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2008-2009 Calendars

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Hebrew School

by Jeri Saad

As Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein said, "The two most precious gifts that we can give our children are Roots and Wings--to be firmly rooted in our rich Jewish heritage and to be inspired to reach one's fullest potential." It is with great pride that Temple Israel is recognized for having the highest percentage of young adults pursuing careers in the rabbinate/cantorial fields, Jewish education and other Jewish communal services. Although my position as Hebrew School Director is only part-time, my commitment is full-time to strive to light a spark in every child at Temple Israel and help them reach their full potential. While not all of our students, past, present or future will choose to seek professions in a Jewish field, our teachers engage their students as a community, in active learning, so that they may see their own connection to the Jewish people and be inspired toward further exploration of their Jewish heritage. We help students discover their own gifts and responsibility so they can share them within the Jewish community and world at large.

Incoming families sometimes wonder how their youngster can participate in one more thing, attending Hebrew classes twice a week after a full day of secular studies.  We are blessed with dynamic and engaging teachers, many of whom have been recognized with teaching awards, including Mann's Jewish Educator of the Year, first runner up as Jewish Educator of the Year and nationally acclaimed Grinspoon Jewish Educator of the Year.  Our incredibly talented teachers know how to incorporate games and active participation in meaningful discussion and activities that lead to mastery of their Hebrew Language skills, while promoting lifelong skills. By the first semester of Hebrew classes, we have families letting teachers know at conferences how wonderfully different the Hebrew School experience is for their children than it was for themselves and how their children insist on coming to class, even when there they have a conflict in their schedule.

"Learning, learning, learning: that is the secret of Jewish survival." - Ahad HaAm

As a Jewish educator at Temple Israel for more than 25 years, I have seen the trends of emphasis in Jewish education shift numerous times. For the past several years, I believe the focus strikes an excellent balance that enriches language skills and prayer comprehension. Our program is dedicated to incorporating lifelong skills into a curriculum that cultivates a community of mensches and leaders by providing opportunities for and recognition of leadership skills and ongoing acts of kindness. Leadership opportunities for students include individual grade levels taking ownership of all school programs by planning and leading them.

The Education Bridge has enabled the students in Hebrew School to raise the bar of learning experiences by establishing a connection with a classes in the Northern region of Israel. This provides the opportunity for the students to not only utilize their newly acquired Hebrew language skills, but gain first-hand insight into each others' cultures while exchanging letters and videos sharing the similarities and differences of customs, ceremonies and traditions.

The Modified Hebrew School program allows for the inclusion of special needs students seeking a Hebrew education and B'nai Mitzvah. Classes have a 1:5 teacher to student ratio, offering extensive individualization, based on students' needs. Recently, one of our students in the modified program remarked as he left at the end of his class, “I can’t believe how much fun I had--that is just not like me.” 

We are partners with the students and their parents. Parental support is crucial and truly enhances the entire learning experience for the children. Therefore, communication is a key to the learning process.  To start out the year, teachers contact all families to introduce themselves. We have mid-year conferences, newsletters and monthly classroom calendars, and report cards are sent twice during the year.

The Education Committee provides ongoing support for the Education Department. Parents are encouraged to join this committee, where each voice is heard and ideas are taken seriously. Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month.

Jeri Saad – Hebrew School Director  (e-mail)

(Excerpts of this article appeared in the American Jewish World, Education Edition)