1st Grade - Kitah Alef My Synagogue Family Our Kitah Alef curriculum builds upon the materials introduced in Gan.  We explore Jewish holidays in more depth and learn the blessings (brachot) for Shabbat and holidays.  Synagogue, or Beit Knesset, is a major focus in Kitah Alef.  Students learn about the physical Beit Knesset as well as the community and its leaders.  Students receive and introduction to the Torah scroll, how and why it is dressed and where it is kept.  They participate in weekly service (tefilot) held during religious school and begin to talk about prayer. Through music and play, students explore Hebrew letters and curriculum-related vocabulary.  First graders also participate in "The Alef Book Club," an ongoing program in which students and their families read Jewish storybooks that we provide.  Parents and students come together for Family Education several times during the year.  Every child has the opportunity to bring home Havdalah-in-a-bag to share with his or her family.  This kit contains the basic elements for the Havdalah ritual on Saturday night as we say goodbye to Shabbat.