3rd-6th Grade
Philosophy of JQuest “Tracks”
At Temple Isaiah, we acknowledge – and celebrate – that there are many different ways to connect to Judaism and Jewish life. Historically, religious schools followed a one-size-fits-all model. Since 2009, we have experimented with a new structure, one in which families have choices about their Jewish learning journeys. Like adults, children connect to Judaism in different ways, and we are delighted to offer a variety of paths of Jewish learning in JQuest to match the various learning styles and passions of the children in our community. Please note that all 3rd through 6th grade tracks include our comprehensive Hebrew & prayer curriculum (see page 7). You may opt to do one track for two years, or you may choose to switch tracks after one year. For example, you could sign up for Teva in 3rd grade and switch to Omanut for 4th grade.
- 3rd & 4th Combined Grade Tracks
Curricular themes: God, Torah, Israel
Bonim – Builders
Bonim (boh-neem) is a track for 3rd & 4th graders who like to build things! In this track you will have the opportunity to learn about God, Torah, and Israel through the experience of construction and building projects both big and small. Activities may include model projects such as building a ‘mini Israel’ as well as full-size projects such as building a sukkah. A wide variety of materials will be used –everything from Legos to clay to wood and more! Please note that while tuition for Bonim is the same as for all other 3rd-6th grade programs, there is an additional Supply Fee.Teva - Nature
Teva (teh-vah) is our nature program for 3rd & 4th graders in which you will get to explore God, Torah, and Israel through the lens of nature and the outdoors. This program includes opportunities for outdoor learning (as weather permits) around the Temple Isaiah campus, the Lafayette Reservoir, at a local ranch, and beyond as we celebrate and learn about seasonal, eco, and wilderness-based traditions of the Jewish people. For example, we might have discussions around a fire in an outdoor classroom/ “campground” on the Isaiah campus or take a short hike in order to connect with the experience of Moses climbing Mt. Sinai to get the 10 commandments. Join us in Teva, where we will make connections between Jewish life and the natural world!Omanut – Art
Omanut (oh-mah-noot) is our art program for 3rd & 4th graders in which you get to explore the topics of God, Torah, and Israel through the lens and modality of art. In Omanut you will have the opportunity to spend time immersed in Jewish art, deepen your artistic skills and spirituality, learn about many of the great Jewish artists and Jewish art-forms, and create your own works of art based on Jewish topics. For example, students in Omanut have studied different Jewish views about God, and then created art pieces in the style of Israeli artist Yaakov Agam to reflect their differing relationships with God. Please note that while tuition for Omanut is the same as for all other 3rd-6th grade programs, there is an additional Supply Fee.Yasher Koach to our Diller Award winning teacher Heather Howe
Click here to see the video from the award ceremony.- 5th & 6th Combined Grade Tracks
Curricular themes: Jewish History and Ethics
New! Hagigah - Arts & Crafts
Does you love arts & crafts? Have you ever wanted to create your own animated video or comic book? Have you ever wanted to try basket-weaving? Now is your chance! In Hagigah, students will learn about Jewish history, Jewish values, and Jews around the world by immersing themselves in the artistic and crafty traditions of our people, including Jews of Ethiopia, Morocco, India and more. This is an exciting opportunity to use your hands to bring Jewish stories to life, ending with a festival (hagigah) to show off your creations at the end of the year! Please note that while tuition for Hagigah is the same as for all other 3rd-6th grade programs, there is an additional Supply Fee.Y’tzira - Storytelling
In this fun and inventive JQuest track, students draw upon their creativity and imagination to bring Jewish history and ethics to life through various mediums of storytelling. You will participate in improv theater games, create and act in short skits, write poems and short stories, watch and discuss film clips, make three-dimensional sets to visually represent Jewish historical periods, and much more! Each unit will also include an interactive storytelling experience created by teacher Maimone, whereby students will work together to solve a mystery. Sign up for Y’tzira (the act of creation) to let your creative juices flow!New! Etgar - Games & Puzzles
Explore Jewish history and ethics by creating and solving challenges (etgarim) through games and puzzles! There are so many different kinds of games with a variety of challenges: card games, board games, trivia, puzzles, simulations, relay races, map games, and more. In this entertaining and lively JQuest track, you will have the opportunity to create and play a variety of games based on Jewish history, Jewish values, and Jewish communities around the world. Sign up for Etgar for a year of play!- Jewish Yoga & Cooking!
At JQuest, all 3rd & 4th graders participate in Jewish yoga once a month, and all 5th & 6th graders participate in Jewish cooking once a month (during their regular JQuest classes).