Chumash
The Chumash curriculum expects that foundational skills such as Hebrew syntax, grammar, Chumash/Rashi vocabulary, and overall better Chumash comprehension will be mastered over the course of a student’s Chumash education.
As we go through the various topics in Chumash, we will be learning in depth, using both classical and contemporary meforshim to help us understand the deeper meaning of the text.
Hashem speaks to us through the age old wisdom of Chumash and every Sefer we learn together is bursting with applicable life lessons and a glimpse into the wonderful miracle that is the Jewish people.
K’riah (Hebrew reading proficiency) is an essential skill, students will be assessed on their ability to read both P’shat and Rashi, which is reflected as a separate grade on their report card.
Halacha
The Halacha Curriculum at Valley Torah touches on a broad number of topics that will enable students to apply Halacha to their daily lives and give them a framework to lead a Jewish lifestyle guided by a Halachic authority.
Throughout each grade, students are introduced to different aspects of the history and mechanics of Jewish Law, as well as halachos that pertain to chagim throughout the year.
At each grade level, students will focus on particular topics, with the following layout.
9th Grade 39 Melachos Parts I and II
Hilchos Chol Hamoed
Amira L’Akum
10th Grade 39 Melachos Parts III & IV
Hilchos Kashrus
Hilchos Bishul
Muktzah
Tevilas Keilim
11th Grade Hilchos Teifila
Hilchos Brachos
12th Grade Hilchos Yom Tov
Hilchos Bein Adam LeChavairo
Navi
Through out the Navi course, as our students study the pesukim and messages of the prophets, they will be strengthened in their belief in Hashem and their appreciate his special hashgacha on Am Yisroel.
Our goal in each class is to find relevance to the words of the Navi to our daily lives.
Active learning is an essential part of this class, with an emphasis on being able to translate key phrases. Our learning will be enhanced with in-depth study of a variety of meforshim to help better understand the message of the narrative.
9th Grade Melachim II
10th Grade Trei Asar
11th Grade Yirmiyahu
Tehillim
The timeless work of Dovid Hamelech, Sefer Tehillim, is a source of hope, solace, and connection to Hashem. The perakim we focus on are those most commonly recited in our weekly tefilos.
We use a range of multidisciplinary approaches and a combination of learning styles to apply the lessons to our daily lives. The trials, triumphs and hopes of
King David is an inspiration and legacy to the Jewish people. The class is taught from the perspective of different meforshim to give students a varied understanding of the text.
Megillah
This course covers Koheles, Esther, Rus and Eicha. Learning methodologies include projects, instructional learning and class discussions. There is a dual goal to provide historical background and context for each Megillah, as well as the specific lessons and message we are meant to extract from each sefer.
Parsha
Our Parsha curriculum is divided into three parts:
9th grade First through third aliyos
10th grade Fourth through seventh aliyos
In both of these grades students complete a weekly parsha sheet before the start of each class. During the once a week parsha class an applicable lesson will be related to the weekly parsha.
11th grade Haftorah
This course aims to assure students understand how the haftorah connects to the weekly parsha and an opportunity for students to explore the timeless messages of the neviim and gain a better understanding of how they are still applicable to our lives today.
Ivrit – Hebrew language
Hebrew language Ivrit program at Valley Torah High School uses the Bishvil Haivrit curriculum, a cutting edge, internationally acclaimed Hebrew language program, bringing Hebrew to life with print and digital media. The series cultivates all aspects of Hebrew language learning – conversations and literature, grammar and factual information, poetry, drills, exercises and topics for lively discussion, songs and moral dilemmas, writing and independent reading, current events and Biblical texts. Technology enhances and supports learning with audio recordings, interactive exercises, documentary films, and more. As students speak, read, write, and listen to spoken Hebrew, they encounter new viewpoints on daily life in Israel, Jewish tradition and history, and general world knowledge.
HEBREW SEP PROGRAM
VTHS is proud to offer Hebrew language program as a supplementary education program (SEP) for public high school students. This program is accredited by WASC and is listed on UCOP (A-G). Students learn to read, write, and speak in Hebrew, and receive 10 foreign language credits per year, which can be used towards the foreign language requirement.
This program is being offered free of charge for all LAUSD students.
Mussar & Hashkafah
Throughout high school, various courses are offered that focus on character development and Jewish outlook. A Focus is placed on the special role each individual plays as a Jewish woman. Students will be encouraged to think about their purpose in life and determine the value of developing their inner selves. They will explore methods and traits involved in transformation of self through the teachings of our Chachomim.
Oneg Shabbos
This is a class designed for 9th graders to gain a deeper appreciation for Shabbos. The class goal is to impart the “pleasure of Shabbos” to our students by immersing the students in the process of Shabbos. This encompasses all aspects of preparation, Kavod and Oneg Shabbos. This class is a series of hands on activities which will help appreciate all aspects of Shabbos.
Foundations
The Foundations curriculum provides a framework for students to develop their spiritual potential through an in depth study of core concepts in Yiddishkeit. Students are motivated to forge a stronger connection to Torah and Mitzvah observance and to appreciate the value of investing in their own spiritual growth.
Mussar
This 12th grade course focuses on character development through the learning of the following mussar works, Mesillat Yesharim (Ramchal), Michtav MiEliyahu (R’ Dessler), Alei Shur (R’ Wolbe). In additional we will explore some contemporary works such as A Thinking Teenager’s Guide to Life (R’ Akiva Tatz) and What the Angel Taught You (R’ Noach Weinberg). The goal is for students to think about their purpose in life and explore methods of how one can transform oneself through the teachings of gedolim.
Pirkei Avos
This course is designed to fill three objectives: to understand the general content of the entire Sefer of Pirkei Avos; to highlight and focus on select Mishnayot; and to relate the teachings of the entire Sefer of Pirkei Avos to our everyday lives by extracting life lessons through parables and stories.
Hatznea Lechet
Using an international curriculum, developed by the Penimi Organization, this 11th and 12th grade course takes students through the hashkafos behind and halachos of the mitzvah of tznius. The main emphasis focuses on the value of a Jewish woman focusing on internals over externals.
Navigating Healthy Relationships
Based on the book, 5 Love Languages of Gary Chapman, this course focuses on showing students the importance of developing healthy interpersonal relationships through a Torah perspective, with a main focus on dating, marriage and building a family.
Tech Talk
Using an international curriculum, developed by the Penimi Organization, this course engages the students intellectual curiosity by approaching the challenges of the technological revolution through 12 different units. The goal of the course is for students to become aware that upon graduation responsible and appropriate use of technology is a choice they need to make. This course aims to provide the tools to become responsible members of society.