Sample newsletter from Sunday School
Today, we learned about sweatshops and unionizing in NYC in the early 1900's. The kids became workers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and formed an assembly line where they balled and un-balled socks. They weren't too pleased with the working conditions, so we started making a list of problems, and then created demands from those. They formed a union, had a spokesperson bring their demands to management (me), and decided to take action when their demands were refused. Before they could organize their protest, the deadly Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire broke out, killing 146 of their fellow workers. Furious, they made signs and slogans and went on strike (down the hall and outside) with thousands of other people in the garment industry. Many of their demands weren't met, but they did receive an increase in pay, a bit of health care, and most importantly, union recognition.

Next time, we'll begin our unit on Israel and Zionism. We'll also start writing a play together that we'll perform at some point toward the end of the year.

-Erika
4th/5th grade Sunday School teacher

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The goal of our Sunday school is to provide a supportive, engaging, and enjoyable program where children from pre-K through seventh grade learn fundamentals aspects of Jewish and Humanistic history, customs and values. The Sunday school is also an important focal point for interaction between all members of the congregation.

Our Sunday school curriculum is based on that of Machar, a Humanistic Jewish congregation in Washington, D.C., whose aim is to provide a secular, Humanistic Jewish educational experience that helps children find and cherish an identity that fits them and their lives. The curriculum is focused on the following key elements:

Tikkun Olam, "Repair of the World": Social justice issues are addressed didactically and a project to help the community is integrated into the curriculum of each class.

Critical thinking: Students are encouraged to ask questions and not just accept given answers.

Jewish holidays and life cycle events: Each of the major holidays is addressed within a humanistic framework.

Music: Each Sunday School session begins with singing and learning songs, many of which are integrated into holiday celebrations.

Yiddish and Hebrew: Hebrew and Yiddish words are studied to allow familiarity with these important aspects of Jewish culture. Some students spend additional time studying Hebrew outside of Sunday School.

Young people at Kol Haskalah: A Humanistic Jewish Congregation learn powerful and relevant lessons about Jewish history and values in a way that really resonates with them. Many of them come back as Sunday School teachers themselves in their high school and college years, which is a testament to the positive effect of their experience.

Currently the Sunday School meets twice per month at
Murphey Hall (Classics Building) on the UNC Campus. The parents and children meet for singing and announcements from 10:00 - 10:30 am; classroom instruction begins at 10:30 and ends at noon. Educational programs or discussion groups are often offered for adults while the children are attending Sunday School. At other times, parents opt to chat at a coffee shop on nearby Franklin Street.