Contact Dina, (919) 942-5817, relschool@chkehillah.org

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Application 2011-12!

Religious School Calendar, 2011-12

Religious School Service Schedule, 2011-12

Summer Camp 2011, Where Every Day is a Mitzvah

Special Optional Wednesdays and Parsha Players!

Meet our Religious School Director!

~ Mission ~

To provide an education that fosters a strong and positive Jewish identity and assists students and their families in living a joyful and meaningful Jewish life.

~ Educational Approach ~

• Individual attention. We keep classes small, as it is important for students to get individual attention, to have the opportunity to participate often, and to get to know each other and their teachers. To help realize this goal, every class is smaller than 15 students and has a teacher and an assistant.

• Differentiated approach. Students come to school with varying Jewish educational backgrounds and family compositions, and they work at different paces. Thus, for Hebrew reading, students are divided into small knowledge-based groups. This approach allows students to work in smaller sections, to learn at a comfortable but challenging rate, and to receive more one-on-one attention.

• Experiential activities. Students need to learn using their senses and their creativity; learning should be fun! Thus, music, dancing, craft projects, cooking, puppets, and drama are included in the curriculum.

• Knowledge base. It is important that students have the tools to participate fully in the Jewish community. Having the knowledge and tools will enable students to develop their own beliefs and practices. Thus, students learn all the subjects in the curriculum, including the prayers of the Shabbat service.

• “Why” Focus. For each subject in the curriculum, students study the significance and meaning behind the learning. For example, students will explore how the Shabbat service was developed and why certain prayers are included. They will look at the history of the tradition, the meaning of the ritual, and the purpose of celebration. It is important to teach this background so that students have a deeper understanding of Judaism and know why certain traditions developed. This “why” is a major part of the tools mentioned above.

• Engagement. It is important that students feel invested and committed to their education. Thus, some activities are child-directed, and all aspects of the curriculum are child-focused. The curriculum is designed to engage students in a positive and enjoyable way.

• Post B’nei Mitzvah Involvement. The school life places great emphasis on life-long Jewish learning and connection to the Jewish community. Thus, students are encouraged to maintain involvement in the community after B’nei Mitzvah by assisting in the school, joining the Kehillah Youth Group, and/or attending Midrasha.

Religious School Parent Handbook

Support the religious school by linking your Harris Teeter card! Kehillah's Code: 5800

~ Tenets ~

--adapted from the Tenets of Reconstructionist Education of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Egalitarianism. All Jews are encouraged to actively participate and embrace responsibility in the Jewish community, including in prayer leadership. The process of decision-making is democratic, and the concept of God and/or godliness is described as gender neutral.

Mitzvah. Much time and effort is spent on learning about mitzvot. It is important to understand the concept of mitzvot as commandments that cover such subjects as ritual, prayer, and social action. The social action component includes making a commitment to caring for the environment, deeds of social justice, ethical behavior, and acts of loving kindness.

Torah. Torah is the ongoing, creative, and sacred story of our people’s experience. It offers a search for meaning in life, a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, a record of Jewish encounters with godliness, and a connection to our daily lives and the decisions we make.

Godliness. Reconstructionism supports diversity in the Jewish conceptualization of godliness. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of godliness in their own lives and to express their spirituality through prayer, ritual, discussion, study, social action, and ethical behavior.

Israel. Israel is both the Jewish state and the Jewish people. It is important to participate in caring, committed, and knowledgeable relationships with Israel and to be accepting and welcoming of diversity within our community.

Hebrew. It is important to appreciate Hebrew as the language that unites all Jews, as Hebrew provides a connection to Jewish communities throughout time and around the world.

Change. Reconstructionism teaches that tradition is important and should be considered in everyday practice but that traditions can be modified as time passes and daily life changes. There is new meaning in old tradition; the past has a “vote,” not a veto. Further, it is vital that members of the community participate in discussions when decisions regarding change are made. These decisions are made by the rabbi and laity together, and they are based on research, text study, and an understanding of modern-day life.

Community. The community brings students and families together. There should be mutual respect for all members, consensus in decision-making, and an effort towards making choices that serve the community above individual needs.

Diversity. Diversity within the community is accepted and welcomed. All community members are encouraged to participate in events, and there is great effort made to provide a safe, comfortable, and affirming place for all members.