UMJCA Talmud Torah: Tefila Program

1. Daily Tefila by Grade

Every Talmud Torah class should begin with Tefila. Each grade builds on what students learned in previous years, adding new parts of the Siddur as they progress.

By the end of each school year, students should be able to recite all the Tefilot assigned to their grade fluently and accurately, without mistakes.

Kindergarten

• Modeh Ani
• Netilat Yadayim
• Asher Bachar Banu
• The first parasha of the Shema (VeAhavta), with te’amim.

1st Grade

• Review all Tefilot learned in Kindergarten.
• Add Asher Yatsar.
• Begin learning the Mashadi Alef Bet song.

2nd Grade

• Review all previously learned Tefilot.
• During the first half of the year:
    – The first five Birkot HaTorah.
    – Birkat Kohanim, with te’amim.
    – Halleluyah El Be’oshav.
    – Vehaya Im Shamoa, first section, through “Vechara,” with te’amim.
• Begin Birkat HaMazon, starting with the first section.

3rd Grade

• Review all previously learned Tefilot.
• Add Barukh She’amar.
• Add Halleluyah El Bekodsho.
• Learn the full Shema, including Vayomer.
• Before Tu BiShvat: Prepare for the Berakha Bee.

4th Grade

• Review and practice the full Shema.
• Learn the first three berakhot of the Amida.
• Before Tu BiShvat: Prepare for the Berakha Bee.

5th Grade

• Continue practicing the full Shema.
• Learn the complete Amida, progressively adding more berakhot throughout the year.

6th Grade

• Practice the full Shema and the complete Amida.
• Strengthen fluency, accuracy, and confidence in preparation for the students’ Bene Mitzvah.

2. Mashadi Alef Bet Song

Beginning this year, every class from 1st grade through 6th grade should sing the Mashadi Alef Bet song as it is traditionally sung in our community.

• Dedicate five minutes to the song at the beginning or end of class.
• Teachers should use the community’s traditional tune.

3. Shabbat Tefilot: Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday, students should practice the Shabbat Tefilot according to their grade level.

Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

• Begin listening to and learning Shalom Alekhem.
• Learn Kiddush through Bore Peri HaGefen.

4th Grade and Up

• Learn and practice the complete Kiddush, including the traditional tune.

4. Berakhot Program

All Grades

Students should learn and practice the six Birkot HaNehenin:

1. HaMotzi
2. Mezonot
3. HaGefen
4. HaEtz
5. HaAdama
6. Shehakol

From 2nd Grade On

• Learn Birkat HaMazon, beginning with the first section through “HaZan Et HaKol.”

3rd and 4th Grades

• Prepare for the Berakha Bee before Tu BiShvat.

5. Audio and Learning Materials

Audio files and supporting materials will be provided to help teachers and students practice consistently.

• Birkat Kohanim: Audio file available.
• Birkat HaMazon: Audio file available.
• Kiddush: Audio file available.
• Mashadi Alef Bet song: Audio file available.
• Berakha Bee: Study materials will be provided.

All audio files will be posted on a dedicated website.

6. Important Instructions for Teachers

• Please use the available audio files to support the teaching and practice of Tefilot.
• Teachers should bring their own speakers or ask the administration to provide one that can connect to a phone.
• Make Tefila a consistent part of every class.
• Ensure students review previously learned material while progressing toward the goals for their grade.
• By the end of the school year, students should be able to recite their assigned Tefilot fluently and accurately.

Our goal: To ensure that every student develops a strong foundation in Tefila, learns the traditional Mashadi tunes and pronunciations, and enters the next grade prepared to continue building on what they have learned.