Early Childhood Jewish Education

Early childhood Jewish education at Congregation Rodfei Zedek is run through the Jewish Enrichment Center.  The JEC will hold Sunday morning classes for all young children.  It will also provide a warm, fun, intellectually engaging environment for Jewish children after school on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.  Jewish children from throughout the Hyde Park community will be welcome at the Jewish Enrichment Center, affording children an opportunity to expand their Jewish circle of friends.

Each session ends with communal singing and prayer to which parents are invited:  11:10 a.m. on Sundays, 5:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays.  See the JEC calendar.

The Jewish Enrichment Center is offering three multi-age classes in 2011-2012 (5772):

For Infants Through Age 3 and Their Parents

Shalom Chaverim (“Welcome, Friends”) meets Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m.  Shalom Chaverim children explore Judaism and themselves through the textures, sounds, sights, smells, and rhythms of the Jewish year, in a wide variety of play-based learning experiences.

For Nursery 3 and PreK

Shorashim (“Roots”) meets Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and on Monday and Tuesday afternoons after school until 5:45 p.m.  Shorashim children explore Judaism and Hebrew language through active play in a multi-sensory environment, including creative arts, music, construction, science, role play, and games  Shorashim build independence, cooperation, and teamwork, and develop a love for Jewish community.  Shorashim hear Hebrew as a spoken language and build a foundation for learning modern Hebrew.  Shorashim children use the toilet with little assistance and attend class without their parents.

For Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Nitzanim (“Branches”) meets Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and on Monday and Tuesday afternoons after school until 5:45 p.m.  Families are asked to choose two or three sessions a week.  Nitzanim children explore Judaism through hands-on play, often self-directed, in a multi-sensory environment.  Nitzanim are encouraged to express themselves through art, drama, spoken word, and writing.  Nitzanim build listening, thinking, and questioning skills and learn to value multiple perspectives.  Nitzanim also offers a more structured introduction to Hebrew language and writing for children who are ready.

Not sure which class is right for your child?  Please contact Rabbi Rebecca Milder at 773.234.9403 or jewish.enrichment.center@gmail.com.

And join us for Minyan Katan (Little Minyan) services, monthly on Friday nights (followed by a dairy potluck dinner) and twice monthly on Saturday mornings.

Return to main Family Activities webpage.