Rodeph Sholom Religious School

A Jewish education is one of the most precious gifts you will give your child.  From Judaism they will gain faith to sustain them in times of trouble and they will find a community in which to celebrate life’s successes.  Judaism will add meaning and depth to their lives and root their actions in values.

The Religious School at Congregation Rodeph Sholom can help you give this great gift to your child.  Students in our school build close relationships with gifted teachers, who act as mentors and role models.  Our classroom time is filled with exciting discussions, creative projects and engaging activities.

The core of our Judaica curriculum is built around the three pillars of Jewish life – Torah, Avodah (prayer) and G’milut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness).  Torah is the central text of Judaism—a place to learn about our ancestors and to guide our actions.  Prayer is the heart of Jewish life, making up the rhythms and cycles of daily, weekly, holiday and life- cycle observance.  G’milut Hasadim is the actualization of Jewish values—the way we interact with the world and leave it a better place.

Our Hebrew program not only prepares students for B’nai Mitzvah, but it is also the foundation for a lifetime of Jewish practice.  Students learn to connect with prayers and seek meaning in Jewish practice.  Students pray regularly in services that allow them both to have spiritual experiences and to practice their Hebrew fluency.

Our school could not be the warm, remarkable place that it is without our dedicated parents.  You are a role model to your children about how Jewish life is lived.  Your participation in school activities and your feedback on your family’s experience here helps us to continually refine our program.  Open communication is a cornerstone to the Religious School’s strength.  We look forward to getting to know your family and to working with you throughout the upcoming school year.

Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of Jewish learning.  Students are introduced to Torah, Israel, holidays, Jewish ethics and history.  Hebrew, music, prayer services, and family education and participatory programs are an integral part of the Rodeph Sholom Religious School experience.

Education Theme for 2009-2010:

Jewish Peoplehood

עמיות יהודית

What is New About Jewish Peoplehood?

While “the Jewish People” is an ancient idea, the term “Jewish Peoplehood” as it is currently used, is very new.

Why now? Why the need among some Jewish organizations and intellectuals for a new concept to describe the sentiment of belonging to the Jewish people? And what is the significance of the interest in the “Peoplehood” concept in this first decade of the 21st century? The answer lies partially with the fact that with the emancipation of the Jews and their entry into society as full citizens, came the need to ask questions like “Why is it meaningful to live a Jewish life?” and “Why should I remain part of a Jewish Community?”

For the first time Jews had the opportunity to leave the organized Jewish Community (the kehilla) and create alternative communal frameworks or simply leave Jewish life all together. The concept of “Jewish Peoplehood” is one that Reform, Conservative and even liberal Orthodox American Jews can embrace, because other ideological frameworks no longer offer convincing models for them.

Jewish Peoplehood as a concept assumes an understanding of Jewish belonging that is a multidimensional experience, it rejects a strong ideological framework that emphasizes one dimension of the Jewish experience and does not focus on the identity of individuals but rather on the nature of connections between Jews.

In order to strengthen this very sense of belonging in our families, we will look to our curriculum, celebrations, activities and prayers through the lens of Jewish Peoplehood and will focus on the common elements that enable Jews to connect with one another both emotionally and socially.

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Jewish Life at School

Tefillah (Prayer)
Students put their learning into practice at our services, which are held weekly in the Schnurmacher Chapel on the 6th floor for our 2nd through 6th grade students.  Students participate in age-appropriate prayer experiences meant to develop an inner spiritual life. The services also allow students to develop relationships with the Rodeph Sholom clergy, which we hope will continue to grow throughout their lives. In Kindergarten and 1st grade the children participate in a Tefillah experience in class at the beginning of each session.

Tzedakah (Righteous Giving)
Collecting tzedakah from students at the beginning of each class is a time-honored Religious School tradition and a wonderful way to begin Jewish learning.  Please send your child to school with some change each day.  At the beginning and end of each year the students will have the chance to choose the Jewish organizations to which they wish to make a donation of tzedakah.  Participating in this important mitzvah instills Jewish values in our students and encourages them to think of others.

Music- Music is in many ways the soul of Jewish practice.  Our capable song leaders work with students on Israeli, holiday and prayer music.  Students have opportunities to learn music specifically related to their curriculum.  Additionally, students are invited to bring their own instruments and participate in the Tefillah band during weekly services.

Community-We are not just a school, but we are also a community of students, parents, faculty and administration working together as part of Congregation Rodeph Sholom.  Our goal is for every child to feel welcome and comfortable.  Families are encouraged to see the Religious School as just one part of their involvement in the Rodeph Sholom community.

Fieldtrips- Every year some of our students go on field trips to different Jewish programs, exhibits, performances, etc. that are offered in the community. We also invite programs to come in such as the Matzah and Shofar factories, Avodah Arts, etc.

Kif Kef-Before School Program- Kif Kef is a fun, transitional program for Kindergarten-sixth grade students from 3:00-4:00pm on the days when they attend Religious School. Students may choose from a variety of activities to do during this time such as work on their homework, learn about Israel, read Jewish books, participate in mitzvah projects, discuss current events, watch Jewish videos, create interesting art projects, eat snacks, and much more. Complimentary snack is provided for students in K-3 and 4th-6th grade students have the option of purchasing inexpensive snacks.

This program is available for all K-6 students who arrive at Religious School before 3:45pm and is free of cost.

Hours

Library- Our lending library is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm in order to encourage our children to read Jewish literature.

Office Personnel, Location and Hours
Our school runs smoothly with the help of Kelley Braverman, the Religious School Administrative Assistant. She is happy to help you in any way possible. If at any time you have questions or concerns, feel free to call the office at 646-454-3085 or to email kbraverman@crsnyc.org  The Religious School office is located on the 5th floor of the 83rd Street Synagogue building.
Our office hours when Religious School is in session are:
Monday – 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday – 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Closed
During vacation breaks when Religious school is not in session, the office closes at 5PM.

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Jewish Learning

At this age, it is important that students feel nurtured and comfortable as they learn that being a Jew means they are part of a Jewish family, that we are all part of the greater Jewish community and that they are an integral part of our synagogue. Through the use of a variety of educational strategies, early elementary students are introduced to: Jewish holidays, Shabbat, Torah, Prayer and G’milut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness).

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Early Years

Pre-K
Nevatim(Sprouts)
A Pre-K (4 year old) parent(s)-child program that invites families to be Jewish explorers as they explore Jewish experiences through story, song, movement, drama and more!! Families learn together, celebrate together and enjoy a pizza dinner together as a community.

Kindergarten and First Grade
Nitzanim (Flower Buds)
The curriculum in Kindergarten and first grade centers around the Jewish holidays, Bible stories from Genesis and Exodus, basic blessings, Jewish symbols, basic Hebrew vocabulary and the recognition and identification of the Alef-Bet. Students engage with the material through interactive Jewish learning centers targeting multiple learning styles. The “Let’s Discover” activity booklet series that focuses on Holidays, Bible and the Synagogue will be used as a resource. Israel will be studied as it connects to the other topics in the curriculum. Hebrew language is taught orally through games and play. First graders will explore further

Second grade
Megalim I (Discoverers)
The emphasis in the second grade is on Torah. Through pictures, arts and crafts and stories, the children will study selections from the Torah and will begin to learn the various values taught by the Biblical personalities. Bible is taught on a more significant level than in the previous years Text: Explorer’s Bible: Volume 1: From Creation to the Exodus. A more conceptual approach than in earlier years is used in order to teach about the Jewish holidays. Text: Aleph Celebration Lessons. Israel will be studied as it connects to the other topics in the curriculum.
The Hebrew language is taught through the systematic decoding program called PHD (Phonetic Hebrew Decoding) and the development of basic vocabulary.

Third Grade
Megalim II (Discoverers)
The students study the Prophets and Writings and through these books begin their historical and ethical study of Judaism. Text: The Explorer’s Bible, Volume 2: From Sinai to the Nation of Israel Students also begin to learn about the special connection Jews have to Israel by learning about its cities and people. The Jewish holidays are studied through the use of the text entitled My Jewish Year, as well as projects, in class celebrations, occasionally with parents, and discussions. Israel will be studied as it connects to the other topics in the curriculum. The Hebrew language is taught through a systematic decoding program called PHD (Phonetic Hebrew decoding) and the development of basic vocabulary.

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The Intermediate Years

In 4th through 6th Grade students engage in the study of the prayers used in the synagogue and establish fluency in Hebrew. These skills will enrich their synagogue experience and further develop their connection to the Jewish people through prayer. These skills are also a pre-requisite for students to begin the Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation program. In-depth studies of Torah and Prophets, Jewish holidays, customs and ceremonies complete the program. Jewish history and the study of the modern state of Israel and Jewish values are also a central part of the curriculum.

Fourth Grade
Judaic Studies centers around exploring the concepts and rituals of the Jewish holidays. Students will study the Jewish folklore, texts, laws, customs, and rituals of the holidays as they reflect on their own holiday experiences and discover ways in which they can enrich their celebrations. Students will also learn how different Jews observe the holidays, especially focusing on observance in Israel. Text: The Book of the Jewish Year. Studying Torah with commentary is introduced and students are asked to take a “closer look” at the texts as they develop a new relationship with the Torah. Texts: Gateway to Torah Book I. As fourth graders, students are now becoming better able to have an overall view of Jewish life. The important role of the Synagogue is also stressed during this year.

Fifth Grade
By fifth grade, students are better able to grasp a sense of historical perspective. They can thus focus their attention on one country, Israel, and investigate it historically and culturally. During the year students will study Israel’s history, from its conception when it was known as Palestine until the Roman occupation. Text: The History of the Jewish People: Volume 1. Bible studies are continued with the use of the text: Gateway to Torah Book I.

Sixth Grade
By the sixth grade, the students’ concepts of past, present, and future have matured to the point that our study of Jewish History can continue on into the study of Zionism, the Holocaust, and the subsequent establishment of the State of Israel. Text: Holocaust: History of Courage and Resistance and The History of the Jewish People: Volume 2.. Bible study continues focusing on the Exodus from Egypt to the arrival at the Promised Land learning the major stories from the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy: Gateway to Torah Book II.

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Hebrew Program

The primary goal of the Hebrew program at the Rodeph Sholom Religious School is to foster an understanding of the place of Hebrew in the Jewish tradition and to cherish and use this Holy Language of the Jewish people during synagogue worship and home celebrations. Our Hebrew program is to help students gain fluency in reading and understanding the prayer book and to instill in all our students a feeling for the beauty of the Hebrew language and the central part it has played in the continuity of Jewish history, religion and culture.

Oral Hebrew and Letter Recognition
Students will begin their Hebrew program on an informal basis in Kindergarten and First grade. Along with Hebrew letter recognition through games and activities, equal attention is given to oral language skills. The children will learn Hebrew words that are a natural part of their environment, through song, dance, arts&crafts etc.

PHD-Phonetic Hebrew Decoding
In second grade we begin to develop good reading skills and habits. The PHD curriculum is divided into a series of 12 units in which letters and vowels are introduced sequentially and in increasing degrees of complexity according to their shape and sound. In the first 6 packets, PHD teaches the alphabet, how letters are written, and how they sound.  As students read more accurately and their skills become more fluid, the remainder of the vowels is introduced in the final 6 packets.

This approach enables students to phonetically read almost any text in either classical or modern Hebrew. Each PHD unit introduces letters and vowels along with games, such as letter-searches, word-searches, and word-matches, to reinforce the material and enhance the student’s learning experience.

T’fillah Contract Program
Formal Hebrew instruction on a twice-weekly basis begins in the fourth grade, continuing through their Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.

Once students have completed the PHD program mentioned above, they will begin the Hebrew Contract Program, an individualized program that teaches students a general understanding of the Shabbat and holiday prayers and blessings and how to read them fluently. By the end of sixth grade students will have completed the three contract books. Part of the program includes having parents listen to students read certain prayers each week. We look forward to your support and encouragement of this program. In conjunction with the Hebrew Contract Program, students work through the Pirkei T’fillah –Prayer booklets which focus upon the meaning and vocabulary of the Shabbat and holiday prayers.

(Students who enter the school after second grade and who need to learn Hebrew will begin with the PHD program listed above and will work at their own pace as they progress with their Hebrew studies).

Ulpan –Modern Hebrew
Religious School students who have successfully completed the Hebrew Contract program will enter our Ulpan class for the study of modern Hebrew. Students transferring from the Rodeph Sholom School (Day School) who have achieved an advanced level of Hebrew will also be placed in this class.

Make-Up Hebrew
We are offering Hebrew make-up sessions for those students who miss Religious School for various reasons for limited times only. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30PM and 5:30-6:30PM.  These classes can be attended only through special arrangement with the director.

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Lewis Steinman Center

Educating Jewish Children with Special Needs

The Rodeph Sholom Religious School is in the unique position to offer Jewish education in a supplementary setting for students with special needs through the Lewis Steinman Special Education Center. This innovative program is made possible through the generous contributions of Ms Joan Steinman and the Rudin Foundation in memory of Lewis Steinman.

We offer an inclusion program for our younger students. Experts believe that young students are best served within the regular learning community. Therefore, trained faculty work with the Kindergarten through third grade students who need individualized attention in the classroom setting. For fourth through eighth graders, we have learning specialists available to work with the students on a small group basis. We are proud that we can provide all students with a quality Jewish education.

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Middle School Years

The middle school offers our 7th graders an innovative program. Discussions, from a Jewish perspective, focus on engaging teens in choices they confront today and in their lives. Jewish tradition, Torah and Talmud are used as resources. Students learn to view current events and the world around them with “Jewish eyes.”

The topics for study are designed to respond to the changing emotional and intellectual needs of the teenager. Students will have the opportunity to choose electives. First period classes will focus on strengthening and expanding students’ Hebrew skills with classes such as Prayer Hebrew, Modern Hebrew, and the Meaning of Prayer. Second period electives will focus on the major Jewish questions of Why be Jewish, Why Mitzvot, and Why Israel and will help our students to formulate their own answers.

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High School Years

8th – 12th Grade
Our Tuesday night High School Program is an exciting program that is providing our teens with a solid foundation of Jewish information (Midrasha) necessary to help them make informed Jewish decisions through enjoyable, experiential informal Jewish Education. The evening begins with a Tefillah (worship) experience where our teens are empowered to create their own unique service by choosing the setting, style and music.

The topics for study are designed to respond to the changing emotional and intellectual needs of the teenager. Students will have the opportunity to choose electives. First period classes will focus on strengthening and expanding students’ Hebrew skills with classes such as Prayer Hebrew, Modern Hebrew, and the Meaning of Prayer. Second period electives will focus on the major Jewish questions of Why be Jewish, Why Mitzvot, and Why Israel and will help our students to formulate their own answers. Commitment to Tikkun Olam-repairing the world- through community service, speaking, lobbying, and rallying on current domestic or foreign political issues is a central part of the High School years and our students are committed to learning, caring and making a difference in the world.

Our program provides our teens with a Leadership Development program (Manhigut) that inspires them to become the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Under the continuous encouragement of our clergy, educators and Youth advisor they acquire leadership skills through peer-led programming, serving on committees, CRuSTY board and fund raising events.

Madrichim (Teacher’s Assistant Program for 8th -12th Grade Students)
Be a teacher’s assistant in the Religious School and earn money or community service hours. You will make a positive impact on Jewish children, the experience will make you a stronger candidate for summer jobs and will stand out on college applications.

For more in depth information on our Teen Programs please ask for a copy of our special Junior High, High School and Youth Group brochure.

Conclaves/Weekend Retreats
A very important part of our students’ Jewish education is learning about Judaism in an informal environment that allows them to establish closer relationships with staff and peers. Students from the fifth through twelfth grades attend various conclaves in order to enrich what they are learning in their classes.

Fifth and sixth graders attend Conclaves, special retreats where students and staff participate in a wide variety of activities based around a given theme related to their regular curriculum. The weekends include Friday night, Shabbat morning, and Havdalah services, social activities and exploration of a theme by participation in large and small group activities and art projects. In addition, Sprout Lake Camp provides outdoor facilities for athletics. Singing, supervised social time, and a movie are also part of the weekend experience.

Ninth graders attend a special seminar at the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C. Students learn about prominent political issues and Reform Judaism’s position regarding these issues. Then students have the exciting opportunity to lobby Senators and House Representatives according to their beliefs and what they learned during the seminar.

Tenth through twelfth graders are also invited to attend the RAC trip mentioned above and also attend Senior Youth Group weekend retreats.

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Family Study

One of the most important values in the Torah is “v’shinantam l’vanecha, teach your children.” Rodeph Sholom has many wonderful family education programs that empower parents to become the teachers of their children. Through these family study experiences families gain Jewish knowledge, explore the family’s dynamic, and move forward in Jewish practice and identity. Children who see their parents attending classes and continuing their Jewish learning recognize the value and importance of Judaism to the entire family.

YACHAD: Families Learning Together
This is a voluntary family education program offered to Kindergarten through seventh grades that brings families together once a month during Religious School for adult and family classes. Parents spend time studying the material of the day on an adult level with the teacher or guest speaker and then spend time in class learning with their children. Being part of this program is a great way to send the message to children that receiving a Jewish education is important to the entire family.

The JET Program (Jewish Experiences Together)
To help bring the joy of Judaism home and to strengthen the school-home connection we offer a program called JET-Jewish Experiences Together to Kindergarten-third grade families. JET is a set of simple, “do-able” activity cards for parents and children to experience together. Every other week students bring home an activity card to be enjoyed. After a family does an activity together, they sign it and return it to their teacher. Families who participate in this program receive a special certificate at the end of the year. This program allows parents to become full partners in their child’s Jewish education. An electronic version of this program will also be offered.

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Students are required to complete a minimum of three consecutive years of Religious School beginning in 4th grade immediately prior to and including the entire Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.   Families whose students enter the Religious School after the fourth grade must make special arrangements with the Religious School Director to meet grade-level requirements and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date may be delayed. Students who have attended another accredited Religious School prior to arriving at Congregation Rodeph Sholom are eligible for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, provided all requirements have been satisfied. Students leaving the Rodeph Sholom Day School before the date of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah must join the Religious School program.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations are handled through the Cantor’s office. Any questions relating to Bar/Bat Mitzvah should be directed to Cantors’ Assistant at 646-454-3039.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates are coordinated by Gail Becker at 646-454-3022.
Students must be enrolled in a Congregation Rodeph Sholom School to keep their Bar/Bat Mitzvah date on the calendar.

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Family B’nei Mitzvah Program (FBMP)

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is one of anticipation, anxiousness and excitement. Both the student and the family members devote a considerable amount of time and energy in preparation for this ceremony. Often, though, families do not take the time to truly reflect upon what it means to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We are excited to invite families to participate in this special program that is a necessary part of Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation and which helps families focus upon the true meaning of the experience.
A year to six months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date families participate in a six session monthly program during which families focus on the concept of mitzvah, both the ethical and ritual mitzvot and about the concept of Tzedakah and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and explore how this milestone affects the family before, during, and after the actual ceremony. Families meet with one of the rabbis to study their Torah portion and conclude the program with a D’var Torah presentation. For more information about this program, please refer to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook.

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Partnerships with Israel

It is a top priority for our students to forge a connection with Israel. A wonderful way to achieve this is for our students to become connected to the people of Israel, and more specifically to students their own age who live there. In order to reach this goal we have become partners with the Lokey International Academy of Jewish Studies in Haifa and with Partnership 2000—Kol Haneshama, our sister congregation.

Lokey International Academy of
Jewish Studies in Israel
The Lokey Academy believes that Jews in different parts of the world should proactively make themselves aware of Jews and Jewish life the world over and actively share and learn from one another. Through the program listed below our students have the opportunity to meet and become close to students in Israel. We look forward to expanding our relationship with the Lokey Academy in the future and offering programs to additional age groups.

Yachdav: School to School Connection
An Israel-Diaspora virtual mifgash (meeting) program aimed at cultivating meaningful relationships between Jewish elementary school children in Israel and the Diaspora; through the use of e-mail, snail-mail, and videoconferencing, students in Israel and the Diaspora, who are studying this parallel educational curriculum, are given the opportunity to explore their own identity, while at the same time learning about their partners’ families, communities, beliefs, and connections to the Jewish world. In effect, Yachdav: School to School empowers twinned groups to develop real connections by virtually extending the walls of their classrooms and expanding the conversation beyond their regular voices; as such, through the learning in separate locations participants build a relationship that spans geography. Rodeph Sholom’s fifth grade students participate in this program.

Partnership 2000-Jerusalem-New York
This program is for our 9th-12th grade students. The participants will join in study and action with the High School Youth of Kol HaNeshama, our sister reform congregation in Jerusalem. The two groups will learn from each other about the different needs of each community and engage in Tikkun Olam- “repairing the world” project. Working together the youths themselves will discuss via e-mails, web forums, phone calls, and video conferences the issues concerning each community and the project will culminate in a face-to-face meeting in Jerusalem and New York. This will allow them to create a special bond and enable our youth on both sides of the ocean to enrich their lives and the life of their community. This program is funded by the UJA-Federation-Partnership 2000 program and includes funding for our youth to visit Jerusalem (approx. 10 days).

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Shabbat Programs

Please see our calendar for a complete listing of services.

Saturday Morning Shabbat Services
There are services that are geared toward children of different ages on Saturday mornings.

Tot Shabbat meets at 9:30AM on most 1st and 3rd and 5th Saturday morning of each month. This service is led by our clergy and is for children from zero to seven years old.

Junior Congregation meets at 10:30AM on the 1st Saturday morning of each month. This service is led by Rabbi Benjamin Spratt and is for children from second through sixth grade.

Shabbat B’yachad: Spending Shabbat Together
Shabbat B’Yachad is an interactive family Shabbat prayer experience. Pray, celebrate, learn, journey through family time, create a community Ark, tallit, siddur, and conversations while engaging, discovering and exploring Shabbat. Shabbat B’Yachad meets on the weeks when Tot Shabbat does not. This experience is for families with children ages 0-8 years old.

Shabbat Family Dinners
Throughout the year, special Religious School Shabbat Dinners are planned. Families attend the Shabbat B’Shir service at Rodeph Sholom and are then invited to a dinner. These dinners are filled with ruach (spirit) and are a great opportunity for families in the Religious School to worship together and to get to know each other better.

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Youth Program

Through informal education our youth will have many opportunities to interact and engage in social and educational programs. Youth groups provide a natural setting for learning about Judaism in new, exciting and fun ways. We have five youth groups: Learn more »