Prospective Families


Our Program at a Glance

  • Temple Emanu-El Religious School takes place one day a week in person at One East 65th Street:
    • Sunday morning from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
    • Monday afternoon from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
    • Wednesday afternoon at Emanu-El Downtown, our satellite location in Chelsea from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM 
  • For the first year, Temple membership is optional.
  • Scholarships are available; no family is turned away due to financial need.
  • Through our inclusive curriculum, and partnership with our inclusion coordinator, we support neurodiversity and learning differences.
  • We build leadership skills and foster community through unique programs such as Tribes, Explorers (a monthly taste of Religious School for those getting to know us) and A-TEEM (our religious school madrichim).
  • We offer Chugim (electives) that align to your child’s interests and learning style.
  • Enrollment includes one-on-one online Hebrew language instruction at your convenience.
  • Special invitations to immersive trips. Learn more.
  • For tuition rates and additional details about our program, we encourage you to learn more.

Dear Prospective Family,

As we prepare for a new school year at Temple Emanu-El, I am filled with joy and anticipation. It is a blessing to witness the energy, curiosity, and heart that our students and their families bring to our community.

We continue to grow a culture of אַהֲבָה (ahavah, love) and הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב (hakarat ha’tov, gratitude). These core values shape our curriculum, guide our relationships, and nurture a sense of belonging for every child and every family. We strive to break down every barrier by creating a truly open tent and a customized experience rooted in joy, love, and meaningful connection.

At Temple Emanu-El, we recognize that families today are busier than ever and know that your child’s b’nai mitzvah is on your mind. That’s why we believe in meeting families where they are. We offer flexible learning pathways and personalized models that align with your family’s schedule, while upholding the highest standards of Jewish learning. Our goal is to ensure that your child can engage in an enriching Jewish education that fits into your family’s calendar and is financially accessible.

Our Religious School is more than a place of education; it is a kehillah, a sacred community where children and adults learn, celebrate, and grow together. We engage the whole family in the experience inviting parents to model Jewish life, share values, and bring Judaism into the home in ways that are personal, authentic, and filled with purpose.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught, “Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.” We take this to heart. Whether through electives, holiday celebrations, or Family Shabbat, we create moments of joy that connect our students to the beauty of Jewish life and inspire them to live proudly as Jews.

Together, let’s raise children who love learning, wrestle with Torah, are in relationship with Israel, pursue justice, and embody Jewish values. We look forward to continuing to build a vibrant, inclusive community where every learner is nurtured, challenged, and inspired, together with your family.

Whether you’re exploring our school for the first time or getting to know our congregation, we are excited to welcome you.

Mike Witman
Director of Lifelong Learning