Chumash
The Chumash curriculum at BRLHS is a thorough, four-year exploration of Sefer Bereishis designed to deepen students' textual fluency and comprehension. The program enhances understanding of Rashi's commentary, engages with classical mefarshim, and seeks contemporary relevance to the Torah’s teachings. This approach builds knowledge and fosters a personal connection to the text, encouraging lifelong learning and application.
Navi
The Navi curriculum at BRLHS offers an immersive text-based study of the Prophets over a four-year cycle including Melachim, Yeshayahu, Yirmiyahu, Trei Asar, and Mishlei. This program delves into the historical context of the texts, understanding of the storylines, and deeper understanding of the prophets' teachings; students develop an appreciation for the time period while extracting practical lessons for today.
Yahadus
The Yahadus curriculum at BRLHS spans a comprehensive four-year cycle, exploring the halachos and nuances of Shabbos, Kashrus, Tefillah, and Brachos.
In addition, the students delve into the profound meanings behind each Yom Tov while solidifying their grasp of the basics. The program broadens to also cover essential Jewish knowledge, including the significance of basic mitzvot and the contributions of pivotal figures like the Rambam, aligning with their Yartzeits.
Jewish History
The Jewish History curriculum at BRLHS spans four pivotal areas over four years, offering a deep dive into the Jewish experience across different eras and geographies.
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Jews in Europe: Students study Jewish life from the mid-1600s up to the modern day, comparing the experiences of Jews in Western and Eastern Europe. This segment also covers the development of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism.
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Jews in Israel: Covering the early 1900s onward, this part focuses on the pioneers who transformed Israel into a thriving state, emphasizing a deep connection and appreciation to the land of Israel.
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Jews in America: This section delves into establishing Jewish communities across the United States, with students researching the Jewish history of different states and engaging in community service projects like cemetery cleanups.
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The Holocaust: Through studying individual and collective stories of courage and heroism, students gain a deep understanding of the Holocaust. Visits to the Holocaust Museum of Los Angeles enhance the learning experience, making history tangible.
Ivrit
The Bais Rochel Leah High School's Ivrit program is structured across three tracks to accommodate diverse student needs and proficiency levels.
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Advanced Language Skills: Students enhance their Hebrew reading, vocabulary, and comprehension, focusing on correct spelling and text understanding.
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Expressive Language Use: Learners express opinions using newly acquired vocabulary and delve into past, present, and future verb tenses, along with all seven binyanim.
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Cultural Immersion: The program fosters an appreciation for Israeli culture and awareness of current events, connecting language learning with cultural identity.
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Written and Oral Proficiency: Students articulate their thoughts in expanded paragraphs and stand-up presentations, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas in Hebrew.
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Preparation for Future Studies: As students progress, they're equipped for further Hebrew studies and everyday interactions, laying a foundation for academic pursuits in Israel or a Hebrew-speaking environment.
Tanya
At Bais Rochel Leah High School, our Tanya class goes beyond traditional study, offering students practical tools for personal growth and emotional well-being. This course demystifies the complexities of Kabbalistic teachings, making them accessible and relevant to everyday situations. While the class is inspired by JLI's Soul Maps, it prioritizes oral learning, discussion, and the practical application of Chassidic principles, empowering our students to transform lofty concepts into actionable tools for life.
Hashkafah / Bayis Yehudi
Our Bayis Yehudi course in Judaic Studies focuses on enriching our girls' understanding of key moral aspects of Yiddishkeit. Students delve deeply into the content through formal discussions, personal input, and engaging projects, making meaningful personal connections. The course involves analyzing various books and texts within Jewish theology, allowing students to explore and understand the foundations and nuances of Jewish moral principles.
This dynamic approach ensures that each student not only learns but internalizes and applies these values in their daily lives, preparing them for a life guided by Jewish ethics and Torah values.
Parsha
In our Parsha class, students explore the weekly Torah portion, uncovering deeper insights and practical life applications. Engaging discussions encourage students to find personal relevance in the Torah’s wisdom, showing how its teachings guide us today. This class transforms Torah study by creating relevance, emphasizing the timeless connection between the Torah, its lessons, and the students' lives.
Mechina
Our Mechina Program is tailored for girls at the beginner level, providing them with personalized attention, essential tools, and one-on-one sessions. This supportive approach ensures they gain the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate into our standard Judaic studies classes, fostering a seamless transition and solid foundation in their educational journey.