HEBREW INSTRUCTION
In our school, children begin instruction in the Hebrew language in the third grade. Our Hebrew students are taught using the Mitkadem Curriculum developed by the Union for Reform Judaism, which is a national organization of reform Temples. The materials in this curriculum are colorful and lend themselves to individualized progress within in class.
Grade 3: Hebrew classes meet from 10:15 am to 11:45 am, Sunday mornings.
Grade 4-7: Hebrew classes meet from 10:30 am to noon, Sunday mornings.
Seventh grade/B’nei Mitzvah: We are very proud of our B’nei Mitzvah class. They lead almost the entire Shabbat service on the day of their events. In addition to Hebrew on Sunday mornings, at some point during the year before the ceremony students attend Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring either on Monday or Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (the specifics are subject to change). The child and parent will be told at some point during the year that he or she should begin coming once a week. When this will occur depends on how well the child can read Hebrew and how well he or she knows the prayers. In addition to learning all the prayers for our Saturday services, our students also study very hard to learn their Torah and Haftorah portions and gain some understanding of the meaning of these. If a child wishes, he or she may come to tutoring every day. Some children actually do ask for this level of help, and we are happy to provide it.
Hebrew Makeup Class: If your child misses Hebrew on any Sunday, he or she should make up the absence by attending a Hebrew makeup class on Mondays or Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Please contact the Temple office, if you wish to have a teacher available on either Monday or Wednesday following the absence. Your child should come prepared wth a pen or pencil.
Religious School Attendance Policy
Hebrew Tutoring: We are also offering tutoring for any child who wishes extra help from 5:30 to 6:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Again, please call the office by noon of the day you wish to bring your child to have a teacher available.
We ask for your cooperation so that we will always have a teacher available for your child and so that our teachers will come only when there is a child with whom they will be working!