EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

At Temple Shaarey Zedek, we strive to instill the joy of Conservative Judaism in our students so that our young people may carry the dedication to and pride for their religion throughout their lives. Our curriculum, the foundation of which comes from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism emphasizes the beauty and warmth of our tradition. It encourages our children to become active members of the Jewish Community. Carefully selected texts, materials, and activities are challenging, fun and meaningful. Our program is well rounded and offers valuable Jewish experiences as a foundation for a lifetime of Judaism.

Programming starts for children in our preschool Kinderville Program (ages 2-4) with one Sunday per month. It is here where most children have their first Jewish educational experience. They learn about Jewish Holiday, customs, and rituals in the form of crafts, stories and activities.

Religious school programming includes age appropriate opportunities for our children to learn about their heritage, customs and language through creative and innovative programming and creative interaction with our spiritual leaders.

The emphasis in beginning years is to create an atmosphere in which mitzvot, traditions, Bible stories, holidays, and Hebrew surround the child and convey the spirit and warmth of the Jewish tradition.

At higher grades, students are introduced to Jewish history from Biblical times to present. Issues of community and Judaism’s relevance into modern life are emphasized. The Hebrew program stresses reading skills and basic Hebrew vocabulary which enable students to deal comfortably with the prayers in our services.

Students develop a sense of pride in their heritage through experiences designed to make Judaism an important and meaningful part of their everyday life.

Kindergarten meets on Sundays, grades one and two meet Sundays and Tuesdays, and third through seventh meet Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Eighth graders are taught in a joint effort with the Bureau of Jewish Education on Wednesdays and Sundays.