Religious School

Educational Philosophy & Curriculum of the

Religious School

The goal of the Religious School is to provide a strong foundation upon which our children can grow into mature and knowledgeable Jews. The Religious School of the Little Neck Jewish Center is designed to be an educational experience in which Jewish values and observances are taught in a manner that is consistent with the ethics, laws and religious beliefs of Conservative Judaism.

The program incorporates the following areas of study:

Hebrew

• Basic Hebrew reading skills in the following areas:

Brachot (blessings), including Birkat Hamazone (Grace after Meals),

Friday evening service,

Shabbat morning service

Special prayers of the Jewish holidays.

• Hebrew Language Progress Reviews

• All students completing the Aleph grade and entering the Bet grade will demonstrate the ability to accurately sight-read individual Hebrew words from the Siddur or Bible with no previous preparation.

• Students in the Gimel grade will demonstrate the ability to identify, name and write all letters and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet in both block-print and script.

• Students completing the Dalet grade and before beginning Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons, will demonstrate the ability to accurately sight-read full sentences taken from the Siddur or Bible with no previous preparation.

Students can fulfill these requirements by appointments with the Rabbi, Cantor, or Baal Korei. Opportunities for such meetings will be scheduled after Religious School hours or by appointment. The Congregational President, School Board Chair or Ritual Chair may be invited to observe Hebrew Language Progress Reviews. Parents of each student will receive letters certifying completion of each of these requirements, with a copy kept in the student’s school file.

Ethics and Values

This area of study helps our students to become aware of the needs of the Jewish and non-Jewish people living in our community and in the world. There will be a special emphasis put upon our connections with Israel.

• Religious School students will learn to accept responsibility for their actions.

• Students will be asked to apply mitzvot to their own lives.

• Students will be given the opportunity to accept responsibility for our environment.

• The continuation of Jewish education beyond the bar/bat mitzvah will be encouraged.

History

The study of Jewish history will help students understand and develop an interest in Jewish history from biblical times to the present. There will be an emphasis on the biblical history, American Jewish history, Holocaust studies, and the relationship of American and Israeli Jews.

• The basic principles of the main branches of Judaism will be studied and discussed.

• Jewish current events and their impact on the Jewish world will be discussed in the classroom.

Ritual

Rituals and customs associated with Jewish holidays and traditions will be explored by all students.

• The use of, and understanding of the Siddur during prayer service will be emphasized.

Tanach (Bible)

• Religious School students will explore many of the sacred texts of Judaism.

Synagogue Skills

• Students in each grade level will be provided, free of charge, an audiocassette/dvd of specific brachot and teffilot that they will be expected to learn during that term. Lost audiocassettes will be subject to a replacement fee.

Family Education

Parents are encouraged to become involved in their children’s Religious School education as they create more Jewish memories.

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Admission Requirements

Parents must be members in good standing of the Little Neck Jewish Center for their children to be enrolled in grades Aleph through Hay (public school grades 3-7). These grades meet twice a week.

Membership is encouraged, but not required for parents interested in enrolling their younger aged children in the Kadima and pre-Aleph classes which are offered once a week for children in public school grades 1 and 2.

Any transfer after the 3^rd grade of public school for entry into our Religious School will require special evaluation for proper placement. Report cards and/or a letter from the previous Religious School indicating academic standing of the student will be required prior to admission.

About The School Board

The School Board is comprised of members of our synagogue who volunteer their time to oversee the functioning of the Religious School. The School Board works with the Rabbi and Religious Committee to set direction for the education of the children, setting policy, conducting curriculum reviews, making personnel recommendations, and planning for the future. The School Board also develops the budget for the school.

The School Board appreciates direct communications from families. Constructive input is used to guide decision-making. Members of the School Board and the Vice President of the Religious School can be reached by calling the Religious School. Remember, we are all part of our synagogue community. The School Board encourages families to assist in maintaining a positive educational environment in and around the school. Children learn best when there is positive reinforcement of learning. The Religious School offers four hours of Jewish education per week and the home and family provides the place to live that learning.