Mishnah and Gemara form the building blocks for future Torah study and mastery. Each demands important skills for comprehension and understanding.
| Mishnah study requires the ability to recognize and understand the topics being studied and the prior knowledge critical for understanding the text. It also requires an understanding of the structure of Mishnayot, and the basic vocabulary necessary for comprehension of the text and its underlying ideas.
Gemara is an analysis of the Mishnah and the concepts that the Sages extracted from the text, as well as other texts. First and foremost, Gemara is in Aramaic, so vocabulary is critical. In addition, the Gemara is a series of logical arguments – so once a student understands the words of the Gemara, he or she must also be taught the Gemara’s logical arguments and conclusion – which often is implied, but not stated. For both Mishnah and Gemara, each Kitah lesson teaches the concepts, text and explanation for the Mishnah in a clear, concise manner, and provides questions for student feedback to ensure comprehension of the basic words and ideas. |
What will my children learn?
Students in the Kitah Online Jewish Studies program receive weekly lessons via the Kitah Google Classroom in the following subjects:
1. Mishnah Berachot with Rabbi Reuven Spolter
2. Gemara Berachot Tefillat HaShachar with Rabbi Spolter
This Track Includes:
1. Two asynchronous, self-guided Jewish studies lesson (approx. 30 min.), with a source sheet, video explanation, and comprehension questions in each subject
2. Ongoing student evaluation to monitor progress
3. Periodic communication with parents
Kitah lessons focus on three key goals:
– Increasing familiarity with core Mishnah and Gemara texts and selected commentaries
– Understanding the basic information critical to understanding the Mishnah or Gemara. In other words, what does the Mishnah assume that you already know before you begin learning?
– Understanding the logical flow and argument of the Gemara
– Building reading and comprehension skills to encourage independent learning
– Knowing core concepts critical to future growth in learning
Watch a Sample Lesson here:
Watch the first part of a lesson from Mishnah Sukkah.
When are the classes?
The 5784 school year begins on Monday, September 2, 2024 and continues throughout the school year through mid-June 2024.
Cost:
The Kitah Mishnah and Gemara plan costs $99/month per child. Payment can be made either via a Paypal monthly subscription, or through the Florida StepUp for Education scholarship program (Kitah is a registered provider).
I’d like to Learn More
Simply fill out the contact form at the top of the page and we’ll get back to you to schedule a conversation.
Wow! Kitah is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’d like to Register my Child (or Children) and Reserve a Spot for the 2024-25 School Year
Good idea. Space is limited. There’s a $20/child registration fee Simply fill out this form, and we’ll send you a Paypal link for the registration payment.
