What is the Barkai Method?
The Barkai Method is based upon the sequential,
age-appropriate method recommended by our Sages in
Pirkei Avot 5:21 :
"בן חמש שנים למקרא, בן עשר למשנה...בן חמש עשרה לתלמוד"
"The five-year-old [is brought] to the Written Torah,
the ten-year-old to Mishnah…the fifteen-year-old to
Talmud…"
This was developed into a wide-reaching curriculum for
modern-day schooling by founder Rav Dan Be'eri. The
Barkai Method enables children to learn large amounts
of Torah in an enjoyable manner, and to see for
themselves how the levels of Torah are interconnected
and build upon each other. The Barkai Method also
regards all manners of learning about the world as part
of Torah learning. General knowledge is not seen as a
supplement or adjunct to Torah studies, but as an
integral part with inherent value.
How does it work?
In the early grades especially, the Barkai Method
emphasizes the importance of understanding the literal
meaning of the text, the peshuto shel Mikra.
Together with the letters of the aleph-bet, the children
are taught the cantillation marks of Tanakh (ta'amei
haMikra).
In the classroom, the teacher reads and explains a
given passage, often with the aid of props,
illustrations, activities and dramatic re-enactments.
When the children understand the words and content of
the verses, they sing them together out loud several
times, cheder-style. The singing and repetition enable
the children to commit large quantities of material to
memory with ease.
In order to better understand the Torah being learned,
children learn – usually experientially -- all manner
of relevant material in arts and sciences, be it
astronomy, pottery, biology, weaving, etc. We try to maintain a Tanakh room equipped with
props and tools to help children re-enact and explore
various aspects of biblical life.
In the older grades, students deepen their knowledge
through study of classical commentary, Navi, Mishnah
and eventually Talmud. It is introduced in the 6th
grade with continued study of Mishnah.
It's important to note that the Barkai Method sees
parents as partners in their children's education.
Barkai requires a daily commitment on the part of
parents to follow up with children at home by listening
to their reading (in the early grades) and learning
together with them. We have been told by parents, time
and time again, that both parent and child reap the
rewards of this investment in learning Torah together.
Does my child need to be reading before first grade?
Your child will need to have basic Hebrew reading
skills. If he or she has not attended the Mechina, we
suggest that you be in touch with us and receive guidelines
for how best to prepare your child for first grade.
In addition, as your child goes through the first few
years of school in Orot Etzion, you should be prepared
to devote about a half an hour of time daily to
practice reading with your child.
How does the school deal with recent olim whose Hebrew is not yet up to par?
Orot Etzion has taken the initiative in making olim
feel at home in Israel and the school has become a draw
for immigrants from around the world. The OE
educational network now takes in about 40 new olim
every year and has helped make Gush Etzion the vital,
vibrant community it is today.
Specific programs include extra Hebrew language
tutoring, an optional city-wide ulpan (language
workshop) for children from age 8. The programs available to your child depend upon
which school she is in and his or her age. Contact us
for more information.
What kind of schools do Orot Etzion graduates attend?
Most of our graduates choose to continue their education in Orthodox Zionist schools in Gush Etzion and the greater Jerusalem area.