The Big Idea
The High Holy Days are a time to reflect, reset, and begin again. At Sun Sinai, students learn that Judaism gives us a powerful yearly opportunity to pause, take responsibility, and grow into better versions of ourselves.
What We Learn
Students explore the High Holy Days through stories, rituals, and reflection. They learn:
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The meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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The role of the shofar and other key symbols
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What it means to say “I’m sorry” and make things right
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How Jewish tradition guides personal growth and change
Through discussion and hands-on experiences, students begin to see themselves as active participants in this process of renewal.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize key High Holy Day symbols and practices
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Explain the purpose of the High Holy Days
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Connect rituals like the shofar and apologies to personal growth
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Apply the idea of reflection and change to their own lives
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize that the High Holy Days are special days with unique sounds and symbols like the shofar.
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They begin to understand that these are times for thinking about their actions and making better choices.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain what happens on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, including hearing the shofar and saying sorry.
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They connect these practices to ideas like apologizing, making amends, and starting fresh.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain how High Holy Day rituals relate to reflection and personal change.
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They explore how actions like prayer and apology help people grow and improve.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze how the High Holy Days shape responsibility and personal growth.
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They apply ideas like reflection and change to real-life situations and relationships.
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Why This Matters
The High Holy Days teach students that:
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Mistakes are part of being human
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Growth is always possible
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Taking responsibility matters
The Big Idea
Torah learning connects us to our past, guides our present, and shapes who we become. At Sun Sinai, students don’t just learn about the Torah—they begin to understand its role in Jewish life and why it continues to matter.
What We Learn
Students explore Torah through stories, structure, and lived experience. They learn:
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What the Torah is and how it is used
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How the Torah is read and treated with respect
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The idea of a weekly Torah portion
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Why Torah learning is central to Jewish life
Through hands-on exploration and discussion, students begin to see the Torah as a living part of Jewish tradition.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize the Torah and its key features
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Explain how the Torah is read and used in Jewish life
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Connect Torah learning to Jewish tradition and identity
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Apply lessons from the Torah to their own thinking and choices
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize the Torah as a special and important Jewish book.
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They identify how people treat the Torah with respect.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain how the Torah is used and read in synagogue.
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They connect Torah learning to the idea of learning important lessons.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain how the Torah is structured and shared over time.
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They connect Torah learning to Jewish tradition and daily life.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze why the Torah remains central to Jewish identity.
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They apply ideas from Torah learning to real-life situations and decisions.
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Why This Matters
Torah learning helps students:
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Connect to Jewish history and tradition
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Understand where Jewish ideas come from
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Develop habits of questioning, thinking, and learning
The Big Idea
Shabbat is a time to pause, connect, and create something sacred in the middle of a busy week. At Sun Sinai, students don’t just learn about Shabbat—they experience what it means to slow down, be present, and bring intention into their lives.
What We Learn
Students explore Shabbat through hands-on experiences, stories, and reflection. They learn:
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How Shabbat begins and ends
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The meaning behind candles, Kiddush, and shared meals
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What it means to “rest” in a Jewish way
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How families celebrate Shabbat in different ways
Through music, movement, and discussion, students begin to understand how Shabbat shapes Jewish life.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize key Shabbat rituals like candles, Kiddush, and challah
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Explain how Shabbat is different from the rest of the week
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Connect Shabbat practices to ideas like rest, family, and community
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Apply Shabbat values to their own lives in meaningful ways
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students begin by recognizing Shabbat as something special.
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They learn to identify key rituals and participate in simple Shabbat moments.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students start to understand what happens on Shabbat and why.
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They connect rituals—like candles and Kiddush—to meaning.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explore how Shabbat creates sacred time.
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They compare different ways families celebrate and deepen their understanding of rest and tradition.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students think more deeply about why Shabbat matters.
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They explore how Shabbat shapes identity and consider how its ideas apply to modern life.
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Why This Matters
Shabbat is more than a weekly tradition—it’s a powerful practice that teaches:
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How to slow down in a fast-paced world
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How to connect with family and community
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How to bring meaning and intention into everyday life
The Big Idea
Chanukah teaches us that even small acts and unexpected moments can make a lasting difference. At Sun Sinai, students explore how the story of Chanukah connects to themes of identity, resilience, and hope.
What We Learn
Students learn about Chanukah through story, ritual, and reflection. They explore:
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The story of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple
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The meaning behind lighting the menorah
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How traditions like dreidel and special foods connect to the story
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What it means to talk about miracles in Jewish life
Through storytelling and hands-on experiences, students connect the past to their own lives.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize key Chanukah symbols and traditions
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Explain the story of Chanukah
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Connect Chanukah rituals to the ideas behind them
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Apply themes like resilience and identity to their own lives
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize key Chanukah symbols like the menorah and candles.
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They understand that Chanukah is a holiday about lights and celebration.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain how the menorah is used and why candles are lit.
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They connect the lights to the story of the oil lasting longer than expected.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain the Chanukah story and its key events.
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They connect rituals and traditions to the meaning of the story.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze the deeper themes of the Chanukah story.
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They apply ideas like resilience and identity to modern situations.
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Why This Matters
Chanukah helps students understand:
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How stories shape identity
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The importance of standing up for what matters
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How small actions can have big impact
The Big Idea
Living Jewishly means bringing values, actions, and choices into everyday life. At Sun Sinai, students learn that Judaism isn’t just something we study—it’s something we live.
What We Learn
Students explore Jewish values and how they guide behavior. They learn:
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What mitzvot are and how they shape daily life
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How values like kindness, responsibility, and respect guide actions
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How Jewish practices connect to real-life situations
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How different people express Jewish life in different ways
Through discussion and real-life scenarios, students begin to see themselves as active participants in Jewish living.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize examples of Jewish values and mitzvot in daily life
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Explain how Jewish values guide behavior
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Connect actions to values and meaning
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Apply Jewish values to real-life decisions and situations
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize simple Jewish actions like helping and sharing.
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They identify these behaviors as part of being a good member of the community.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain how actions like helping others reflect Jewish values.
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They connect mitzvot to everyday behavior.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain how values influence choices and actions.
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They compare different ways people live out Jewish values.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze how Jewish values shape identity and decisions.
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They apply these values to real-life situations and challenges.
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Why This Matters
Living Jewishly helps students:
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Make thoughtful and responsible choices
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Understand how values guide behavior
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See Judaism as part of everyday life
The Big Idea
Purim teaches us that joy, courage, and identity can be found even in difficult moments. At Sun Sinai, students explore how the story of Purim connects to both celebration and deeper meaning.
What We Learn
Students explore Purim through story, tradition, and expression. They learn:
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The story of Esther, Mordechai, and Haman
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The role of celebration, costumes, and joy
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The importance of helping others through giving
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Themes like courage, hidden identity, and standing up for others
Through creative and interactive experiences, students connect the story to their own lives.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize key Purim symbols and traditions
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Explain the story of Purim
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Connect Purim practices to the story and its themes
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Apply ideas like courage, generosity, and identity to their own lives
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize key Purim symbols like megillah and groggers.
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They understand the Purim is a joyful holiday with a story.
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Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain how Purim traditions connect to the story.
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They connect actions like giving to the idea of helping others.
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Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain the Purim story and its main events.
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They connect the story to themes like courage and identity.
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Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze deeper themes like hidden identity and responsibility.
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They apply Purim's lessons to real-life situations and choices.
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Why This Matters
Purim helps students understand:
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The power of courage and standing up for others
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The importance of joy and celebration
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How identity can shape our actions
The Big Idea
Passover teaches us what it means to move from being stuck to being free—and why that story still matters today.
At Sun Sinai, students experience Passover as a story we don’t just remember—we retell, relive, and connect to our own lives.
What We Learn
Students explore Passover through storytelling, ritual, and discussion. They learn:
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The story of leaving Egypt
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The meaning behind Seder traditions like matzah and the Seder plate
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Why telling the story is central to the holiday
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How the idea of freedom shapes Jewish identity
Students actively engage in retelling and interpreting the story in age-appropriate ways.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize key Passover symbols and practices
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Explain the main events of the Passover story
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Connect Seder rituals to the story and its meaning
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Apply the idea of freedom to their understanding of the world
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize key Passover symbols like matzah and the Seder plate.
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They begin to understand that Passover tells a story about leaving Egypt.
Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain what happens in the Passover story, including leaving slavery and becoming free.
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They connect symbols like matzah to the idea of leaving quickly.
Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain how Seder rituals connect to different parts of the story.
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They explore why retelling the story each year is an important part of the holiday.
Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze the meaning of freedom in the Passover story beyond just leaving Egypt.
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They apply ideas of freedom and responsibility to real-life situations.
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Why This Matters
Passover helps students understand:
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The importance of remembering our story
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What it means to be free
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How traditions carry meaning across generations
The Big Idea
Israel is central to Jewish history, identity, and connection. At Sun Sinai, students explore Israel not just as a place—but as part of the story of the Jewish people, past and present.
What We Learn
Students learn about Israel through geography, culture, and personal connection. They explore:
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Where Israel is and what it is like
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The people, languages, and daily life in Israel
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Why Israel matters to Jewish identity
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How different people experience and connect to Israel
Students are encouraged to ask questions and build a thoughtful, age-appropriate understanding.
What Your Child Will Be Able To Do
By the end of their time at Sun Sinai, students will be able to:
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Recognize Israel’s location and key features
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Explain important facts about life in Israel
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Connect Israel to Jewish identity and peoplehood
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Analyze different perspectives and what Israel means in today’s world
How Learning Grows Over Time
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Shorashim (K–1)
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Students recognize Israel as a place connected to the Jewish people.
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They identify basic symbols like the Israeli flag and locate Israel on a simple map.
Nitzanim (2–3)
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Students explain where Israel is and describe simple aspects of daily life.
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They connect Israel to Jewish people and understand it as an important place for Jews.
Kochavim (4–5)
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Students explain key features of life in Israel, including geography and culture.
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They compare their own lives to life in Israel and identify similarities and differences.
Nachshonim (6–7)
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Students analyze how Israel connects to Jewish identity and peoplehood.
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They compare different perspectives about Israel and explain how it relates to their own lives.
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Why This Matters
Learning about Israel helps students:
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Understand Jewish peoplehood
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Build a sense of connection beyond their local community
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Develop curiosity and thoughtful engagement with the world