“Find a teacher, make a friend, and treat everyone with respect.”
~ Pirkei Avot (Sayings of Our Ancestors) 1:6
“Find a teacher, make a friend, and treat everyone with respect.”
~ Pirkei Avot (Sayings of Our Ancestors) 1:6
For detailed grade-level and program-specific information for Pre-K through 8th Grade, click through below.
PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, GRADES 1 & 2
Introduction
Our youngest grades don’t just learn about Judaism – they live it, with the classroom as a laboratory of Jewish experimentation and discovery. Every session incorporates singing, storytelling, and hands-on activities, inspiring our children with the wisdom of our ancestors and building a community of friends and families. Students come to see Emanu-El as a second home, feeling comfortable in our sanctuaries, library, and museum, and they develop relationships with our clergy and Temple staff along the way.
The students join together each week for a 30-minute music session filled with dancing and joy, where they learn catchy songs in Hebrew and English and participate in a short prayer service. Throughout the year, our students will be invited to perform songs they have learned at synagogue services at Temple Emanu-El.
Through class visits to the synagogue’s Stettenheim library, students study (and take home books about) Jewish holidays, Israel, Bible heroes, folktales and Jewish values. The library maintains a collection of more than 15,000 items, including an extensive media collection of recorded books, movies, and music. The children’s book collection serves children from toddlers through teens, as well as their parents.
Parents are invited to explore the library while their children are in Religious School.
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Our Pre-K and kindergarten curriculum is a combined classroom with multiple teachers, so that children in public and private schools can stay together with friends from preschool. The curriculum is cyclical, rotating among topics each year so that returning students will continue to be challenged and exposed to new layers of exploration.
1st and 2nd Grade
Our 1st and 2nd grade students learn in their own classroom, as they expand upon their repertoire of stories and holidays that they have studied in the younger grades. This class serves as a transitional year for the students which prepares them to embark on their formal introduction to prayers and Hebrew.
GRADES 3 & 4
“The Story of our People”
The third- and fourth-grade curriculum is a two-year bible focused curriculum that explores stories from the Hebrew Bible through the values of our text. Through video, drama, and storytelling, students explore ancient stories of our people and examine how challenges faced by our Biblical ancestors mirror those in our own lives today. Students ask themselves if the characters in those stories made the right decisions and if they would do the same had they been in their positions. These texts hold timeless questions, values, and wisdom, and the curriculum gives students the tools they need to be upstanding people within both our Jewish and secular communities. Throughout the third and fourth grade, students learn to challenge one another in a respectful discourse, being open to new ideas while having important discussions
3rd Grade
4th Grade
GRADES 5 & 6
“The hiSTORY of our People”
The fifth and sixth grade curricula teach inspirational and challenging stories from the rich history and adventures of the Jewish people. Exploring Jewish history allows students to discover their sense of identity and encourages them to take pride in the heritage of our people through stories of courage, creativity, and leadership. They are inspired by the great achievements of our people, and the resilience needed to overcome challenges in difficult times. Through their study, they develop a sense of connection to the Jewish people across time and around the world.
Our students learn how Judaism evolved over time by responding to ever changing circumstances, and how the decisions made by individuals in pivotal moments in Jewish history has influenced who we are as Reform Jews today. They learn to take personal responsibility to write the next chapter in the history of the Jewish people.
Fifth Grade has four main units of study:
Sixth Grade has two main units of study:
5th Grade
6th Grade
GRADES 7 & 8
Our 7th & 8th grade learner-centered curriculum dives deep into Mussar (values based learning) by zooming in on our students! Taking into account our whole student’s selves, we use different modalities to teach values across the spectrum (from love to honor, to confidence and wisdom). Following our Mussar class, we explore life through a Jewish lens with chugim! These electives range from Shabbat dinners to Jewish influencers our students are learning from. These chugim rotate on a monthly basis to keep things engaging and joyful.
LEARNING HEBREW
Hebrew (Grades 3 and above):
Hebrew decoding for 3rd grade and above now takes place outside of the classroom via virtual one-on-one tutoring sessions. This model allows students to progress at their own pace, removing the stress of the classroom. Tutors then have the ability to personalize lessons and tailor sessions to the needs of the individual student.
Students are paired up with tutors in a time slot that works best for the family. Many of our tutors can accommodate the special learning needs of our students. Please be sure to share with the Department of Lifelong Learning if your student requires any accommodations.
Our Hebrew curriculum begins with a focus on decoding Hebrew letters for fluency/speed and accuracy. Once students have a grasp on decoding, the curriculum moves into prayer. The program is designed to set our students up for success and can be used in conjunction with B’nei Mitzvah tutoring. There are also opportunities for advanced students to take part in learning modern Hebrew.
One of these opportunities is through participation in our optional Hebrew Chug. Each session, the small group of students participate in a fun approach to speaking Hebrew. The club meets on Sunday mornings from 9-9:30am or on Mondays from 3:30-4pm.
Our Hebrew faculty includes both native speakers and those, like our students themselves, who are products of a Hebrew school education.
TEFILAH (GRADES 3 –6)
An integral part of the Religious School curriculum is Tefilah (Worship). Our goal is for our students to become familiar with the Reform liturgy, to understand the prayers and meanings, and to be able to pray in a variety of Jewish communal settings. Each Religious School session for grades 3-7 includes Tefilah. Students in Kindergarten through Second Grade begin to learn the prayers through their music curriculum. Parents and other adult members of a student’s family always are welcome to join us for Tefilah.
TRIBES (GRADES 3 – 5)
Our added dose of community-building and joy: Tribes! Students in 3rd through 5th grade are divided into three Tribes based on interests and characteristics shared with each Tribe’s biblical namesake: Sarah, Noah, Ruth, and more! Each of The Tribes curriculum is on a three-year rotation; each year is based on a quote from Pirkei Avot, a book of 2,000-year-old Jewish wisdom. Tribes includes Tribal Chiefs and Juniors (teen leaders) and Tribal Elders (Religious School teachers). Empowering our teens as Tribal Leaders of tradition not only sets them as role models for their students and also serves as a deeper connection to their Jewish identity. The best part? Tribes are happening on both Sundays and Mondays!
Successful Jewish learning environments are built upon a culture of excellence, in which the teachers share their expertise and wisdom while the students take responsibility for their own learning and success. Our staff provides a sense of caring and concern that enables our students to support one another and challenge themselves to grow as individuals. For this reason, we model the thoughtfulness and mutual respect that we seek to promote in our students.
Our program involves parents, students and other members of our school community as stakeholders in its success. This means that you play as much of a role in shaping our school’s vision and culture as they influence you. We look forward to being your partners in this great endeavor. To learn more about our program highlights, enrichment and extracurricular activities, click through the list below.
TEFILAH — WORSHIP
An integral part of the Religious School curriculum is Tefilah (Worship). Our goal is for our students to become familiar with the Reform liturgy, to understand the prayers and meanings, and to be able to pray in a variety of Jewish communal settings. Each Religious School session for grades 3-7 includes Tefilah. Students in Kindergarten through Second Grade begin to learn the prayers through their music curriculum. Parents and other adult members of a student’s family always are welcome to join us for Tefilah.
TZEDAKAH
The mitzvah of righteous giving is an integral part of our Religious School program. Our goal is for students to see themselves both as advocates for organizations whose work they value and as young philanthropists. Tzedakah is collected weekly during school. Recipient organizations are chosen by the Student Council. For more information about our tzedakah programs, read “The Case for Tzedakah in Jewish Education.”
TIKKUN OLAM
Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) offers temple members of all ages a wide variety of opportunities to volunteer to help those less fortunate in the community. Information about Tikkun Olam programs can be found on the temple website. Questions should be directed to the Tikkun Olam Committee.
TRIBES
Our added dose of community-building and joy: Tribes! Students in 3rd through 5th grade are divided into three Tribes based on interests and characteristics shared with each Tribe’s biblical namesake: Sarah, Noah, Ruth, and more! Each of The Tribes curriculum is on a three-year rotation; each year is based on a quote from Pirkei Avot, a book of 2,000-year-old Jewish wisdom. Tribes includes Tribal Chiefs and Juniors (teen leaders) and Tribal Elders (Religious School teachers). Empowering our teens as Tribal Leaders of tradition not only sets them as role models for their students and also serves as a deeper connection to their Jewish identity. The best part? Tribes are happening on both Sundays and Mondays!
FAMILY TRIP TO ISRAEL
Join us for a memorable adventure exploring Jewish history from Mount Sinai to Modern Israel. Families will walk through Jewish History from Mount Sinai to the modern state of Israel. Pass through the byways of the Old City of Jerusalem, rappel its ancient walls, and indulge in the diverse culinary delights at Mahane Yehuda. Designed for families with children 7-14 years old, you will have the unique opportunity to celebrate Chanukah in the footsteps of our ancestors. The trip will culminate in a special B’nei Mitzvah celebration, creating lasting memories for all participants. Learn more and register.
There is no place like Emanu-El to start your child’s Jewish journey
Upon the recent occasion of the Religious School’s 10-year anniversary, Director of Lifelong Learning Emeritus Saul Kaiserman and Associate Director Rachel Brumberg talk about what makes this school a special place.
Tribes — an innovative and award-winning program
Younger students learn history and Hebrew through an experiential and value-based program, guided by the school’s older student role-models.
Tzedakah
We’ve been collecting tzedakah at Temple Emanu-El for over 100 years. At the Religious School, we teach our students that a tzedakah box is a tool for kindness and for justice.
Children are the sign that God loves us.
Director of Lifelong Learning Emeritus Saul Kaiserman delivers a sermon at Shabbat Kodesh Family Worship Service on May 18, 2018 in the Fifth Avenue Sanctuary at Temple Emanu-El.
Click the icon above for information.
Registration for Explorers in Fall 2023-24 is now open
Click here to register for Religious School classes at our new Downtown campus (Grades PreK-4th).
Wednesdays | 3:30 – 5:00 PM
(with early drop-in from 2:50 PM)
* Explorers is one day per month.
** Downtown enrollment is only open to new students or returning Downtown students from 2023-2024.
ENTRANCE AND DISMISSAL
The Goldsmith Religious School Building of Congregation Emanu-El is located at 10 East 66th Street. Unless otherwise noted, students enter and leave from this location only.
FLASH PASSES
We require flash passes for all entry and exit from the Religious School Building. Parents who enter and exit to drop off children must use “red” flash passes. Families will receive a sufficient number of “red” flash passes to accommodate any adults who have such permission. We require families to provide on our student registration form the names of any adults who have permission to pick up their children.
Students who are allowed to arrive or leave on their own will receive a “green” flash pass, which must be presented by the students upon arrival and dismissal. We require families to clearly indicate upon enrollment that their children may arrive or exit unaccompanied. If a student’s arrival/dismissal information changes or if parents need additional flash passes, then please contact the Religious School Office.
DAY SWITCHING
To avoid an absence, students may switch temporarily the day they attend in a given week or for longer. Parents should contact the Religious School office to notify us of the day(s) their child will need to switch.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
Michael Witman
Director of Lifelong Learning
(212) 507-9528
Jayme Epstein
Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning
(212) 507-9529
Em Besthoff
Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning
(212) 507-9526
Yael Greene
Program Coordinator for Department of Lifelong Learning (Downtown)
(212) 507-9544
Isabel Robin
Program Coordinator
(212) 507-9546
General Office Contact
(212) 507-9546
www.emanuelnyc.org
FACULTY
We endeavor to build a faculty of distinction, by hiring creative, passionate professionals to be our educators, who model the values and ideas of our Jewish Reform community and inspire a journey of lifelong learning. Through faculty meetings, supervision, evaluation, and professional development opportunities, faculty members will have the opportunity to learn and grow as educators.
APPLICATION AND TUITION
2024-25 Religious School application forms will be available soon. To view current tuition rates visit the registration page. Previously enrolled students should email to receive the link to their personalized, pre-populated registration form if they have not already received it. For more information or to receive a full packet of materials, including the Religious School calendar, email us or call 212-507-9546.
Tuition may be paid at www.emanuelnyc.org/payment. Financial support is available through the Greenberg Scholarship fund.
In order to register a student for Religious School, at least one of the student’s legal guardians must be a member of the congregation. For membership information, call the Membership Department at (212) 507-9519.
Note: Non-members may register their student for our program, for an additional cost but may only attend in person as a non-member for one year, after which the family must join Temple Emanu-El to continue in our school. Only members can schedule a B’nei Mitzvah date. Your child must be continuously enrolled in our Religious School in order to confirm and maintain a date. Learn more about Membership at Temple Emanu-El
Refund Procedures: All dues and fees associated with the Congregation Emanu-El Religious School are nonrefundable.
SECURITY
Strictly enforced at all times.
Please be advised that our security officers have the right to inspect any individual as he or she enters or exits the Marvin and Elisabeth Cassell Community House (One East 65th Street), the Sanctuary (Fifth Avenue and 65th Street), or the Goldsmith Religious School Building (10 East 66th Street).
The Temple Religious School provides security and safety supervision for students arriving or departing by bus or by car, as well as for students arriving by foot at the doors of 10 East 66th Street. The Temple cannot maintain security for those students being dropped off or picked up at any other location.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
School closings – such as in cases of inclement weather conditions – will be communicated to Religious School families via email; please make sure we have your current email address on file. Or, families may call the Religious School office at 212-507-9546. We will also post closing announcements on our website.
CELL PHONES
Students are requested to keep cell phones OFF during Religious School hours. Should you and your child need to make contact, you can reach each other through the Religious School Office: 212-507-9546. If a student needs to make an important call to parents or guardians, they must seek permission from the Religious School Office. If phones become a distraction, teachers or Department of Lifelong Learning staff will collect and return them at the end of the school day.
ATTENDANCE
It is critical that each student attend class on a regular basis in order to learn the material covered throughout the year. Therefore, we expect that students be present every week school is in session.
In the event that a student must miss a session, parents are asked to contact the Religious School office in advance so that we may notify the teacher and arrange for appropriate make-up work as needed. If we are not notified of an absence in advance, then parents should expect a phone call from their child’s teacher to make sure that everything is okay at home.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Our school is one in which all individuals, whether students or staff members, expect to be treated fairly and with respect. All of our students, from youngest to oldest, are participants in the creation of an environment conducive for learning. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful at all times, to cooperate with teachers, and to follow class rules.
In the older grades, students take greater responsibility for setting the classroom norms that allow them to most benefit from each lesson. We expect our students to take their role as stakeholders in the learning experience seriously by arriving ready to fully participate in class each week.
COMMUNICATIONS
We endeavor to keep families informed about all that is going on in the school and our programs for Emanu-El families. The Religious School utilizes email for most communications but also uses postal mail occasionally throughout the year. To remain informed, we ask families to update our office – 212-507-9546 – if their contact information changes.
Join the conversation! Grown-up community chats can be joined via WhatsApp:
Uptown Religious School Families
Downtown Religious School Families
Remind: Temple Emanu-El Religious School uses Remind to notify grown-ups of emergencies and important logistical changes/updates. To join the Remind group, please email Assistant Director, Jayme Epstein.
HEALTH AND LEARNING NEEDS
We aim to support the specific needs of every child in our program, and we strive to create and maintain a healthy environment for all children. If a child has any special health or learning accommodations, then please let us know by speaking with someone in the office or by documenting additional supports on the registration form.
All of our school faculty and administration are trained in CPR and the use of an Epi-Pen. School personnel are not permitted to dispense medication to our students. If your student carries an Epi-Pen, please complete the Epi-Pen emergency form.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost-and-found items are kept in the Religious School office. Students who find an item without identifying information should bring it to the Religious School office. If a student loses something, parents should contact the Religious School Office as soon as possible, and we will make every effort to recover the lost item.
SNACKS AND FOOD
A light snack is provided for all students in the classroom during school and in the Early Room prior the start of school. Students also may bring a small snack from outside, preferably to be eaten prior to the start of the school day. Because of food allergies, we endeavor to keep our building free of nuts and foods containing nut products.
Please note that food and beverages are not permitted in the Lowenstein Auditorium or in the Fifth Avenue Sanctuary. If you would like to further discuss food allergies with the school, please contact – 212-507-9546. If your student carries an Epi-Pen, please complete the Epi-Pen emergency form.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout the year, both in class and at special events, we take photographs of our students and their families. These photographs are used for our end-of-the-year slideshow at our closing assemblies. We also post photographs of school and family activities on sections of the congregational website, on congregational social media channels and in promotional materials.
It is our policy to never identify any children by name in our materials. In cases where Religious School students have earned special recognition or achievement, we will contact parents or guardians for permission before posting an announcement. Parents who do not wish for Congregation Emanu-El to use photographs of their children on our website or in our publicity should please indicate this on their registration form or contact the Religious School Office.
KIPPAH / YARMULKE
Regarding kippot, the Religious School takes its direction from our senior rabbi, Joshua M. Davidson: “The kippah…a custom, not a commandment…instills humility before the Almighty, reminding us of God above.”
We are a Reform Jewish congregation, when it comes to ritual traditions, we support personal choice based on learning, reflection and experimentation. In that spirit, students in our Religious School experiment with the wearing of kippot and other Jewish traditions. Kippot are available for use in our prayer spaces, so that students and parents will have the opportunity to make their own choice about whether to wear one or not each time they enter a prayer service. Students always are welcome to bring their own kippah from home.
B’NEI MITZVAH
We are excited to guide you into deeper engagement with the Jewish tradition, people, and faith as your child studies to become Bar, Bat, or B’nei Mitzvah. In preparation for your family’s ceremony, we have designed a process to make this rite of passage even more meaningful for our students and families. Along this path you will have opportunities for one-to-one meetings with our clergy, and joint learning sessions with other B’nei Mitzvah families. Learn more.
OFFICE HOURS The office is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on Jewish and legal holidays. During summer vacation our office is open: Ideas in Jewish Education and Engagement — The Jewish Federations of North America — November 2018 The Golden Age of Religious School Education — Temple Emanu-El Bulletin — March/April 2018 The Case for Tzedakah in Jewish Education — eJewish Philanthropy — July 2015
Sunday
8:00 AM– 1:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday – Thursday
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Articles by Director of Lifelong Learning Emeritus Saul Kaiserman
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is open!
We are excited to welcome current and new families into our culture of אַהֲבָה-— ahava (love) and הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב — hakarat ha’tov (gratitude) among students, teachers, parents, and community members. Through these Jewish values, we create an environment that promotes kindness, empathy and an appreciation for the many blessings in our lives.
We encourage you to learn more about our curriculum and register today.
Culture At Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School, we are dedicated to creating a culture of אַהֲבָה — ahava (love) and הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב — hakarat ha’tov (gratitude) among students, teachers, parents and community members. Fostering a sense of love and gratitude within our community not only enhances our children’s educational experience, but also strengthens relational bonds, building trust and friendship. Through these Jewish values, we create an environment that promotes kindness, empathy and an appreciation for the many blessings in our lives.
Limmud (Curriculum)
Our curriculum offers students a comprehensive exploration of our Jewish heritage. Through the study of Jewish holidays and rituals, Hebrew language and liturgy, Jewish blessings and values, we create a connection to customs, practices and beliefs that constitute a Jewish life.
We examine our people’s sacred writings, exploring Torah narratives and teachings, the Prophets’ call for justice, and stories reaching from ancient days to contemporary times. Delving into these texts helps our students connect to their people’s past by discovering resonance and parallels in their own lives. We utilize a variety of approaches, including role-play, to help our children understand the challenges faced by biblical ancestors and the importance of striving to make good choices.
We delve into the rich history and adventures of the Jewish people, instilling a sense of identity, pride and inspiration through stories of courage, creativity, and leadership. At the same time, we lift up tikkun olam (repairing the world), emphasizing our role as partners with God in making a positive impact on the world both within and beyond our Jewish community.
Our curriculum highlights seminal events of the 20th century that shape contemporary Jewish identity and experience, including the Holocaust and the foundation of the state of Israel. We approach Israel as a homeland and a modern state, and teach about its diverse population, its promise and its challenges.
Tefilah (Prayer)
Tefilah is an integral part of the Religious School curriculum. Each Religious School session for grades 3 through 7 includes Tefilah. Students in kindergarten through second grade begin to learn the prayers through their music curriculum, and grades 3 through 7 participate in Tefilah almost every week. Among our goals is for students to know Reform liturgy, feel comfortable praying in a variety of Jewish settings, and understand the meaning of traditional prayers. We also want them to connect with each other and with their own sense of spirituality through communal singing and worship.
Once a month we gather together for a schoolwide Tefilah session, led by Temple Emanu-El’s clergy. They are filled with ruach (spirit) and focus on both keva (the fixed text) and kavanah (the intention we bring to the written prayers). Parents, family members and guests are always welcome to join us.
Ivrit (Hebrew)
We teach Hebrew through weekly, personalized, 30-minute, Zoom sessions at times that work well for each family. This approach ensures that every child receives the attention and guidance they need to excel. It also allows us to focus our time in Religious School on creating community, immersing in Jewish culture, and instilling Jewish values. We also integrate Hebrew vocabulary into classroom learning, practice it as a community in Tefila (prayer), and weave it throughout our school experience.
Tribes
Our added dose of community building and joy: Tribes! Students in 3rd through 5th grade are divided into three Tribes based on interests and characteristics shared with each Tribe’s biblical namesake: Sarah, Noah, Ruth, and more! Each of The Tribes curriculum is on a three-year rotation; each year is based on a quote from Pirkei Avot, a book of 2,000-year-old Jewish wisdom. Tribes includes Tribal Chiefs and Juniors (teen leaders) and Tribal Elders (Religious School teachers). Empowering our teens as Tribal Leaders of tradition not only sets them as role models for their students and also serves as a deeper connection to their Jewish identity. The best part? Tribes are happening on both Sundays and Mondays!
Chugim (Electives)
Throughout the year we offer chugim (electives). Chugim play a vital role in our new educational model, providing our children with valuable opportunities to exercise autonomy in their Jewish journey, as they select activities that align with their interests and preferred learning styles. This approach ensures that our students are actively engaged, and helps them integrate their Jewish identity within their full sense of self.
Havdalah (Distinction)
Havdalah is the brief and beautiful ceremony that helps us move from Shabbat into the beginning of the week. We will be using this ceremony at the beginning of each Religious School session to help students transition from the workday world into a sacred time and space of Jewish religion, history and culture. We welcome parents to participate in Havdalah with us, not only to take part in this centering, community ceremony, but also to grow comfortable with this ritual which families can incorporate into their home Jewish practice.
Find out more about Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School Department of Lifelong Learning, including how to enroll and how to contact the Religious School office.
Apply to the Religious School, schedule a visit, learn more about our program, including tuition, and find the forms and information you need.
Check out our exciting, experiential curriculum for students in pre-K through high school and how to you can become a part of our Religious School community.
Our parents play a vital role in our School community, modeling the values we want to instill in our children and the lives we want them to lead. We know many parents in our community want to participate in the Jewish education of their children but also have busy schedules that can make it difficult to free up time during the workday. That’s why we are creating accessible moments that will enable parents to take part in their children’s Jewish learning. Join us for Havdalah and Tefilah while school is in session. We look forward to welcoming you to Shabbat dinners and community-wide holiday programming all year long.
Join us for a memorable adventure exploring Jewish history from Mount Sinai to Modern Israel. Families will walk through Jewish History from Mount Sinai to the modern state of Israel. Designed for families with children 7-14 years old, you will have the unique opportunity to celebrate Chanukah in the footsteps of our ancestors. The trip will culminate in a special B’nei Mitzvah celebration, creating lasting memories for all participants. Learn more and register.
an A to Z guide
2020 Edition
Cantor Mo’s music playlist.
Where our school and our parents connect.
A window into our vibrant Religious School community.
Services, Videos, and Much More!
Check out these exciting events coming up!
