The aim of Jewish education at Temple Emanu-El is to provide students the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of Jewish living and learning and to give them the skills and inspiration to make Judaism a meaningful component of their lives. At Temple Emanu-El we seek to create a warm and supportive learning environment that models Jewish values and is welcoming to diverse learners from diverse backgrounds. We continuously strive to use creative means to respond to students’ needs and in reaching out to parents to make them an important part of our community of learning. Temple Emanu-El’s teaching staff possesses a unique depth of experience and commitment to Jewish education, and brings many different talents and interests to the classroom. Most of our teachers are full-time educational professionals. The staff also includes a significant number of teachers with special needs training, and professional tutors for students who require extra attention. Temple Emanu-El’s religious school exposes students to the great spectrum of Jewish spirituality and culture(s), the beauty of the Hebrew language and our tradition of prayer, the joy and sanctity of the holidays, the drama of Jewish history, the depth and richness of our tradition of study. Jewish ethics and values regarding social justice, ‘the repair of the world’ and the treatment of our fellow human beings guide all that we do and the community we are shaping. We build positive Jewish identity through knowledge of Judaism in general and Reform Judaism in particular. Using art, music, drama, literature, tzedakah projects and much experiential learning we seek to help each student find his or her own unique path in Jewish education. A final thought brought to mind by the following classic Rabbinic statements: The world stands on three things: on the learning of the tradition, on worship and on acts of loving kindness- (Pirkei Avot: Ethics of Our Fathers) One who saves a single soul…it is as if he has saved the entire world (Talmud, Sanhederin) As students explore the pillars of Judaism: G-d, Torah and Am Yisrael, we hope to instill in them not only that their endeavors are of much significance, but that each one of them is of infinite value.

Learn More A detailed curriculum for each grade level is available upon request through the education office. More specific information pertaining to content at each grade will soon be posted on this web-site. For general information or enrollment materials, please contact the Education Center office. Finally, I look forward to speaking and meeting with the parents of both current and prospective students to answer any questions and learn about your student. Hear from Geoff Berdy Download 2010-11 registration materials from the Publications & Forms Page

We will be implementing many exciting changes in the Religous School next year. Read about the changes below. If you've misfiled your registration materials, you can download or print them from here. The Religious School schedule is here.

Tikkun Olam A “whole school” “Tzedakah/Tikkun”/Community service/Social Action curriculum where each grade will concentrate on specific developmentally appropriate values. New programming from L.I.F.T. Leadership Institute For Teens and Teens for Tikkun (social action group). Every class will have at least two outings: one that is tzedakkah/social action related and one for religious/cultural education. Family Programs A new “family-education plan” including parent education programs. Bar and Bat Mitzvah Family Programming for 4th-7th grades. T.O.R.A.H.: the “Trans-generational Oral Recording and History Project”.

Art and Cultural Learning Machon (4th-7th grade) program will add “Chugim”, 25 minute mini-classes based on fun cultural activities, the arts, involving the arts and other areas of interest designed to build community. We’ve hired an art specialist to consult and help teachers with more involved projects. Kindergarten through third grade will have periodic visits from the “Parsha Puppet Players” a new-bibliodrama group consisting of older students. And More... Shabbat dinners with special programming for Religious School classes. A monthly school newsletter and periodic classroom pdates via email. Youth group calendar of events put out at the beginning of the year.

	Sunday 9:00-11:30am	Monday 7:00-9:00pm	Tuesday or Thursday 4:30-6:00pm
K-3rd grade	X
4th-7th grade	X		X
8th-12th grade		X

Check the Religous School Events, to the right, the Temple Calendar or the full School Year schedule for off-days, special school activities and other schedule information. All classes are held at Temple Emanu-El's Rabbi Milton Rosenbaum Education Center, except Sunday Morning classes for 4th - 7th grades are at the adjacent Jimmy Prentis Morris Jewish Community Center

Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child's education. Membership in our Parent Teacher Organzation is encouraged.

For many of our students, membership in our vibrant Youth Groups is an integral part of their Temple life.

The Madrichim program is a unique opportunity for students eighth grade and above to gain valuable experience. Students work as aides and mentors in the classroom, office, omputer lab or library under the supervision of a staff person. They receive a salary or community service credit for their participation. For more information, contact the Education Office.