An Ongoing Course
From Aleph-Bet to Torah stories and holidays — a hands-on lab where children learn to read and write Hebrew, explore Jewish stories and culture, and celebrate festivals through songs, art, and play. Discover how Jewish stories, holidays and prayer shape a living culture. We mix textbooks with games, art projects and individual reading practice so every child moves forward with confidence.
Course by Diana
Hebrew Lab & Jewish Studies
Small groups up to 7 students (6+)
Classes twice a week
Dates: the course starts as soon as there's a group
About the Author
Diana
The Author of the Course
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Small groups (max 7 pupils), age-grouped and paced individually.
Lessons twice a week (1–2 hours depending on age). Special workshops and holiday sessions (2–3 hours).
Beginner’s textbook + card & memory games, singing, art projects, special events and art projects on each Chag (holyday). As students become fluent readers, we will advance into workbooks and focus on vocabulary and the introduction of basic Ivrit.
Lessons twice a week (1–2 hours depending on age). Special workshops and holiday sessions (2–3 hours).
Beginner’s textbook + card & memory games, singing, art projects, special events and art projects on each Chag (holyday). As students become fluent readers, we will advance into workbooks and focus on vocabulary and the introduction of basic Ivrit.
How we’re going to work
- Reading and basic writing in Biblical and modern Hebrew
- Vocabulary and early spoken Ivrit skills
- Cultural literacy: Torah stories, Jewish holidays, folk and Hasidic tales
- Creative thinking through art projects and game-based learning
- Respectful, age-sensitive introduction to religious texts and traditions
What the course develops
For children who are curious about language, stories and culture. Groups by age: 6–7, 8–10, 10–12, 13+. The course is offered for the joy of learning, without religious pressure. At the same time, for students and parents who wish to explore their roots.
Who is this course for?
Program
1 Topic
Aleph-Bet & Basics
Kids of all ages are welcomed to study Aleph – Bet. Starting at the beginning, students will learn to read Biblical Hebrew and to write in modern Hebrew script.
Learning will be done by a traditional beginner’s textbook, along with card games, memory games, and art projects. As students become fluent readers, we will advance into workbooks and focus on vocabulary and the introduction of basic Ivrit.
Each student will read independently during class, with progress tracked individually. By completing both Alef and Bet, our students grow into confident newcomers to Ivrit, ready to engage in communication and reading with strength and enthusiasm — this is the goal we pursue in this part of the Lab.
Learning will be done by a traditional beginner’s textbook, along with card games, memory games, and art projects. As students become fluent readers, we will advance into workbooks and focus on vocabulary and the introduction of basic Ivrit.
Each student will read independently during class, with progress tracked individually. By completing both Alef and Bet, our students grow into confident newcomers to Ivrit, ready to engage in communication and reading with strength and enthusiasm — this is the goal we pursue in this part of the Lab.
2 Topic
Torah Studies
Focusing on Genesis (Bereishit), we will begin with the story of Noach. From these stories, which will be taught according to the halachic interpretation with the assistance of commentaries and stories of the sages, the students will learn about the ancient origins of the Jewish people, Patriarchs and Matriarchs and about the tribes and the Land of Israel.
Students of all ages will be able to create an art piece based on the text of the Torah portion we are studying.
Students of all ages will be able to create an art piece based on the text of the Torah portion we are studying.
3 Topic
Jewish Calendar & Festivals
If Shabbat is the heart of the week, then Pesach is the heart of the year!
Throughout the cycle of the Jewish calendar — from Shabbat to Rosh Chodesh to Yom Kippur — everything that shapes Jewish life is recorded in time.
As we enter each new week, month, and season, students will learn about the times of Shabbat, the names of the months, the story of each Chag (holiday), and the keyways these festivals are celebrated.
For each holiday, we will think together about how children can participate meaningfully in the celebration while also learning about the diverse traditions from different streams and regions.
Each Chag will also include an art project connected to its themes, alongside study of its story from the Tanach.
For older children, this will be complemented by following the weekly Torah portion throughout the year and discussing interpretations of the texts.
Throughout the cycle of the Jewish calendar — from Shabbat to Rosh Chodesh to Yom Kippur — everything that shapes Jewish life is recorded in time.
As we enter each new week, month, and season, students will learn about the times of Shabbat, the names of the months, the story of each Chag (holiday), and the keyways these festivals are celebrated.
For each holiday, we will think together about how children can participate meaningfully in the celebration while also learning about the diverse traditions from different streams and regions.
- Shabbat and its centrality to Judaism will be explored through discussion of its origin in the story of Creation and how the families of the students celebrate or could celebrate Shabbat at home.
- On Pesach students will learn to take part in the Seder by practicing songs and exploring the story through the Haggadah. Jewish
- On Sukkot, they will build a sukkah, and on Chanukkah, they will learn to light the chanukiah.
Each Chag will also include an art project connected to its themes, alongside study of its story from the Tanach.
For older children, this will be complemented by following the weekly Torah portion throughout the year and discussing interpretations of the texts.
4 Topic
General Topics
Jewish Stories & Folk Stories, Chassidic Stories
Jewish history and culture (without politics and age appropriate)
Exploring family histories of the students
Life in Israel - geography and historical sites and contemporary life
Jewish history and culture (without politics and age appropriate)
Exploring family histories of the students
Life in Israel - geography and historical sites and contemporary life
5 Topic
Tefilah/Prayer
Younger Students: Learning the Shema and Blessings for Shabbat.
Middle Grade Students Learning familiarity with the main themes of Siddur: Learning about the Siddur and the Chumash.
Basic knowledge of what is happening in Shul on Shabbat. Learning familiarity with the main themes of Siddur. What is a Bar Bat Mitzvah? And other Questions Learning about the various streams of Judaism.
Middle Grade Students Learning familiarity with the main themes of Siddur: Learning about the Siddur and the Chumash.
Basic knowledge of what is happening in Shul on Shabbat. Learning familiarity with the main themes of Siddur. What is a Bar Bat Mitzvah? And other Questions Learning about the various streams of Judaism.
6 Topic
Projects & Wrap-up
Workshop days, festival events and art projects, individual presentations, and a closing discussions
Notes for Parents
We want to emphasise the care and sensitivity with which this course is designed and presented, keeping in mind the young age of our students. We understand how important it is to introduce this material in a delicate and thoughtful way — not to overwhelm, but to enrich children with new knowledge. For this reason, we present the course primarily as cultural and academic, while maintaining respect for the religious traditions and texts we explore.
The course is offered for the joy of learning, without religious pressure. At the same time, students and parents who wish to explore their roots will also find opportunities to do so within the course.
Our goal is to open, together with the children, a treasure chest of wonders and fascinating knowledge about Jewish tradition. This class is about embarking on an adventure in learning, creativity, and friendship.
The course is offered for the joy of learning, without religious pressure. At the same time, students and parents who wish to explore their roots will also find opportunities to do so within the course.
Our goal is to open, together with the children, a treasure chest of wonders and fascinating knowledge about Jewish tradition. This class is about embarking on an adventure in learning, creativity, and friendship.
Details
Dates: the course starts as soon as there's a group
Where: Espaço Aberto, Cascais
Classes:
- Twice a week, 1–2 hours depending on the age group, with breaks for snacks and rest
- 2–3h sessions on art workshop days and festival events
Age Groups: small groups up to 7 students:
- 6–7 years old;
- 8–10 years old;
- 10–12 years old;
- 13+
Join the course
Any questions left? — Just leave us a note & we’ll get back to you asap
