The IJC Hebrew School welcomes children from ages 4 through Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This year’s Hebrew School is off to a wonderful start, and we could not be more pleased! After several years of declining numbers due in large part to the impact of COVID, the IJC undertook a critical effort to grow and develop the Hebrew School community through a) redesign of the curriculum; b) engagement of multiple age groups; and c) proactive outreach in the community. As a result, this year we have doubled the size of the Hebrew School community!
We are extremely lucky to have talented and engaged members of our IJC community taking the lead in reinvigorating the Hebrew School. Head teacher Nada has designed a new curriculum that focuses on Jewish learning, holidays, and values, with Hebrew instruction and community connection. She also teaches the middle group of children, aged between the small kids and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah group. She is very ably assisted by Dominique, who works with the youngest group on their first introduction to Jewish learning, and Jonathan, who works with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah group as they prepare to become adult members of our community. Finally, Rabbi Brian somehow finds the time to assist with Hebrew instruction and the perhaps even more important task of introducing the kids to their Rabbi on a regular basis as someone they know and trust.
In addition to Hebrew and critical thinking, the kids’ lessons also involve crafting, singing, and, of course, enjoying the foods of the season. We have recently spent some time learning about the High Holidays and will soon turn toward Chanukah this winter. If you have children or know children who would like to join the Hebrew School, please do not hesitate to get in touch – the more the merrier!
By Michelle Bock