The spirit of our Religious School is contagious! It is reflected in the dedication of our Cantor and Religious School Director, Amy Daniels, in the involvement of our Rabbi, Joshua Goldstein, in a wonderful faculty of concerned and loving teachers, in the enthusiastic corps of parents who volunteer their talents, and most of all, in the eyes of our children that sparkle with the excitement of learning. The underlying principle of our Religious School is to instill in our students a sense of respect and pride for tradition. How do we do it? By providing a loving, supportive atmosphere in which children can study their heritage, by creating a feeling of community with Jews in other times and places, and by instilling a sense of responsibility for the well-being of all people. You'll see it in the pride of a five year old who helps the Rabbi and Cantor lead a Shabbat morning service, a ten year old who discovers the joy of decoding the mystery of Hebrew letters, and of a fifteen year old who develops a relationship with a resident at an old age home. What makes us most proud, though, is the reality that our children actually enjoy Religious School!
We believe that practice of Judaism, participation in worship, rituals and ceremonies, and living Jewish values are as important to a child's Jewish education as classroom learning. Our Assistant Principal, Mindy Schreff, is our Family Educator. Family Education provides engaging, enriching family experiences that enable parents to strengthen the Jewish identity of their families while becoming Jewish teachers and role models for their own children.
Our synagogue is proud of its outstanding education program including religious, cultural, educational and social activities. We would be delighted to welcome your child to Sha'arey Shalom Religious School.
Grades K-3 is our unique "Shabbat morning" school, meeting once a week on Saturdays from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. An important component of the program is the Shabbat morning family worship service with the Rabbi and Cantor from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. In addition to experiencing meaningful Jewish prayer in an age appropriate and accessible way, the students practice the value of giving "Tzedakah", hear stories from the Torah and learn to view their daily lives through the lens of Jewish teachings as they talk about "Mitzvot" they have done each week.
Students are in their classrooms from 9:45 – 11:15, and then join together at the end of the day for a closing music session.
Classroom studies involve many hands-on activities and cover Jewish holidays and symbols, Bible stories, a connection to Israel and character development through Jewish stories that teach Jewish values and a growing sense of God and holiness in their lives and the world around them.
Hebrew vocabulary and letters are introduced in K, 1 and 2. Formal Hebrew reading is taught in grade 3.
Grades 4 – 7 meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for Judaic Studies and Hebrew. In addition to regular classroom activities, the students also participate in a monthly Worship Assembly and music class with the Cantor, as well as special programs and projects throughout the year. Each grade incorporates Tzedakah, mitzvot and holiday study into the class curriculum.
Special courses of study take place throughout the year. Programs, guest speakers, and classroom lessons cover material ranging from topics of current issue to theology. Through learning, comparing and contrasting ancient and modern ideas and values, students identify, and hopefully increase the influence of Judaism in their daily lives. Projects and trips are planned to enhance the curriculum. Students participate in community service and mitzvah projects during the intersession
At Sha'arey Shalom, we believe that no age should be exempt from Jewish learning experiences. We want to encourage our post-Confirmation students to maintain their love of Judaism through study, mitzvot, trips to Israel, and connections to the synagogue.
Second Sunday is an informal program of monthly brunches with the Rabbi for 11th and 12th graders. Beginning with a blessing, a bagel nosh and a "taste" of the Torah portion, Rabbi leads students in discussions of topical Jewish issues.
If you have any questions or inquiries, please call Cantor Daniels, Director of Education; or Mindy Schreff, Assistant Principal at 973-379-5387.