Elementary (grades 3-5)

Elementary (Grades 3-5)

Our mission is to provide an engaging, interactive, enjoyable introduction to synagogue involvement, developing a positive foundation for Jewish education, to nurture friendships among children as they engage in activities, and enriching experiences that foster involvement in Jewish life within their families, the community, and throughout the world.

Weekly Shabbat Morning Services: Weekly on Shabbat and holidays, at 11:00 am, Mini-Congo and Junior Congregation engage our Third, Fourth and Fifth graders in an interactive child-friendly service. These prayer experiences provide opportunities for spiritual and social growth and discovery into insights from our weekly Torah portion. Stories, games, and drama are used as educational tools.  Refreshments are served.

Family Shabbat Services: Monthly on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 am, families come together in our chapel to pray, learn and share the Shabbat experience. This program is designed to engage families in discussions that could foster deep Jewish family memories. Led by Susan Werk and Religious School staff.

Chalutzim (Youth Group) (Pioneers): Many of our youngsters attend different schools, and live in many neighborhoods. These activities provide a venue where Jewish friendships can be nurtured while performing acts of kindness, experiencing a trip or even learning a magic trick! Chalutzim is a social group for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders. Six to seven times during the year, programs and trips are designed to foster friendships among youngsters. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact Tammy Epstein.

Torah Reading Team:  Twice a month on Saturday mornings, at 10:15 am, participants learn the basic Torah trope (cantillation symbols) and how to read Torah. Students voluntarily take a verse (or more) and work with teenagers and staff members to learn their assigned reading, which will be chanted later at a Junior Congregation service. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact Nancy Caplan.

Tov M’od Choir: Weekly on Sundays, at 11:30 am, Cantor Joel Caplan leads our 2-6th graders in this program designed to nurture the children who participate and share a love of Jewish music and of singing with a group. The choir performs in local nursing homes, at community gatherings, and at Shabbat services.

If you have any questions regarding these programs please contact our Education Department.