Our Religious School
Temple Aliyah’s Religious School is committed to providing a comprehensive Conservative Jewish education in a positive, inclusive and creative environment. In addition to instructing students in the practice of mitzvot, our educational objectives include a sound knowledge of Hebrew and studies in prayer, Torah, history, customs, literature and tradition. This education reflects and transmits Jewish values with the goal of teaching our children to be active participants in all aspects of Jewish life. We strive to create a next generation of lifelong learners who are eager to remain connected to their synagogue, their community, Israel and other Jews throughout the world.
At each level of the Religious School curriculum, students build on previous knowledge and experiences. The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of essential Jewish knowledge, ritual skills, and Hebrew literacy.
2011- 2012 School Year Information
2011-2012 School Calendar*
Weekly School Email
Please note that the last day of school is June 6, 2012
*Due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, the school calendar is subject to change. The weekly school emails will have the latest calendar information.
2011-2012 PRE-REGISTRATION. READ ABOUT PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE TEMPLE ALIYAH RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND DOWNLOAD THE PRE-REGISTRATION FORM.
The Parent Handbook may answer many of your questions about our Religious School. To learn more, please send an e-mail to Jennifer Rudin or contact her through the Temple Office at (781) 444-8522. To reach our School Administrative Assistant, Caroline Nudelman, please send her an e-mail or call the Temple Office.
Special School Programs
Temple Aliyah’s Religious School is a place of learning and also a place to make Jewish friends and have fun. To accomplish that, we offer a number of special programs for students that extend their Jewish education beyond classroom learning:
Yom Camp
Grades K-7 come together at the same time (9:30 am-12:30 pm) on a Sunday in January for group activities. Students are assigned to “bunks” for the camp-like activities, which include a “color war” and lunch. Hebrew signs and camp tee-shirts add to the fun.
Our 2012 Yom Camp takes place on Sunday, January 29. All students in grades K-7 are invited to participate. Camp check in is at 9:30 am in the Social Hall. Activities are from 10:00-Noon. Picnic Lunch from Noon-12:30. Pick-Up is at 12:30 pm. If you do not attend TA Religious School and wish to participate, please RSVP no later than Thursday January 26.
Creative Arts
Every grade has the opportunity to sing with Cantor Bogomolni on a regular basis. The Cantor teaches them songs about holidays, Jewish life and Israel. All students in grades Bet and above will participate in an on-site workshop where they make ceramic ritual objects to use and treasure.
Shabbat and Holiday Youth Services
On most Shabbat mornings during the school year, we have a full program of age-appropriate services for preschoolers and school aged children. We offer three youth services from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME. (Check the calendar for the most up to date youth service schedule.)
Each of the three services offers a significantly different davening experience for children. We invite each family to select the service that best meets their child’s learning needs.
Swing, Sway, Dance & Pray Family Shabbat Experience (Room 16)
Ms. Stein, our Hebrew College Intern, leads an active Shabbat experience for students in the primary grades, accompanied by an adult. This service engages the imaginative minds and active bodies of young daveners through multi-sensory prayer experiences, songs, stories and activities. The service concludes with a mini-Kiddush.
Davening through Storytelling, Drama and Discussion (Room 18)
Mr. Lichtman leads a service that features a new siddur, Siddur Kol Ha-Noar (Voices of Children), and combines prayer, storytelling, creative dramatics and discussion. In this service the emerging curiosity, developing ability to engage in conceptual conversations, and expanding attention span of elementary students allow for a more in-depth exploration of the Shabbat morning liturgy.
Mature Student Daveners (Chapel)
Mr. Edelglass, Assistant Director of Camp Ramah New England, combines the ruach of Shabbat at Jewish overnight camp with dynamic discussions based on the parasha hashavuah (weekly Torah portion) and interactive games. This services engages maturing students in developing prayer leadership skills, in thinking critically about ethical questions and in creating their own davening community. (Check out the video interview with Josh.) Parents are welcome to join their children at any of these services. Whether or not a youth service is scheduled, children are warmly invited to come to synagogue on Shabbat mornings with their parents and to participate and sing along in our dynamic and energetic regular worship service.
Meeting Individual Needs
Temple Aliyah’s Religious School is an inclusive environment, where students with a variety of abilities, learning styles and needs can access a dynamic and engaging Jewish educational experience in an environment that is respectful and supportive of individual differences. If a student has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or receives any accommodation in s public school we ask that you share this information with the Director of Education so that we can work with you and the classroom teacher to make any necessary accommodations for your child.
Needham educator Marion Green taught Hebrew reading in our school for many years. All of our educators are trained in Marion Green’s pneumonicher mnemonic system for teaching Hebrew reading. Although originally designed specifically for students with reading challenges, we believe that all students benefit from Marion’s program. Additionally, our educators are trained in The Responsive Classroom Behavior Management Program, the same program used in the Needham Public Schools. This is helpful to students as behavioral expectations, classroom routines and norms of social interactions at public school and religious school share a common language.
Many of our classrooms have a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher, Teaching Aide or Madrich (teen assistant). Having two teachers in a classroom allows for individualization of assignments, small group instruction and more personal attention for each student. In addition, this means that students do not need to be taken out of their classroom to receive academic or social support. Instead, our goal is to meet the needs of each student within the classroom environment. For further information, please send an e-mail to Jennifer Rudin or contact her through the Temple office at (781) 444-8522.
Day School Students
Our congregation has over 60 students at area Jewish day schools. We invite these students and their families to participate in our many family and holiday offerings. Of special interest are: Family Education programs in the 6th and 7th grades, the bar/bat mitzvah preparation program, the 7th grade mitzvah curriculum, Shabbat Youth Services, including the monthly Shabbat Haverim, the youth groups, and community offerings.