Religious School FAQs
Why should I choose to send my child to Religious School at Temple Emanu-El?
We have engaging lessons and classes, dynamic special programming and a dedicated and talented staff, including our clergy who also teach in our school. We are always evaluating and tweaking our curriculum and our special programs.
We enhance our regular classroom activities with special programs and family programs.
We incorporate middle school and high school students into our classrooms as teacher’s assistants.
Our graduates have opportunities to work as student aides in classrooms, serve as peer "torah tutors" for younger students and participate in Temple Emanu-El's Teen Beit Midrash program.
Our students have an opportunity to be part of a community where they can feel a sense of belonging and make a difference for themselves and others.
Why should I send my child to religious school at all?
Sending your child to religious school is a very personal decision, and there are many reasons for doing so. Many families want their children to have an experiential, nurturing, experience with many opportunities to question and explore their Jewish culture. Many families hope that their children will grow an appreciation for liturgy and prayer. Most families want their children to be part of a Jewish learning community that recognizes the diversity in our community. For others, it is an opportunity to have a religious foundation to answer life’s tough questions, while some view it as a place for their children to develop a positive Jewish identity. Many parents are seeking to be part of a Jewish community, for their children and themselves.
We would be more than happy to discuss this decision with you. Please contact us.
My child is in 3rd grade and has never been to religious school before, may s/he start at Emanu-El now?
Absolutely! Children may start at any time. We will work with you to integrate your child into school at any grade, and our faculty will help your child catch up academically and socially with his/her peers.
What's a typical day in religious school?
Please review our class schedule through the link on our home page, or contact our principal, Rachel Cohn, for more information regarding our school times, days and curriculum. This page will be updated during the summer of during each summer to reflect some changes in our curriculum
How many hours a week is religious school?
It varies depending on your child's grade. Please contact our principal, Rachel Cohn, at the synagogue, for more information regarding our school times, days and curriculum.
Can my child come for a visit before I decide?
Absolutely! We have an annual Open House in the spring for all prospective students and their parents, but you are welcome to come and visit any school day. Please contact our principal to arrange your visit.
Do we have to be a member of the synagogue in order to attend Religious School?
No. Everyone is welcome to attend our school. However, there is a membership requirement in order to have a bar/bat mitzvah at our synagogue. Our membership program, Gift of the Heart does enable families to join the synagogue at a cost that is affordable for all. Becoming a member also helps support the synagogue, which ultimately helps support the school. And can ultimately benefit you as well, as you can then participate more fully in ALL the wonderful programs and opportunities our synagogue has to offer.
