OUR HEBREW SCHOOL

The Hebrew Congregation of Somers takes great pride in the education of our members from our one year olds to our one hundred year olds.

Our children participate in all areas of our congregation, lead Sabbath services and holiday programs, and take an active role during the High Holy Days. The children's enthusiasm during classroom activities and festival celebrations is quite visible.

Classes at Hebrew school are small, so that each child can receive individualized instruction and attention. Each teacher is committed to ensuring that Hebrew school is a positive experience, and that each child enjoys and benefits from time spent in class. Most of our teachers are congregants as well.

Hebrew is taught using the Chevruta (study partners) study series.  Children learn with partners, at their own pace.  They read already learned Hebrew words in Hebrew.  They read other words in "Hebrish" - English words written using the Hebrew alphabet.  This helps students learn both Hebrew vocabulary and Hebrew reading.

Extracurricular activities such as guest speakers, entertainers, holiday celebrations and school trips are offered throughout the year.  Family education programs led by the rabbi are scheduled on a monthly basis. The goal of religious education is to provide a building block for the child's continued participation in Jewish tradition and ritual. Our graduates are educated young people, who take pride in their heritage. They understand their role as Jews, and the responsibility it entails.

Toddlers:  T’FILAT TAF (young children’s service) 

Welcome Shabbat with prayers, songs, stories, and puppets.
Non-members are welcome! Check calendar and HCS Happenings for dates throughout the year.

Holiday Workshop (four and five year olds) Tuition $370 (includes materials)

Registration is now open for this program for Fall 2007.  This is a great introduction to Hebrew School.  This class meets six times during the academic year on Sundays from 10 - 12 noon, usually near a major Jewish holiday.  Lots of arts and crafts, lots of learning, lots of fun! The Holiday Workshop is also open to non-members. 

2007-08 Tuitions are listed below next to each class.  All classes also have a $15 craft fee, to be paid with a separate check.  Tuition for each additional child is discounted $50.

Gan (1st & 2nd grades -$480) - Sunday 10-noon.
This class covers the basic knowledge of Shabbat and Jewish holidays through arts and crafts, song and play.

Alef,Bet (3rd & 4th grades - $605)    - Sunday 9 - noon
  
Gimel (5th grade - $635)   - Sunday 9 - 12 noon,
                             Wednesday 4:15 - 6:15 pm

Dalet,Hey (6th & 7th grades - $635)   - Sunday 9 - 12 noon & Wednesday 6:15 - 8:15 pm

These classes cover Jewish observances and celebrations, history, law, culture, and Hebrew in ever-increasing depth. Hey students also work with the rabbi and our cantor/tutor to prepare for their B'nai Mitzvahs.

Hebrew High School (8th & 9th grades - $480)- Sunday 10 - 12 noon

This group has discussions about Jewish ethics and current events, does Jewish-themed activities, group social and cultural activities, from bowling and pizza parties to visiting the Lower East Side.

Teacher Training (15 years of age or older - $265 (no craft fee). Times to be arranged.

This group learns how to teach beginning Hebrew school through a variety of classroom and hands on experiences.

Adult Education Sundays 9 - 10 am is taught by Rabbi Schwalb.   This year he is teaching "Applied Judaism: Lessons from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for Modern Jews on How to Live a Jewish Life." This features discussions of the history, significance and lessons of each Jewish holiday - including an examination of the moral implications of these lessons.

Conversational Hebrew Sundays 11 - 12 noon (except for when Board meets). Please join the rabbi in the social hall. You will be able to learn Hebrew at your own pace.  The rabbi will be using the CD Habet Ushma plus which can be ordered at www.davka.com.