THE ARDEN HEIGHTS BOULEVARD JEWISH CENTER'S HEBREW SCHOOL AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
There is a wonderful Jewish tradition in which children are given candy when they study Torah so that they will associate the sweetness of candy with the sweetness of Jewish learning. One might say that this tradition whereby Judaism is associated with the words fun and enjoyment well approximates the educational approach at our Hebrew school. We want our children to associate Jewish life with sweetness and what better way to achieve this goal than by making Hebrew school fun and enjoyable. As Judah HaNasi put it: "Only learning that is enjoyed will be learned well."
To further this goal we have added the following components to this year's program:
Physical Ambience - If the walls of our Hebrew school could speak they would undoubtedly say "Thank you (Barrie Sesmer) for restoring us to life." Newly painted colorful walls which include a mural and original children's art work with Jewish themes create an atmosphere and energy that one can't help but being affected by upon entering the Hebrew school. Click to see pictures of the mural created by the Hay Class of 5766
Trips - We expect to organize two or three trips during the Hebrew school year.
Community Service - We are planning to extend our children's education beyond the "four walls of the classroom" by offering 2- 3 annual community service opportunities. In December we are sponsoring a trip to a Nursing Home and later in the year we will be preparing a meal for Staten Island's poor and homeless.
Ruach - The importance of spirit in a youth environment can't be overstated. Singing has the remarkable ability to build community, create spiritual moments and energize our children. We have hired a specialist for our Hebrew school who shares his passion for music with our children. Additionally, we will be offering the children Israeli dancing on a monthly basis.
Friday night dinners - Since in the Jewish way of thinking celebration is best realized in a communal setting we have planned regular family Friday night dinners at our shut during the school year.
L'Chaim - We will also be publishing a bi-monthly Hebrew school newsletter that will showcase the Hebrew school and our wonderful children.
There is a Jewish tradition which maintains that the study of Torah is equal to all the other commandments because it leads to the performance of them all.
So, too, in a Hebrew school environment is fun and enjoyment equal to all other educational purposes because it also leads to other goals such as:
- Teaching skills and ideas;
- Developing Jewish pride and an attachment to Judaism and Jewish life;
- Fostering an attachment to Israel; and
- Cultivating a sense of Klal Ytsrael, Jewish peoplehood.
THE SCHOOL CLASSES
Sunday School for grades Kindergarten through Second grade is FREE and does not require membership to the Synagogue.
Hebrew School starts when a child enters 3rd grade. Classes are held twice a week. Students learn to read and write Hebrew, to participate in religious services, and to understand all aspects of Jewish life, history and culture. The curriculum is aimed at developing a high level of Jewish identity and pride for our students culminating in their Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
There are five grades: Aleph, Bet, Gimel, Dalet, and Hay. The first year in Aleph is FREE, supported by the Men's Club.
Classes are held twice a week, from 4:00 to 6:15 P.M. Students learn to read and write Hebrew, to participate in religious services, to understand all aspects of Jewish life, history and culture. The curriculum is aimed at maintaining a high level of positive Jewish identification for the students.
Bar/BatMitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.
Mr Glenn Weschler, Hebrew School Principal, advising students
