The Tzedek School
- A Unique Vision of Jewish Education
Greetings!
We've been incredibly pleased with the responses we have received thus far regarding the launching of The Tzedek School. The building of a learning community is a very special undertaking and we look forward to offering a Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies program that is responsive to the needs of our community. A number of questions have come up repeatedly and we believe the answers are worth sharing with all prospective families.
If your haven't found the answers to your questions here, we encourage you to contact us directly at [email protected].
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My son has never been to Hebrew School. Will he be able to catch up to his grade level in Hebrew language studies?
A: As a new school, we expect to have students entering from many various backgrounds. Students will be placed in Hebrew language sessions according to ability and proficiency, and come together with their grade level peers for the Jewish studies part of the program.
Q: If I send my child to The Tzedek School, do I still need to join a synagogue?
A: Absolutely... if you want to do so! This is about choice. At The Tzedek School we encourage our families to paricipate in all forms of Jewish expression and Jewish life. We are offering a school for the intellectual study of Hebrew language and Jewish Heritage. Prayer, as an expression of Jewish values will be part of our school experience. Therefore, in our desire to create a school communtiy of like-minded Jewish learners and to help students give real expression to their learning, The Tzedek school will celebrate a number of Jewish Holidays and Shabbats in a family-centered, non-denominational chevruta (peer-lead) service. The Tzedek School does not offer daily minyan services or weekly shabbat services. If you desire a full array of ritual participation, please join a synagogue of your choice. With your children enrolled in The Tzedek School, you have the opportunity to join a synagogue that fulfills your religious and spiritual needs without being bound to a less-than satisfactory Religious School. Please see the calendar for the 2011-2012 celebration schedule.
Q:If my child is in The Tzedek School, what happens with Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration?
A: Not all families who are interested in Jewish education are interested in Jewish ritual celebration. For those of you who are interested in celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvah, The Tzedek School offers a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Explorations Program starting in 5th grade. This optional program meets weekly, in addition to Sunday School. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for full participation in synagogue services, including Torah and Haftarah chanting.
If you desire a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, you have various options. You may arrange to join a synagogue of your choosing BEFORE YOUR CHILD'S BAR/BAT-MITZVAH and schedule a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date your synagogue. While most synagogues require that Bar/Bat Mitzvah children receive Religious School training, families are free to choose any school that meets their personal educational goals for their children. Another option for celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a private ceremony held in a reserved venue, i.e. social hall, hotel, private home. If you are interested in pursuing that option, the Tzedek School can help you create and run a personal celebration.
Q: "The program sounds great, but it is too late for me. My son/daughter is already a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and really hated Religious School."
A: Mazal Tov on your simcha! But it is never too late. Quite the opposite. If your child enjoyed his or her religious school experience, s/he would choose to go on to Hebrew High School! If they did not enjoy the experience, don't give up now! This is the most crucial time for developing adult identity. We offer a program for Middle and High School students that is intellectually challenging, developmentally appropriate and intended to turn your child onto the richness of Judaism.
Q: Is The Tzedek School a religious school? Is it identified with any particular movement?
A: The Tzedek School is more than just a religious school. Judaism is an ancient religion, culture and social construct whose role in the modern world continues to be paramount. Within the canon of Jewish literature and Jewish philosophy, there is a broad range of practices, beliefs and interpretations. The Tzedek School is based on the principle that the value of Judaism is embedded in her moral and social code. We believe that students who are knowledgeable about Jewish history, Jewish literature and Jewish heritage, free from the structures of any particular ideological movement,will be able to make informed personal choices about the roles God and ritual will play in their lives.
Q: How can I learn more about The Tzedek School?
A: We would love to share more with you about The Tzedek School. Contact us at [email protected], or call 862-264-9785 to speak with the Director.
I look forward to continue hearing your thoughts and ideas and am happy to answer any questions that may arise.
Sincerely,
Helena Hadef
Director, The Tzedek School
We've been incredibly pleased with the responses we have received thus far regarding the launching of The Tzedek School. The building of a learning community is a very special undertaking and we look forward to offering a Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies program that is responsive to the needs of our community. A number of questions have come up repeatedly and we believe the answers are worth sharing with all prospective families.
If your haven't found the answers to your questions here, we encourage you to contact us directly at [email protected].
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My son has never been to Hebrew School. Will he be able to catch up to his grade level in Hebrew language studies?
A: As a new school, we expect to have students entering from many various backgrounds. Students will be placed in Hebrew language sessions according to ability and proficiency, and come together with their grade level peers for the Jewish studies part of the program.
Q: If I send my child to The Tzedek School, do I still need to join a synagogue?
A: Absolutely... if you want to do so! This is about choice. At The Tzedek School we encourage our families to paricipate in all forms of Jewish expression and Jewish life. We are offering a school for the intellectual study of Hebrew language and Jewish Heritage. Prayer, as an expression of Jewish values will be part of our school experience. Therefore, in our desire to create a school communtiy of like-minded Jewish learners and to help students give real expression to their learning, The Tzedek school will celebrate a number of Jewish Holidays and Shabbats in a family-centered, non-denominational chevruta (peer-lead) service. The Tzedek School does not offer daily minyan services or weekly shabbat services. If you desire a full array of ritual participation, please join a synagogue of your choice. With your children enrolled in The Tzedek School, you have the opportunity to join a synagogue that fulfills your religious and spiritual needs without being bound to a less-than satisfactory Religious School. Please see the calendar for the 2011-2012 celebration schedule.
Q:If my child is in The Tzedek School, what happens with Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration?
A: Not all families who are interested in Jewish education are interested in Jewish ritual celebration. For those of you who are interested in celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvah, The Tzedek School offers a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Explorations Program starting in 5th grade. This optional program meets weekly, in addition to Sunday School. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for full participation in synagogue services, including Torah and Haftarah chanting.
If you desire a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, you have various options. You may arrange to join a synagogue of your choosing BEFORE YOUR CHILD'S BAR/BAT-MITZVAH and schedule a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date your synagogue. While most synagogues require that Bar/Bat Mitzvah children receive Religious School training, families are free to choose any school that meets their personal educational goals for their children. Another option for celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a private ceremony held in a reserved venue, i.e. social hall, hotel, private home. If you are interested in pursuing that option, the Tzedek School can help you create and run a personal celebration.
Q: "The program sounds great, but it is too late for me. My son/daughter is already a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and really hated Religious School."
A: Mazal Tov on your simcha! But it is never too late. Quite the opposite. If your child enjoyed his or her religious school experience, s/he would choose to go on to Hebrew High School! If they did not enjoy the experience, don't give up now! This is the most crucial time for developing adult identity. We offer a program for Middle and High School students that is intellectually challenging, developmentally appropriate and intended to turn your child onto the richness of Judaism.
Q: Is The Tzedek School a religious school? Is it identified with any particular movement?
A: The Tzedek School is more than just a religious school. Judaism is an ancient religion, culture and social construct whose role in the modern world continues to be paramount. Within the canon of Jewish literature and Jewish philosophy, there is a broad range of practices, beliefs and interpretations. The Tzedek School is based on the principle that the value of Judaism is embedded in her moral and social code. We believe that students who are knowledgeable about Jewish history, Jewish literature and Jewish heritage, free from the structures of any particular ideological movement,will be able to make informed personal choices about the roles God and ritual will play in their lives.
Q: How can I learn more about The Tzedek School?
A: We would love to share more with you about The Tzedek School. Contact us at [email protected], or call 862-264-9785 to speak with the Director.
I look forward to continue hearing your thoughts and ideas and am happy to answer any questions that may arise.
Sincerely,
Helena Hadef
Director, The Tzedek School
