Religious School - Temple Ner Tamid

Welcome

Welcome to the Temple Ner Tamid Religious School! We strive to help students love being Jewish. Our teachers are role models who show our students what it meand to feel special and valued in our community. We believe that children who feel loved at synagogue will grow up to be adults who are drawn to places where Jewish learning and living happen, that they will find joy in the ebb and flow of Jewish holidays, comfort in Jewish spaces when they are in need, and will approach the possibility of raising a Jewish family with intentionality and excitement.

To learn more about our Religious School and other learning opportunities, please explore our website or contact the religious school with with any questions:

Rabbi Sharon Litwin, Director of Youth and Family Education - RabbiSLitwin@nertamid.org
Maribel Leon, Religious School Administrator - mleon@nertamid.org

Mission Statement

We understand that Religious School is a long term investment in the legacy of your Jewish family. This cannot be measured in charts and tables, or prayers memorized and recited, but rather, in the hearts of our students and in the Jewish life of their families.
We aim to use the rich and beautiful history and culture of our people to foster a sense of community and belonging.
We strive to raise young Jewish students who are excited to keep learning and who can’t fathom their lives separately from their Jewish identity.
We hope to instill an understanding that kindness, patience, grace, and service to others is living Jewishly and that they will lead the next era of synagogue life in America.
We work tirelessly to ensure that our school is a safe place for our children, so that when they are in need they will find meaning, hope, trust and love in our holy community.

Curriculum Focus - Grades K-6

Kindergarten

Students learn about holidays, Torah stories and Hebrew through movement. The curriculum will incorporate storytelling, dramatic play, art projects, music and more!

Kindergarten Jewish Family Journeys (JFJ)

Our Kindergarten track also has regular combined family programming that brings students and parents together to form a unique community experience. Whether the family’s aim is to meet new people, they never had the chance to attend religious school, there is a non-Jewish parent, or they feel it’s a good time for a refresher course, JFJ is perfect way to meet these aims.

First Grade

Students begin their ethical journeys by exploring and practicing the Mitzvot (Commandments) and Middot (Jewish Values) that form the core of Jewish living. The classes will be enhanced with games, stories, projects, Hebrew through movement and more!

Second Grade

The 2nd grade curriculum is built around 5 big Jewish ideas. Through project based learning, these big ideas help to develop resilience and strength in the students and help them to see that when things are hard, they have the tools to overcome challenges. Second grade students will also begin exploring the Hebrew alphabet and learning to recognize Hebrew letters and vowels.

Third Grade

The 3rd grade curriculum introduces the Torah stories of Genesis and Exodus. It also incorporates the values and characteristics of our early Jewish role models using drama, art and games. Students experience Jewish holidays through projects during the year. Students also begin Hebrew reading skill development in small group Hebrew sessions.

Fourth Grade

Students explore the land, people and modern State of Israel. They build their own personal relationship with Israel through biblical, geographical, and historical connections. Classes will be paired with an Israeli classroom for project exchanges and online interactive dialogues with Israeli students. Students continue to build Hebrew prayer reading skills in small group Hebrew sessions.

Fifth Grade

Students develop a deeper understanding of Jewish holidays and the Jewish calendar. They will explore the Jewish lifecycle, from birth to death and in between, through project based learning including a mock wedding, and possibly a visit to a Mikvah and a funeral home.
Students continue to build their Hebrew reading and prayer skills in small group Hebrew sessions.

Sixth Grade

Students will explore Torah stories and the character traits of our biblical ancestors to respond to their own questions about what being Jewish means to them today. They will also engage with the story of TNT and the people who made that story happen and continue to make the story happen today. Additionally, they will participate in the B’nei Mitzvah program of Moving Traditions. Our sixth grade students will work in small groups to hone their Hebrew, prayer, and chanting skills in preparation for b’nei mitzvah and will be expected to do 15 minutes of Hebrew homework each week in 5 minute increments 3 times each week. Students will focus on prayer leadership skills gaining the confidence to lead worship.

Tuition

Religious School participation requires Temple Ner Tamid membership. For more information please visit our Membership page.
Financial assistance for dues is available.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade (2.5 hours of Judaic education on Sunday mornings): $1,000

3rd Grade - 6th Grade (2.5 hours of Judaic education on Sunday mornings and about an 1 hour of Hebrew instruction on Monday (virtual) or Wednesday (in-person) afternoons): $1,300

7th Grade (2 hours of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings and family programming): $1,300

8th Grade - 9th Grade (2 hours of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings): $1,000

10th Grade - 12th Grade (90 minutes of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings and group trip options): $1,000

Dinner is provided for Grades 7-12 at a cost of $10 on Wednesday evenings

Religious School Staff

Rabbi Sharon Litwin

Director of Youth and Family Education

RabbiSLitwin {at} nertamid.org

ext. 118

Maribel Leon

Religious School Administrator

MLeon {at} nertamid.org

ext. 112

Erin Ackerman

VP of Education