The major goal of the Rabbi George B. Lieberman Religious School is to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our children and their families have the opportunity to learn and expand their Jewish knowledge and skills. The school is an integral part of the synagogue, with its programming enhanced by the efforts of the Parent-Teacher Council, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and other groups of our synagogue community.
Our exciting and dynamic curriculum is multi-faceted. The first main component is the CHAI Curriculum focusing on Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim. We study Jewish texts, learn about our relationship with God and how we can help make our world a better place. The second feature is Hebrew language, which comprises reading, comprehension, and prayer. Hebrew tutors work with the students in class on an individual basis each Wednesday. The learning is reinforced by the classroom teacher. The Jewish holiday cycle is studied and celebrated at the appropriate time. We also extend the classroom, discovering Jewish literature in our library, participating in a wonderful art program, and singing Jewish music with our roving guitarist.
Family Education and Breakfast Programs
Family Education is an integral part of our Sunday religious school program. Children, their parents and teachers, together with the Director of Education gather for breakfast, followed by a special educational experience. These programs include many fun-filled projects, events, stories, crafts, music etc., all focusing on a particular theme that is directly related to the grade's curriculum. For many parents, these programs are a highlight of the school year.
Curriculum
Each grade's curriculum is designed to help fulfill our goal of providing our students with greater Jewish knowledge and skills.
- Kindergarten and 1st grade (usually two separate classes) students focus on the Jewish home. We recognize that every family participates in Jewish activities at different levels; therefore, we emphasize some of the basics. Many of the rituals are explained and performed in class, and we celebrate all the holidays. We introduce the sanctuary as a special place, and explain the objects found there. It is a year filled with fun activities, including craft projects and library time. Hebrew letters are introduced on a primer level.
- 2nd grade uses the CHAI curriculum. In the Torah Strand, study is from the Book of Exodus. We discuss how the Torah is different from other books, and how it can help us in everyday life. In Hebrew the letters and sounds of the alphabet are reinforced. The year is filled with activities, crafts, music, art, and library visits.
- 3rd grade begins a more formal approach to the study of Hebrew. The students are now expected to recognize all of the letters, group them into simple words and know how to write Hebrew block letters. We recognize that students learn differently; therefore individual attention is given to students who require extra help. The overall topic of the CHAI curriculum is K’dushah--holiness--and the three strands of the curriculum focus on making our lives more kadosh and learning how our actions can make a difference in the world.
- 4th grade students learn about themselves and the community, their connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Hebrew studies now include learning prayers from the siddur (prayer book). Shabbat is emphasized.
- 5th grade children continue to expand their Hebrew reading and writing skills, again with emphasis on Shabbat and other holidays. This year, the CHAI curriculum focuses on Reform Judaism and the community. The books of the Prophets are used to understand how God wants us to live.
- When the children reach 6th grade and become increasingly aware that the day on which they will become b'nai mitzvah is fast approaching, a major part of their curriculum focuses on helping prepare them for the responsibilities of becoming Jewish adults. By grade six, the average student should be very comfortable reading and writing Hebrew. Revelation is the main topic of the CHAI curriculum dealing with our relationship to God through text, and g’milut chasadim.
- 7th grade students become increasingly involved in bar/bat mitzvah preparation. Hebrew studies reinforce the skills they already know. Many prayers have been mastered and the students learn more about the meanings of these prayers. The question posed in the CHAI curriculum is, “What does it mean to be a responsible Jewish adult?”
- When students enter the 8th grade, many have already become b'nai mitzvah and are eligible to attend our evening "Academy" class. The 8th grade works on an Inward Bound-Outward Bound program. The first semester focuses on comparative Judaism. They study in class about the different movements and then visit Conservative and Orthodox services. The second semester includes learning about other religions and visiting their religious institutions. The year is divided into six 8-week sessions focusing on Israel, history, Jewish scrapbooking, and discussions with Rabbi Gruber.
Class ScheduleOur students attend religious school during the following hours:
| Kdgn & Grades 1, 2 & 3 |
Sunday |
9:30 am - 12:00 pm |
| Grades 4, 5, & 6 |
Sunday
Wednesday |
9:30 am - 12:00 pm &
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Grade 7 |
Sunday
Wednesday |
9:30 am - 12:00 pm &
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Grade 8 |
4 -Sun. w/parents: Spec. Prog. |
9:30 pm - 12:00 pm |
| Grades 9 - 12 |
Wednesday |
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
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