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Religious School
Preschool through B’nei Mitzvah, then Hadrachah, TE Teens and Confirmation. Led by our Religious School Director, Olga Markus.
Am HaSefer
People of the Book
The Jewish People are known as “Am HaSefer,” People of the Book. We want our children to be familiar with and knowledgeable about the Torah, the Hebrew language, the culture of our people and our 5,000-year-old history.
More importantly, we want our children to have a positive Jewish identity, to feel comfortable and proud to say “I am a Jew.” To this end, Temple Emanuel offers an educational program from preschool through B’nei Mitzvah. Our post-B’nei Mitzvah students learn leadership skills in our Hadrachah course, join a monthly TE Teens program with the Rabbi and complete the Confirmation course.
To learn more or arrange a visit, or call (203) 397-3000 ext. 3.
What we teach
Our curriculum
Phonetic Hebrew Decoding (PHD)
A simple, yet extremely effective system to teach students to both read and write Hebrew. Three books introduce the letters and vowels in increasing complexity, so students can read almost any Hebrew text phonetically. A variety of reinforcing activities cements each letter.
Mitkadem Hebrew
An innovative Hebrew program that generates enthusiasm in teachers, students and parents. Students progress through self-paced ramot (levels), each built around an individual prayer, each at their own ability. Read more about Mitkadem
CHAI Judaic Studies
A flexible Reform curriculum built on Torah, Avodah, G’milut Chasadim and Israel, helping students grow into committed and thoughtful Jewish adults, with learning that reaches beyond the classroom. Read more about CHAI
Together
Asephah and T’filah
Asephah
A gathering of parents, students, teachers and the Rabbi at the start of Sunday school, 9:30–10 am. Students and their parents learn through stories and music with Rabbi Farbman. We collect tzedakah every week and give it at the end of the year to charities and causes the students choose.
T’filah
On Wednesday afternoons a short prayer service is led by the Rabbi and teachers, with more participation from the students as the year goes on. Once a month parents are invited to join, a chance for students to use what they learn in class.
Grade by grade
Our school structure
Preschool “Story Hour”
For 3–5 year olds. Students and parents meet once a week on Sundays, 9:30–11 am. The relaxed structure suits preschoolers and lets parents form a chevra (camaraderie) with the families who will move through religious school together.
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades
Sundays, 9:30 am–12 noon, in a traditional classroom: the Hebrew aleph-bet, Jewish festivals, Torah stories, mitzvot and traditions, with music, arts and crafts, games, stories and hands-on activities.
3rd–7th grades
Students attend twice a week starting in 3rd grade, to allow more time for Hebrew. Each Sunday has a Hebrew class, a Judaic studies class and a snack break. Wednesdays, 4:30–6:00 pm, begin with a short T’filah and an hour of Hebrew.
B’nei Mitzvah preparation
7th graders keep studying twice a week. On Wednesdays, general B’nei Mitzvah preparation (leading services, d’var Torah, chanting blessings) is combined with individual sessions with the trope tutor. Sunday mornings continue Hebrew reading and Judaics.
After B’nei Mitzvah
Programs for teens
There are many ways for teens to stay connected, spend time with friends, learn and socialize. We are proud to offer several programs to choose from.
Hadrachah
An educational leadership course teaching leadership and teaching skills, so students can become trained madrichim (teaching assistants) in our Hebrew school. One hour, once a month; required for those who want to be madrichim.
TE Teens
Monthly educational and social discussions on current hot topics for high school students. Sundays, 12:00–2:00 pm.
Confirmation
Rabbi Farbman teaches a monthly class for 9th–11th graders on major texts, commentaries and modern issues, with room to discuss and debate. The year ends with a special service on the Eve of Shavuot, led by the graduates.
Special programs
Come, drop in and learn!
Educational enrichment programs for individual grades, and for the whole school, are held throughout the year, often centered on the Jewish festivals. Many have an intergenerational part where adults and children celebrate and learn together.
Get in touch
Contact the school
Questions about enrolling, the schedule or the curriculum? Write to our Religious School Director, Olga Markus, using the form below.