week all classes will review the basic ideas of the Parsha and concentrate on one relevant theme presented by the teacher.  The girls are encouraged to share what they have learned at home over Shabbat.  The students also demonstrate their knowledge through weekly Parsha quizzes.

    Bat Mitzvah Workshop
    The sixth grade girls are treated to a unique class that guides them as they learn what it means to become a Bat Mitzvah.  They learn about new Halachic obligations that they will accept, as well as the Midot Tovot that will guide their behavior. The girls are encouraged to engage in a chessed project as they officially take their places as fully observant members of the Jewish nation.

    Beur Tefilah (offered on alternate years)
    The class begins the year focusing on Yamim Noraim through tefilot such as Avinu Malkeinu and the Thirteen Midot Harachamim. They will spend the rest of the year studying the tefilot from Birchot Hashachar through Pesukei d’Zimra, Birchot Kriyat Shema and Shema. The objective is that enhanced understanding of the structure and meaning will enhance each girl’s davening on a daily basis.

    Pirkei Avot  (offered on alternate years)
    The seventh graders will learn the Mishnayot, along with the select commentary of the Bartenura.  They discuss the ideas in each Mishna and how they can apply them to their lives.  They will perform “mini-assignments” during the week which are relevant to the lesson and class discussion, in order to help internalize the messages of Pirkei Avot.

    Jewish Philosophy
    This course offers the girls an understanding of Machshevet Hayahadut.  The girls study the Sefer Hachinuch, with an emphasis on the fundamental ideas of Anochi Hashem and the Aseret Hadibrot, as the core of all the mitzvot. The girls are learning one mitzvah every day, beginning with its source, halachot, ta’am hamitzvah and its relevance to their lives.  The girls are encouraged to ask questions, in order to be sure that they achieve clarity in this important subject.

    Holocaust Study
    The eighth grade undertakes a special project of studying the Holocaust in an age appropriate manner. They discuss the concepts of Anti-Semitism and propaganda and then move on to discuss certain aspects of the Holocaust itself, as well as the Resistance and the Righteous Gentiles who helped save Jews and, finally, the aftermath of the Holocaust.  They will conclude the year by presenting a special project based on their yearlong study.

    Yediot Klaliyot
    In this class, middle school students focus on facts, expressions and general information that are the basis of Torah knowledge and Jewish life.  They are using the “Chayeinu” series.  The sixth grade girls are highly differentiated in terms of their Yediot backgrounds.  A group of advanced girls have initiated a project based learning program to engage their peers and help them advance. The seventh grade is using the workbook in a more conventional manner. The eighth grade is using Chayeinu as a basis for further discussions and activities. 

    Ma’agalei Hashana
    The students learn about the customs and special halachot that are appropriate during the yearly cycle of Holidays. They learn the importance of the Hebrew dates and calendar and gain a further appreciation of Jewish History through the commemoration of significant Jewish events throughout the year.

    Tefillah Project
    The students of the 6th and 7th grade will be participating in a newly designed two year curriculum, Tefillah Reimagined. The curriculum is unique to Sha’arei Bina and is being developed in conjunction with The Jewish Education Innovation Challenge (JEIC) with funding from the Mayberg Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Each grade has a specific teacher who works with the girls on developing a personal relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the words in the siddur.

    Scholars Program
    Open to 6th graders (students who have achieved exemplary GPA’s on their first quarter report cards and who are recommended by their teachers) , this program is designed to laterally enrich the student’s classroom experience. Twice a week the students will enjoy project based learning, challenging, thought provoking lessons in Chumash, English, Math and Science. Participation in the program will prepare the students for the rigors of accelerated and honors level classes in the upper grades.

     

  • Chumash

    9th Grade
    The ninth grade girls are studying Chumash Sefer Shemot, from the first Parsha of Shemot until Yitro.  They are focusing on textual skills, comprehension and relevance and are using a variety of commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra and Seforno. The students use the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam to complement the halachic component of the parshiot.

    10th Grade
    The objective of tenth grade Chumash is Sefer Vayikra. The term begins with Acharei Mot, where the class studies the Avodah of Yom Kippur and the Mikdash in general. Parshat Kedoshim offers a study of kedusha and its relevance to every aspect of Jewish life, as well as a variety of mitzvot, with a special emphasis on Kibud Av V’em.  The girls then focus on the cycles of Shabbat, the Chagim and Shemitah/Yovel in Emor/Behar.

    The girls are consistently working to improve reading and analytical skills of the text and the commentaries of Rishonim and some Acharonim.  The girls learn cooperatively (b’chavruta) and are encouraged to become independent learners, enjoy the learning and experience a feeling of ownership of the material.  

    11th and 12th Grade (combined class)
    The girls are studying Sefer Bereishit, from Vayishlach to the end.  They follow Yaakov and his family as they return from Charan to Canaan and develop into the tribes of the nation. They trace the course of the hashgacha that sends Yosef to Mitzrayim, sets him up as the leader and reunites him with Yaakov and the family.  

    The course objectives are to: develop reading and analytical skills for interpreting the text of Chumash; study the commentaries of the Rabbis; gain an understanding of philosophical themes within Torah and appreciate how they pertain to modern life. Ultimately, the students refine and strengthen their understanding of the fundamental principles of Judaism through the study of the actions and prophecies of our ancestors and their relationship to Hashem.  

  • Navi

    9th Grade
    The students are delving deeper into the early years of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael during the reign of the kings, as described in Melachim Bet.  The students gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our leaders and the task of the prophets during difficult times.  Students apply skills they learned in Middle School to understand the meforshim, principally delving into the Radak.   Student learning is facilitated through both frontal presentations as well as chavruta and independent study.

    10th Grade
    The goal is to introduce the girls to the prophets of Trei Asar and to gain the capacity to read and translate Tanach with the primary commentaries. Students learn how to ask strong questions and they become familiar with the events and significance of the Trei Asar.  Time will be spent analyzing the text and learning how to break down a verse.  We will also be developing the ability to cross-reference that which we encounter in Tanach with other incidents in Tanach and compare/contrast them both on a textual and conceptual level. 

    11th and 12th Grade (Combined Classes)
    These classes  focus on specific perakim in Yeshayahu and Yirmiyahu. Yeshayahu began prophesying in the time of Uziyahu and was ultimately killed by Menashe, the son of Chizkiyahu.  The girls study Yeshayahu’s predominantly positive message, which is  interwoven with warnings of the destruction of the Mikdash. They then analyze the prophecies of Yirmiyahu as he warns about the destruction of the Mikdash and the coming galut. Through these two perspectives, the girls gain an understanding of the societies and politics that contributed to the churban, the opportunities presented by the teshuva process and the ultimate hope for redemption.  They become familiar with many of the Haftarot that are read in shul on Shabbat and are attuned to the similarities with modern day Jewish society.

     

  • Additional Limudei Kodesh Classes

    Halacha
    All high school classes follow a four year cycle of halacha topics.   Original sources are provided and translated, leading to guided discussions about the reasoning behind the laws and why there may be dissenting views or alternative customs. Students are responsible to know all of the translations. After learning the basic rules, we delve into their practical applications in contemporary common situations.

    This year, the curriculum is focusing on Hilchot Kashrut.  The topics include Kasheving and Immersing Utensils, Categories of Non-kosher Animals, basar b’chalav (meat and milk)shechita and categories of animals that are not ritually slaughtered, forbidden categories of wine, bishul akum, chalav Yisroel, and consecrated foods such as orla and neta revai.  The Bayn Adam l’Chaveiro segment of the class engages students in the study of derech eretz in as it relates to the meal and to foods, as well as other areas of life..Students will become familiar with general halachic principles and their application to practical daily life.

    Hebrew Language
    SBTAG offers Hebrew Language for all the high school classes.  Each year, the girls build on their previous level of skills in Reading Comprehension, Conversational Hebrew and the Culture of Israel.  The High School classes utilize immersion so that all conversations are in Hebrew.  The girls do projects in Hebrew, create video presentations and work on programs to present to the entire school on important “yamim”. They are highly attuned to current events of Israel as they learn more about the culture and land of Israel. 

    Sefer HaChinuch
    Based on the medieval classic work Sefer HaChinuch – the Book of Mitzvah Education – this course explores Jewish philosophy by developing an understanding of the reasons  (ta’am) behind the 613 mitzvot, along with exploring the root-source in Torah and the practical application of the mitzvot.  There will also be a focus on the mitzvot as “wisdom for living” – exploring their specific relevance and application in the modern world.  Topics include Fundamentals of Torah – including mitzvot such as knowing God exists, loving God, fearing God, sanctifying His name; laws of Character – including mitzvot such as emulating His ways, loving fellow Jews, not embarrassing others, not taking revenge nor bearing a grudge; laws of Torah Study – including mitzvot such as learning Torah and honoring those who teach Torah; Laws of Idolatry –  including the prohibitions of following the desires of heart/eyes, making an idol, and listening to a false prophet.

    Dah Mah (Know How to Answer)
    Based on the statement in Pirkei Avot, “Know how to answer a heretic,” this course explores the most challenging questions in Jewish thought.  This class seeks to establish an intellectual basis for fundamental Jewish beliefs, including the existence of G-d, the divinity of the Torah, and the accuracy of the Oral Tradition.  Additionally, this course explores the truth of Judaism in light of competing claims by other religions, as well as resolving what appears to be contradictions between science and Torah.

    Machshevet Hayahadut
    This class undertakes an in-depth study of Pirkei Avos. It uses the text of the Mishnayos as well as other relevant commentators such as Rashi, Rambam and Rabeinu Yonah. This course aims to analyze the lessons of Pirkei Avos and apply them to our personal lives.

    Parshat Hashavua
    Every week, the high school students receive a set of questions on pesukim and Rashi on Parshat Hashavua, to be prepared independently for Friday. Each Friday, the classes review the basic ideas of the Parsha and explore relevant themes presented by their teacher.  The girls are encouraged to share what they have learned at home over Shabbat. The students are assessed and are encouraged to delve further into the Parsha.

    Jewish History I and II
    I: The span of this class is from the First Temple period leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple.  The girls will use sources of TOSHBA to understand the Sages and the factions within the Jewish nation.  The purpose of this course is to develop a broad perspective of the precious heritage of the Jewish People, highlighting the Divine Providence that guides our nation while creating a personal relationship with the history of the Jewish People.  The students will discover ways that our past has shaped our present and can guide our future.  Topics covered include Galut Bavel, Gedaliah ben Achikam, The story of Daniel, Purim, Rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash, Anshei Keneset HaGedolah, and life under Greek and Roman rule.

    II: This course continues where Jewish History I left off, beginning with a study of the era of Bayit Sheni (Second Temple).  Topics covered include: The Re-establishment of the Sanhedrin, Rabban Gamliel – the nasi who was deposed and reinstated, Diaspora Jewry and the Community of Eretz Yisrael – including the destruction of Bayit Sheni, The Reign of Trajan, The Reign of Hadrian, Bar Kochba Revolt, After Beitar, the Compilation of Mishna, Amoraim, Savoraim, Geonim through the Acharonim.

    Fundamental Principles of Faith
    This course offers students an understanding of the basic ideals of Judaism.  The students study the Sefer Hachinuch, with an emphasis on the Aseret Hadibrot.  They also use the text Derech Hashem for philosophical analysis.  The students are encouraged to ask questions, in order to be sure that they achieve clarity in this important subject.

    Essentials of Judaism I and II
    I: The students will engage in the study of what truth is, the impact of prayer, relationships between man and G-d and between man and man, learning from our Sages, how to be a light unto the nations, the destructive nature of Sinat Chinam, the Oral Law, the chain of the Mesorah.  Sources are chosen from the Tanaic and Amoraic periods, as well as during the times of the Gaonim, Rishonim and early Acharonim. 

    II: Ikarei Hayahadut. Some of the topics covered in this class include Elisha ben Avuya, Rebbe and Antoninus, Holiness in the everyday, Personal growth in serving G-d, Keeping track of our actions, and understanding Sinat Chinam. Sources are chosen from the Tanaic and Amoraic periods, as well as during the times of the Gaonim, Rishonim and early Acharonim.

    Holocaust Studies
    This course is designed to help our students achieve an understanding of and connection to this horrific time in Jewish history. By studying the historical perspective of Jewish life in prewar Europe, Nazi ideology, the social and political factors that unfolded between the world wars, and the development of the “final solution”, the students will understand the context in which the Holocaust transpired.   The students will study the wartime experiences of nations and cities affected by the spread of the Nazi Regime, as well as the impact on individuals, survivors, liberators and, ultimately, the quest for a homeland. The class will gain an understanding of the categories of victim, perpetrator, rescuer and bystander, through narration and readings.  The primary textbook used will be Witness to History.

    Contemporary Issues in Halacha (offered on alternate years)
    This elective course takes up modern day halachic questions.  Students will gain an understanding of how Halacha emerges from the written Torah text and is elucidated by the Rabbis. They will be able to appreciate how ancient principles are applied to analyze 21st Century issues and how the Torah guides the nation eternally.

    Torah Technology (offered on alternate years)
    The objective of this course is to familiarize the students with the vast Torah resources available online, to be used as a tool that leads to greater Torah understanding. The research is designed to parallel the topics that the 11th and 12th graders are studying in Chumash. They use online sites to construct Torah family trees, and they input ancient and modern maps of the regions where the Biblical events transpire. The create assessments on Google Forms. They will be using Sefaria, Mercava, Machon Mamre, Shvelei Hadaat and other sites to create source sheets for Tanach

    Women in Jewish Law
    This course explores specific areas of halacha that are of primary concern to women. Both the structure and content of the laws will be emphasized. Students will trace the emergence of halacha from Tanach, through Torah she ba’al peh, early poskim and contemporary poskim. They explore halahcic concepts of kedusha and tahara and the role Jewish women play in insuring the sanctity and purity of the Jewish nation

    Legal Concepts
    This elective course focuses on the process of halachic analysis, beginning with the text of the pesukim and relevant commentaries and then continuing through Toshba sources. The girls learn a methodology of Torah thinking. The objective is for them to gain an appreciation of the beauty of halachic structure and to understand how the hashkafa of a mitzvah emerges from that halachic structure. In addition to the laws of the chagim, this year’s topics include relevant laws such as kavod and oneg Shabbat, simchat yom tov and eruv tavshilin, bracha rishona and bracha achrona, zimun, kedusha and tachanun.