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Dear Parents and Students,
I am pleased and excited to welcome you to 5767 at Sinai Temple Religious
School. The programs, the staff and the ruach (spirit) are all in place
for you and your children to participate in a wonderful, engaging, learning
environment where being Jewish comes alive.
In this booklet you will find information regarding the goals, programs,
and policies that have been developed to make the learning environment
a safe and beneficial one. All we need to make it complete is you!
Along with Rabbi Shapiro, Cantor Mekler, the Religious School Committee
and the entire teaching staff, I bid you welcome to a wonderful year.
Shalom and Shana Tova!
Sheila
Sheila Shear
Director of Education
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL COMMITTEE
| Robin Dunn-McDonagh, Chair | Susie Awad |
| Richard Black | Jeffrey Cossin |
| Joseph Dow | Karen Locke |
| Jennifer Metsch | Joan Miller |
| Susanne Simon | Joel Solomon |
| Mark Stone | Gloria Wald |
Table of Contents:
- Religious School Philosophy
- Our Goals
- Sunday School Schedule
- Tuesday/Thursday Hebrew School Schedule
- Pre-Confirmation and Confirmation Class Schedule
- Policies and Procedures:
- B'nai Mitzvah
- Dressing up for Temple
- Other Important Information
- What are we going to learn in Religious School?
- What are we going to learn in Hebrew School?
- Special Programs
Religious School Philosophy
The Sinai Temple Religious School is designed to help families provide
a Jewish Education for their children and growth as a family. We seek
to nurture in our students a positive, active, committed, knowledgeable
Jewish identity. As a Reform Jewish institution, we seek to enable our
students by helping them acquire knowledge and skills to discover their
own path to authentic relationships with God, Torah and the Jewish people.
We believe that the Jewish religious tradition offers a worldview, a
set of values and a way of life that can provide an enormously precious
anchor in the midst of a turbulent and rapidly changing world.
- To develop a sense of community within the religious school and connection to the congregation
- To provide opportunities to explore and develop a personal relation with God.
- To help students develop a commitment to living Jewishly.
- To make a connection between Jewish moral values and actions that contribute to tikkun olam - repair of the world.
- To impart a basic foundation of Jewish literacy that allows students to participate fully in Jewish spiritual and communal practice.
SUNDAYS
Kindergarten – Grade 4
9:00 – 11:00Grades 5-7
11:15 – 1:00
Prerequisite B'Nai Mitzvah
Siddur Class 10:15 – 11:00
Tuesday and Thursday Hebrew Classes
Grades 3-6
3 :30 – 5:00
Grade 7 Simchat Sheva
Tuesday only 5:00- 6:30
Grades 8
Tuesday 6:30 ñ 8:30Wednesday
Grade 9
6:30-8:00
Grade 10 Confirmation
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:00
Policies and Procedures
These policies are designed to assist in providing a positive learning
and teaching experience.
ATTENDANCE:
It is of great importance that students are in attendance when school is in session. With the intent of encouraging the success of all of our students, the Religious School Committee has adopted the following policy regarding absence and early dismissal of students from all classes.
In order for a student to progress effectively and be prepared for the following
class, a student who misses a class, will be sent a brief outline of the content
covered in class, and, a reading and/or written assignment that is reflective
of the content missed. A student who is dismissed within the first 90 minutes
of 2 hr. classes or the first 60 minutes of 90 minute classes may also need to
complete an assignment.
An assignment should be completed as soon as possible after it is received. Space
is provided for a parent to acknowledge their awareness of the assignment. The
acknowledgement should be returned to the student's teacher at the next
class session.
We recognize that children have busy lives and engage in many activities, Religious and Hebrew School being one or two of them respectively. Because of the limited time we have to teach, a great deal of work is done in each session. When a student misses school he/she is missing the information to progress effectively and to feel competent to participate in class.
We endeavor to make a student's time spent in Religious and Hebrew School worthwhile. The best chance for your child to be successful is to view his/her time here as a serious commitment. Your support in encouraging this attitude is greatly appreciated.
Any food used for any purpose in Sinai Temple Religious School must be considerate of the needs of all students in our school. Please send snack (when appropriate) for your child only.
We understand that our weekday Hebrew students sometimes come directly from school to Sinai Temple and do not have time to go home for a snack. If this is the case, please keep in mind the following: Please limit snacks to dry snacks only. Water is available to drink. Snacks may be eaten during the first 10 minutes of class only. Please keep this in mind when providing snack for your child. Students who may arrive late are requested to have had snack prior to their arrival.
Snacks are not a regular event during classes on Sunday. Food may be utilized occasionally for special programs, and may be integrated, with discretion, into specific curriculum and class procedures that will be enhanced by its use. You will receive notification from your child's teacher prior to this occurring. Food items used for reward will be given at the end of class only and will be sent home with children.
We realize that students have demanding schedules. While teachers limit the amount of homework students receive, assignments may be necessary. This is particularly true for the acquisition of Hebrew. Hebrew School students should spend 10 minutes each night, completing homework assignments, reviewing or reading. A homework log will be given to your child so that you may sign it. Please sign it when your child has performed any of these tasks. Parent interest goes a long way to encourage student participation. If you have any questions or concerns about homework, please contact the teacher or the Director of Education.
Should it be necessary to cancel school due to inclement weather, we will notify radio stations WHYN and WMAS and Television stations WGGB 40 and WWLP 22. If Longmeadow Public Schools are closed, there will be no Hebrew School. Please remember you can always call Sinai Temple for information.
School tuition covers many different things. For all grades, it covers the books and materials the students use. Seventh through tenth grade tuition includes the cost of dinner and snacks and partially covers the cost of trips. However, tuition only pays for part of your child's education. Funds from the Temple, the Jewish Federation, as well as fundraisers and grants pay the remaining costs. In order to meet our obligations on time, it is necessary for families to pay the tuition on time.
Fifty percent of tuition should be paid by October 1, 2005. Full payment should be made by February 3, 2006. A prerequisite for enrollment in the current year's Religious and Hebrew School is the clearing of any outstanding debt. Scholarships are available in limited quantity. Please call the temple office to request a scholarship application. All scholarship application must be compete and returned to the Religious School office no later than the end of October. Please note that the prior year's dues must be paid in full in order for your child to attend Religious School. If this is an issue, please contact the temple office to discuss dues abatement. We do not want any child to be deprived of a Jewish education.
Registration is a crucial process in the religious school functioning. It is used to set up classes and has a direct impact on teachers being re-hired or hired as well as ordering books and materials. A large number of late registrations make it difficult for us to plan and uses up a great deal of administrative time trying to determine correct enrollment. We don't want parents and children to miss important information because they are not registered. Save $25.00 late fee by registering on time and more importantly, help us out!
We at Sinai temple recognize that all children want to be accepted and valued and behave in a manner acceptable to those around them. To encourage appropriate behavior, the professional staff models and positively acknowledges acceptable behavior.
The standards that have been established for appropriate student behavior include the expectations that:
- Students behave in a respectful manner to those with whom they interact, including teachers, other students, temple members, and visitors to the building; (ìRespectfulî is defined as, listening to others when they are speaking, responding to others in an acceptable tone and with an acceptable attitude, and carefully considering the viewpoints, thoughts and feelings of others before responding)
- Students demonstrate respect for the rights and property of others by not damaging any property belonging to the temple, teachers, or other students and by returning all items to their proper location when finished using them.
- Students attend class regularly. Please see the attendance policy for information regarding absences.
- Students come to class prepared to participate in all classroom activities and having completed assignments as directed
A Word About Discipline
We work to make classes engaging, interesting and developmentally appropriate for the students attending Sinai Temple's educational programs, thereby reducing the need for disciplinary intervention.
Most incidents involving inappropriate behavior can be rectified with minimum intervention by redirecting the student's energy to the established task at hand. Occasionally, greater intervention may be necessary and the teacher will, in addition to redirecting his/her behavior, speak to the child regarding the inappropriateness of the behavior. On occasion administrative intervention may become necessary. Should this happen, the Director of Education will speak to the child in an effort to resolve the issues causing the behavior. If these efforts are unsuccessful, and a student's behavior interferes with the learning of others or in some way jeopardizes the learning environment or safety of the classroom, parents will be called and required to pick their child up early. Upon return, the student must demonstrate that his/her behavior will no longer interfere with the learning or safety of others.
Parents will be kept informed of any behavioral concerns the staff may have, and teaching staff and administration will work cooperatively to resolve any concerns.
Education Requirements for Becoming A Bar/Bat Mitzvah
The Board of Trustees passed the following resolution at its meeting on December 16, 2004. The resolution originated with the Ritual Committee as a result of some concern about the way in which some congregants have been dressed during Shabbat Services.
Although a Jew can pray anywhere or any time on his or her own, there is something special about praying in a community setting. Although services at Sinai Temple are not overly formal, there is something holy about what we do in the sanctuary. That is what the Ritual Committee and the Board of Trustees believe that dressing appropriately for services is important. In particular, we believe that anyone who participates in a service by coming up to the bimah should be aware of the following:
1. Wearing skirts that are more than several inches above the knee is also inappropriate.
2. Girls exposing the midriff is not appropriate for the bimah.
3. Boys will want to remember that when they are on the bimah, their shirts should be tucked in.
In general, Sinai Temple recommends that children who participate in services or come up onto the bimah should dress the way they would dress for a public school concert.
Modesty and respectful dress is always appropriate.
Other Important Information
t is our hope that communication between teachers and parents will be on-going. We encourage our teachers to be in touch with you, both about the class and about your child, through the mail and by telephone or e-mail. At the beginning of the school year, teachers will send home a letter of introduction which includes their telephone number and other ways to be in touch. (Please do not call teachers or the Director of Education on Shabbat). Written progress reports will be sent home in the winter and the spring. If there is an important occurrence in your child's life (family illness, birth of a child, etc.), it would be helpful to us and to your child if we are notified. These types of occurrences may effect your child's functioning in school and we want to be of assistance if we can. Should you have concern about your child's progress, please speak with the teacher or the Director of Education. The earlier we can identify and discuss any problems, the more likely we are to be able to find a constructive and successful solution. In other words, even if your concern is over something small, call! Better to deal with the concern when it is still small. Of course, it is also wonderful to hear from parents who have positive feedback to offer!
We want all students to have a positive Jewish education and to part of the classroom and synagogue community to the greatest extent possible. To that end, please notify us at the beginning of the year about any learning disabilities or other special needs to which we should be sensitive. For students with special needs, it is most helpful for parents (and the student as applicable) to talk about specific needs. Any written evaluations are also helpful. The information is then shared with the teacher (with permission of the parents) either through the Director of Education or in a meeting with the parents. We know that this can sometimes be difficult. Please be assured that all information is kept strictly confidential. To the extent that we are able, we try to provide students with additional materials and personnel to assist them in the classroom.
The mitzvah of tzedakah (righteous giving) is an important part of understanding Jewish values and putting them into action. During the course of the year the school will embark on several projects. We hope that each student will bring a small amount of tzedakah every week. Taken together, the school as a whole can raise a great amount of money for the sake of important projects around the world.
Help us feed the hungry
You can't miss it! Every time you enter the Temple, you see the box for THE OPEN PANTRY on the floor outside the Temple office. Sometimes the box is full; sometimes it's fairly empty. But every week the Open Pantry truck comes by to scoop up whatever the box contains and take it back to the Open Pantry.
You can help keep the box full. Here's how. Whenever you go shopping, buy an extra non-perishable food item. Then whenever you come to the Temple, bring along your food item and drop it in the box. If you're coming to a meeting or services, if you've got business in the office, if your child is coming to Religious School, start a new MITZVAH HABIT. Bring some food along and place it in the box for the OPEN PANTRY.
RELIGIOUS PROGRAM
K-3
The beginning of religious education is a time for building children’s Jewish identity and connection to Jewish holidays, values, culture and Torah. It is important that the children and their parents feel that Jewish tradition belongs to them. It is an opportune time to tap into children’s natural and open sense of spirituality. By presenting the curriculum in an interactive manner, the foundation is set for their subsequent Jewish education.
KINDERGARTEN:
The class will be introduced to and become familiar with Jewish holidays and related symbols, customs, rituals blessings and observances. Students will also begin to think about God’s role and what that means. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of each month and the K/1 PACT (Parents and children together) family program.
GRADE 1:
In grade 1 students are encouraged to develop their connection to Sinai Temple. They continue their exploration of Jewish holidays. Through Torah stories they can explore the personalities and values of the Torah and make connections to their own lives. Students will begin their study of the Hebrew alphabet, the alef-bet. Students continue to explore their relationship with God. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services on the first Friday of each month, plus a K/1 PACT (Parents and children together) family program.
GRADE 2:
Second Graders go to Israel! They will explore the geography, people and sites that make Israel so special. There will be a special focus on Jerusalem. Their Hebrew Learning becomes a little more formal with the use of a pre-primer. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of each month, PACT (Parents and children together) family program.
GRADE 3:
Torah is the foundation of the grade 3 curriculum. Students are encouraged to raise questions and issues as they examine Torah stories for meaning. They even create their own commentaries. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of every month and PACT (Parents and children together) family program.
GRADE 4:
What happens after the Torah and Moses? Prophets and Kings. Students see what happens to the Jewish people in this part of our story. They will examine how they can impact the world in the style of the prophets. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of the month and PACT (Parents and children together) family program.
GRADE 5:
What are the special practices that mark the Jewish Life cycle? Students will examine traditional as well as new practices. “To Learn is to Do” students will examine the ethics and actions that lead to tikkun olam - the repair of the world. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Fifth grade students are encouraged to attend the Kabbalat Shabbat Services on the second Friday of the month at 6:00 preceded by an Oneg at 5:30,as well as PACT (Parents and Children Together) family programs.
GRADE 6:
Students will examine Jewish history from the perspective of problem solving and decision making as they examine how the Jewish community was impacted by historical events. A major focus will be placed on how the issues of the course relate to their lives. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: A special Shabbat service created by the students that is presented in the spring and PACT (Parents and children together) family program devoted to Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Sixth grade students are also encouraged to attend the Kabbalat Shabbat Services on the second Friday of the month at 6:00 preceded by an Oneg at 5:30. Also, the Grade 6 Retreat which focuses on what it means to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
GRADE 7:
Students re-examine Torah with an emphasis on values and mitzvot. Their other unit of study is the Holocaust with an emphasis on social responsibility, peer pressure and decisions that still impact us today.
GRADE 8:
Students in grade 8 will experience Judaism in a real and meaningful way. The first part of the year students will examine how they fit into the Jewish community, locating themselves in the Jewish world and why it matters. During the second part of the 8th grade year students will engage in Spark Heart Action, a program linking community service with Jewish values. New family programming will also be part of this exciting year.
Students will examine vital contemporary issues affecting their daily lives, from a Jewish perspective. Sacred Choices supports teens in making good choices regarding sex, dating, drugs, healthy relationships and other important social issues. During the second semester students will examine contemporary political issues concerning them as Jews and as Americans. The second semester will culminate in a spring trip to the Religious Action Center in Washington D.C. A wonderful and exciting year!
CONFIRMATION:
Students spend the tenth grade learning with the Rabbi, exploring Torah, delving into important contemporary Jewish issues and examining their own Jewish identity.
The Hebrew Program (click link)
BAGELS AND BLOCKS: Do you have a 3 or 4 year old? Bagels and blocks is specially designed for 3 and 4 year olds and their parents. It meets 4-5 times/year for music, activities, games and crafts related to Jewish holidays.
TOT SHABBAT: A special Shabbat Service for your 2-4 year old. Tot Shabbat occurs 4 times during the year at a special early time. The very brief service is at 6:00 p.m. followed by challah, juice and sometimes a special treat!
MUSIC: Grades K-4 enjoy music on a regularly scheduled basis with the Cantor. They learn songs related to their curriculum, holidays and music to share during services. There may be additional rehearsals for special presentations.
JUNIOR CHOIR: Boys and girls in grades 1-4 are encouraged to join Junior Choir. They learn new Jewish songs and assist the Cantor at Family Services. The choir rehearses every Sunday from 11:00-11:45. The students sing monthly at Family Services and on special occasions at Sinai and in the community.
FAMILY SERVICES: Family services are held the first Friday of the month at 7:00. Different grades often lead or participate in the services during the year. Attendance and participation in services provides an opportunity for us to apply the lessons we study in class. We ask all religious school families to attend services once per month.
CLUB ALEF BET: Grade 1 and 2 students have a special social opportunity with extra activities after religious school. Special mailings will be sent out to these students.
CLUB GIMMEL DALET: Grade 3 and 4 students are invited to their own social opportunities after religious school. Mailing will let you know more.
GRADE 6 RETREAT: This is a special opportunity for Grade 6 students to spend the weekend away getting to know each other and exploring what it means to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in an informal educational setting.
CLUB HEY VAV: Grade 5 and 6 students are invited to participate in social activities scheduled on various dates throughout the school year. Watch your mail for details!
JOY - Our Junior Youth Group is for students in grades 7 and 8. SPFTY is our Senior Youth Group. Both groups have an active calendar throughout the school year. These activities provide opportunities for informal Jewish learning and friendship with students from throughout the region.
PACT: ìParents and Children Togetherî is our family education program. It is offered in grades K-7. Parents and children learn together, increasing the understanding and involvement in the school curriculum
SHABBAT PROGRAMS: Each grade level is invited to participate in special Shabbat programming during the year. Programs are varied, and include events such as Shabbat dinners, Shabbat morning programs, and Havdalah programs. The dinners usually precede a Family Service. The food is provided by the Temple and our hope is to share Shabbat with each other.
SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE 5766 THEY BEST YEAR EVER
Make sure that your child attends school regularly and on time.
Become familiar and involved with your child’s Jewish learning.
Encourage your child to behave appropriately in class.
Model Jewish living and learning for your child by celebrating Shabbat and holidays at home and at the synagogue, attend family services, be part of the PACT program. Do some studying for your own learning.
Encourage your child to tell you what he or she has studied by asking questions that require more than a yes/no answer. Send the message that Jewish education is important to you.
Be in touch with your child’s teachers.
V’shinantam l’vanecha - Teach the tradition diligently to your children so that they may in turn teach it diligently to theirs. At Sinai Temple we take this charge to heart. We look forward to an association with parents and children that helps children to develop a strong sense of Jewish identity and a foundation of learning that enables them to make Judaism a part of their lives so they will indeed pass their heritage on to others.