Education : Religious School
Mission Statement
- Promote pride in Jewish identity, Jewish values and the Jewish people
- Develop a knowledge of the Bible, Jewish holidays, and Jewish history
- Create a love for God, home, and community
- Foster an interest in and connection with Israel
- Connect daily living and the cycle of Jewish life
- Instill a commitment to synagogue, study, prayer and mitzvot
Education Director: Na'ama Yarden
Education Chair: Nancy Margolis and Marla King
Education Director
A new face in our building is Na'ama Yarden who is easy to spot with her infectious smile and curly mane. Na'ama comes to Or Shalom by the way of Israel and Wynnewood's Perelman Jewish Day School. The Education Committee is delighted to have someone with the unusual mix of Israeli expertise and an appreciation of what it's like to be a Jewish student on the Mainline as our part-time Education Director.
“I believe that education is a lifelong journey,” Na'ama explains. “A desire to increase both knowledge and connection to the community motivates me to bring students to learn together in a supportive environment where they can develop relationships and participate in creating their own vibrant Jewish identity.”
The married mom of three children came to the United States nine years ago with her family. She has 25 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education as a teacher, mentor, administrator and professional development consultant. She enjoys rich relationships among her colleagues at ACAJE, the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education.
Na'ama continues to teach Jewish studies at the Perelman Jewish Day School where she uses skills crafted from her M.A. in Jewish Education from Gratz College.
Everyone will have a chance to meet her at opening day ceremonies, which are set for 9 am Sunday, September 13. In the meantime, feel free to send her an email at the synagogue's web address: EdDirector@orshalom.com .
School Hours
| Gan (Kindergarten)* | Sundays 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. |
| Mechina (1st Grade) | Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon |
| Prozdor (2nd Grade) | Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon |
| Alef to Hey (3rd –7th Grades) | Sundays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Tuesdays 4:00 p.m.-6:05 p.m. |
*Age 5 by September 1st
Curriculum
Our curriculum has two primary components: Hebrew through prayer and Jewish Life. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad overview of Jewish traditions and beliefs. Learning in each grade builds upon what was learned the previous year.
The Hebrew component emphasizes the study of Hebrew through prayer. It combines Hebrew reading skills with a study of selections from the siddur. Upon completion of the course of study the student will be able to: (1) read prayers in the siddur in Hebrew; (2) demonstrate an understanding of key prayer words and concepts; (3) understand the order of prayers in the siddur; (4) participate in and lead prayer services; and (5) participate actively in home ritual observances.
The Jewish Life component allows for focused study of selected topics in each grade. Upon completion of the course of study, the student will be able, on a basic level, to (1) identify the Jewish holidays and the history, customs and rituals associated with each holiday; (2) articulate a personal theology; (3) identify customs and rituals of significant life-cycle events; (4) understand the historical continuity of the Jewish people; and (5) be prepared to become active participants in the Jewish community.
Youth Group
Youth group is an important extension of the educational experience at Or Shalom Hebrew School. Students, beginning in the fourth grade, have the opportunity to participate in youth group activities through Or Shalom Youth Group and USY Kadima programs.
Post B'nai Mitzvah
Eighth
through twelfth grade students meet with students from area synagogues to
study at the Chester County Branch of the Jewish Community High School of
Gratz College. The JCHS mission is to educate Jewish teens to be knowledgeable
about the culture, traditions and language of the Jewish people. Students
continue their spiritual growth and Jewish learning in an informal setting.
The location of the class rotates between the three participating synagogues.
For more information call Gratz JCHS directly at 215-635-7305.
Weather Related Closing Information
KYW 1060 AM: Chester County #860
Need Religious School Forms? Click Here for Registration Forms
For more information regarding our religious school program contact: Na'ama Yarden, Education Director or Nancy Margolis and Marla King, Chairs of the Education Committee.