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Study of Jewish Texts (Grades 1-5)
 In their Bible studies, HDS students become independent and literarily astute readers of the original Hebrew text. They are engaged in learning ancient, rabbinic, and modern modes of interpretation and see themselves as a link in this ongoing chain of interpreters. They develop an appreciation for the Bible as a sacred text, and embrace it as an inspiring resource for informing values and ways of understanding God. Students in the fifth grade start the study of Mishnah.
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- In first grade, students learn the names of the five books of Moses, become familiar with age-appropriate themes in the books of Genesis and Exodus, and learn about the weekly Torah portion (parashah).
- In second grade students learn how to locate a parashah, chapter, verse, and words in the original Torah text, and start to translate biblical vocabulary into modern Hebrew equivalents. Students are encouraged to use their own creativity and imaginative ideas to interpret the Torah text. Students learn the weekly parashah; are introduced to Midrash (legends surrounding the text); and study the story of Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) including the rivers, trees, and natural resources described in the Torah text, the story of Adam and Eve, the ten generations of Adam to Noah, and the construction of Noah's ark. To celebrate the beginning of Torah study, parents join their children for a ceremony where each child receives their own Sefer Bereshit (Book of Genesis).
- In third grade, students focus on three parshiot in Genesis. They learn Torah on multiple levels: reading comprehension with an emphasis on verb analysis; midrashim (legends) to help expand understanding of the text; mitzvot and moral behavior with emphasis on love of humankind, love of Israel, and compassion.
- In fourth grade, students start with the birth of Jacob and Esau and finish Genesis with the stories of Joseph. Students focus on the idea that Jewish leadership is based on character and not on birthrights. Students start learning Rashi script. Fourth graders also read the Book of Joshua. Through this book they gain a sense of the time line of Jewish history contemporaneous with the text. Each Thursday, students learn one idea from the weekly parashah and develop it and relate it to modern times.
- In fifth grade, students study three chapters of Exodus, learning its vocabulary and the language forms specific to biblical Hebrew. Students explore Rashi and other commentators and read different midrashim about the portions. Students develop a personal connection with the Torah text by creating their own midrashim. Fifth graders also read the books of Judges and the first book of the prophet Samuel. Through the stories about Samuel, King Saul and King David contained in these two books of the Bible, they learn the history of the land of Israel during this time period and discover the role of each figure as a Jewish leader. Students focus on the historical and political aspects of the books as well as the human and social values they express. In addition, they study the archaeology connected to the biblical texts in order to develop a deeper understanding of the historical background and context of the texts.
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