The Jewish Studies curriculum aims to provide a broad perspective of Jewish History through the festivals, Laws and Customs and the significance of the various Jewish festivals. Where appropriate, the Jewish Studies focusses on practices in Israel as well as in Australia and the importance of Israel in Jewish life is considered. The programme attempts to expose the children to the full range of Jewish experience being cognisant of the fact that many of the Jewish children come from non-practising homes in addition to the fact that many children are non-Jewish. A total of 2 hours a week is devoted to Jewish Studies.

While Massada College is a Jewish Day School, we welcome applications from non-Jewish children who currently comprise approximately 25% of the student population (although accurate figures are not known because no distinction is made between the children). These children participate in the Jewish Studies programme although for those upper primary children who choose not to participate in morning Tefillah (prayer), may do quiet activity during those 15 minutes.

Parashah
Each week some time is devoted to the contents and values contained in the weekly portion of the Torah (the Law). In the lower classes, children make the contents of the parashah more tangible and more meaningful by constructing something or colouring in a relevant representation of a particular theme. In the older classes, the themes of the parashah may be handled in more depth including some explanation, commentary or Midrash where appropriate. Dramatisation of stories in the book of Bereishit (Genesis) and other such experiences help the child to gain a better understanding.

Jewish Values & Practices
When there are no Jewish festivals around the corner, classes learn Jewish values and practices. Students are taught practices relating to human relationships and to Jewish rituals without any expectation that the child need adopt the ritual. These practices may include the concept of kashrut (dietary laws), Shabbat (the laws relating to the Jewish sabbath), brachot (the laws related to making blessings, particularly those made before eating food), and more.

Jewish Festivals
The Jewish calendar is replete with Jewish festivals and commemorations-some of which have an equivalent in the general calendar, many of which do not. By and large the Jewish festivals are colourful times complete with a variety of experiences that stimulate all the senses. One such example is sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) which is celebrated in a sukkah (booth) together with palm leaves and citrons as well as pleasant tasting food. Students have an opportunity to go into the sukkah on the campus and smell the fragrances unique to this festival. Similarly, the festival of Pesach (Passover) will be accompanied by the baking of matzot and participating in a model student seder (Passover meal).

Bible Studies (in years 3-7)
In teaching Biblical studies, pictorial representation of the text together with frequent use of family trees before the actual learning of the text serves to facilitate the students' understanding of the material. This method makes the skills involved in conquering the text exciting and accessible to all.

Israel Studies (in years 6-7)
Israel studies brings the culture, the achievements and the challenges facing Israel to life. Students hear guest speakers discuss their own backgrounds and students study the variety of faces that make up Israel. The studies accompanied by project work throughout as well as family inmterviews an more. The Israeli festivals of Yom Ha'atzamaut (Israeli Independence Day) and Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Rememberance Day) have their own counterparts to some extent in Australia Day and Anzac Day and all these days are celebrated or commemorated in the school.