Named for Florence Melton, its founder, Melton is an internationally renowned, formal program for adult Jewish study. It offers a well-rounded and sophisticated approach to learning the essentials of Judaism, packaged in a curriculum that can be brought to any Jewish institution. In its 32 years, the Melton program has graduated 30,000 students from its classes in “mini schools” all over the world. Because it is hailed as “the best of the best adult Jewish education,” we’re bringing a Melton mini school to Central Synagogue.
Melton is open to anyone in the Jewish community (members or nonmembers of Central) who wants to study on a regular basis and acquire a comprehensive foundation of Jewish literacy. It is appropriate for all levels of students and there are no prerequisites (nor are there tests or homework). For members of Central Synagogue, the classes may also be applied toward becoming an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
The faculty consists of Central Synagogue clergy and educators as well as other specially trained, New York based teachers.
Once a week for two hours, thirty weeks a year, for two years. Each year is divided into two semesters. Students will have a choice of studying on Monday mornings or Tuesday evenings.
Fair enough. Come for one year. We think you’ll be hooked.
Students take two 30 week courses in each year of the program. In year one, the courses are Rhythms of Jewish Living and Purposes of Jewish Living. In year two, Dramas of Jewish Living Throughout the Ages and Ethics of Jewish Living will be offered. For those becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, there will be additional work in Hebrew in the second year.
Year One
Year Two
Schedule for Monday Morning - Year 1
9:30am-10:30am: First Class- The Purposes of Jewish Living
10:30am-10:45am: Break for snacks (provided) and socializing
10:45am-11:45am: Second Class (different teacher)- The Rhythms of Jewish Living
Schedule for Tuesday Evening - Year 1
6:45pm-7:45pm: First Class- The Purposes of Jewish Living
7:45pm-8:00pm: Break for snacks (provided) and socializing
8:00pm-9:00pm: Second Class (different teacher)- The Rhythms of Jewish Living
What happens at the end of the two years?
Students will “graduate” Melton and receive a certificate. For those Central members who were working toward Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they will be called to the Torah in an Adult B’nei Mitzvah ceremony and recognized in the community.
What does it cost?
For members, $550 per year. For non-members, $650 per year. Payment is made one year at a time.
What are the next steps?
Both nights are filled and we’re no longer taking registrations. If you’d like to be placed on the waiting list in the event that a space opens up, please complete the registration form.If you have questions, contact Rabbi Lisa Rubin at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 212-838-5122, x5002.
Central Synagogue offers a holistic program for anyone considering conversion to Judaism. Conversion is a personal decision and journey; therefore, the process will differ for each candidate. We are here to facilitate every aspect of conversion for you – academic, pastoral, and communal – and we enthusiastically welcome you into our community.
We are excited to be introducing new programming at Central Synagogue for our students in grades 3 through 6. In an effort to provide additional opportunities for Jewish engagement, we will be launching a series of social and educational events outside of regular Religious School hours. These events will be staffed by Central Synagogue’s Youth Director, Zach Rolf as well as Full Time Teachers of the Religious School and members of the CiTY (Central Temple Youth) board who are in high school.
Events for 3rd/4th Grade Junior Youth Programming
Events for 5th/6th Grade Junior Youth Programming
Click here to see our Religious School Calendar.
Click here to view the 2011-2012 Religious School Parent’s Handbook
Click here to download the Religious School Student Directory
Our curriculum is built around six key Jewish pillars: God, Torah, Israel, Avodah (worship), Kehilah (community), and Tikkun Olam (social action). In addition, the study of Hebrew is integrated into every lesson in grades K-6.
God
Our students will explore and develop a personal relationship with God and come to understand the covenant between God and the Jewish people as it has been experienced throughout history. They will be equipped with the ability to talk comfortably about God.
Torah
Our students will gain familiarity with Biblical, rabbinic, and other sacred Jewish texts, and will come to appreciate the Jewish value of lifelong study. They will recognize that talmud torah (the study of Torah) helps connect them to one another, to their history, and to Jewish communities around the world.
Israel
Our students will understand and foster a connection with Am Yisrael (the people of Israel), Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), and Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel).
Avodah (Worship)
Our students will learn and find meaning in Jewish prayers and rituals, with particular attention to those incorporated in Reform Judaism. Students will gain familiarity with Jewish holidays and appreciate the value of their continued celebration.
Kehilah (Community)
Our students will understand what it means to be a member of a Kehilah Kedoshah (holy community) and will develop a relationship with Central Synagogue and its religious school, the Reform Movement, and the global Jewish community.
Tikkun Olam (Social Action)
Our students will recognize justice (tzedek) as an essential value to Judaism and the Jewish people. Students will explore the idea of justice and our obligation to help better the world, and take part in social justice projects each year.
Hebrew
Our Hebrew program is primarily a t’filah (worship) based curriculum. Students build Hebrew language acquisition skills through weekly prayer services and classroom exercises. In kindergarten through second grade, the Hebrew program focuses on building letter recognition and basic reading skills. By the end of third grade, all students are expected to master the letters of the alef-bet and should be able to sound out a basic Hebrew text. By the end of sixth grade, students are expected to read all familiar prayers accurately and fluently, identify and translate key vocabulary words, and convey an understanding of key themes for each prayer. Students who master Hebrew reading skills will be provided with the opportunity to study modern Hebrew. Additionally, students should possess a repertoire of Hebrew words and phrases that are integrated into the six strands of the curriculum (God, Torah, Israel, Tikkun Olam, Kehilah, and Avodah).
T’filah
The Central Synagogue T’filah curriculum will strive to engage our community in the ritual of Avodah (worship) by giving students the tools to find meaning in and ownership over their prayer experiences. By coming together with their grade to form a Kehilah Kedosha (holy community), students will explore the purpose of worship and continue to foster a relationship with God. Throughout the school year, students will become familiar with the order and melodies of the typical Reform T’filah service and will gain facility with the Mishkan T’filah siddur (prayer book). Each service will be rooted in Torah and connect to both the calendar year (holidays) and each grade’s curriculum. T’filah will serve as a place for students to explore their world, with a special focus on Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Israel, and the roles they play in our gratitude to God. In addition, students will be able to exercise skills learned in Hebrew class by reciting and exploring the meaning of prayers. Through Creative T’filah, students will have the opportunity to use their personal talents to help plan a service and lead their peers in prayer. As an open and accepting environment, T’filah will serve as a place where students can express their individual Jewish identity and share in exploration with their community.
Central Synagogue offers pastoral support groups for those dealing with seriously ill family members and the loss of a spouse or child. For information about when and where these small and confidential groups meet, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at 212-838-5122 ext. 1009.
Dear Families,
When you joined Central Synagogue, you may have done so for a few different reasons. Perhaps you were looking for a reputable Jewish Nursery School or to begin your child’s Jewish education in a top Religious School program. You may have joined before you had children because you were drawn to our beautiful worship experiences and the reputation of our clergy. Each of these reasons is significant, and each of them is about connecting to the Jewish community.
In my role as Director of Lifelong Learning, regardless of the reason you were initially drawn into Central Synagogue, I am committed to helping you find a warm and welcoming place in which to dwell and grow. One way to help you accomplish that is through our multiple gateways for family engagement. It is my hope that Central can be a place of deep and meaningful connection for you, one that can be strengthened by your involvement and participation. It is said that when two people come together to study Torah together, a divine spark exists between them. Here, be it through Torah study or social justice or a variety of other venues, you can experience much of this alongside your child.
I encourage you to browse our Adult Programming brochure for our classes, mini-series and lectures, or look to at our website and Luach for other ideas, but take note of the myriad opportunities featured below, as they are designed with the intention of families participating together. For questions or to learn how to participate in anything you learn about below, please contact me at ymw@censyn.org or 212.838.5122 x 4031.
Looking forward to sharing these moments with you,
B’shalom,
Yonni Wattenmaker, RJE
Director of Lifelong Learning
(212) 838-5122 x 4031
ymw@censyn.org
Imagine ushering in the Shabbat each week with a fresh challah that your child has brought home from school. Now this can be a reality! Building on a Nursery School tradition of “from our house to yours” you can now enroll in our “Reclaiming Shabbat” challah delivery program. What better way to enjoy Shabbat than to do so as a family?
N-More Bakery is working with Central Synagogue to offer a weekly challah program. If you enroll, you will come to the synagogue on Fridays throughout the school year to get your kosher challah. On the first Friday, you will receive a copy of Shabbat blessings for you to keep and use each week in your home, and each subsequent week, you will get a bit of Torah text or a Jewish story, with questions for your family to discuss together. Shabbat is about family, community and taking a well-needed break from the pace of our busy lives ~ this is a wonderful way to truly distinguish Shabbat from all other nights.
We will be starting this program on Friday, October 15, 2010. The challahs will be delivered to either your child’s Nursery School or, for Religious School families, Room 707 of the Community House. The dates for pick up are:
2010
October 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
2011
January 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8, 15, 29
May 6, 13, 20
Tot Shabbat occurs twice a month: either on Friday night or Saturday morning. We hold Tot Shabbat services for families with pre-school age children. For many of us, we have warm memories of experiencing Shabbat as children, and we hope to encourage similar memories in your children. All Tot Shabbats will be accompanied by at least one member of the clergy, along with Matt Check from the Religious School or song leader Joanie Leeds. Join us for songs, stories and words of prayer. Snacks are served at the conclusion of every session.
Shabbat Mishpachah, family Shabbat, is a monthly program designed especially for graduates of our Tot Shabbat programs, and our students in kindergarten through fourth grade. At Shabbat Mishpachah, parents and children join together in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm to welcome Shabbat with the congregation. Then the children head downstairs to the Pavilion for an age-appropriate service led by our Full Time Teacher team and a member of our clergy. Children rejoin their parents in the Sanctuary for the conclusion of the prayer service, and for kiddush and motzi.
Over the course of the school year, the Religious School faculty host Shabbat dinners for families with children in our Religious School. Families join the congregation in worship at our usual 6 pm service, and at its conclusion, proceed downstairs to the Pavilion for Shabbat blessings, dinner, activities and music to enhance the rest of the evening’s celebration.
The PJ Library® program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children from age six months to five, six, seven or eight years depending on the community. Created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The PJ Library is funded nationally in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, local philanthropists, and Jewish organizations. This year, Central Synagogue will invite our parents and grandparents of children 5 and under to participate in this program and come to workshops with our faculty to help you reap the most benefit from this wonderful initiative.
Nearly two thousand years ago Rabbi Tarfon said, “You are not required to complete the work, but neither are you free to absent yourself from it.”
There is so much brokenness in our world that the task of repairing it seems nearly overwhelming. Nonetheless, we are called to take responsibility for the society in which we live. Though the task is great, the opportunity to make an impact is limitless. One need only take the first step.
Social justice is a core value of Judaism. Our community’s commitment to social justice in the world is an integral part of who we are at Central Synagogue. It is truly a way of life for our community and throughout the year we pursue justice in all its forms.
Every November, Central Synagogue partners with a number of charitable organizations throughout the city to host Mitzvah Day. Started in 1997 through a generous donation by the Eric Wasserman Fund for Community Outreach, Mitzvah Day has become a family tradition for so many members of Central Synagogue. There are more than a dozen on-site and off-site projects for volunteers of all ages including baking, knitting, garden clean-up, blood donation, spending time with the elderly and visiting a women’s shelter. Our 13th Annual Mitzvah Day will be held Sunday, November 14, 2010. If you would like to serve as a project captain and support the Mitzvah Day planning efforts, please contact us now.
The Breakfast Program, formerly known as the Caring Committee Feeding Program, is among Central Synagogue’s longest ongoing social justice projects. Originally conceived and implemented by longtime congregant Nat Shapiro in 1983, the Breakfast Program was started in response to Mayor Koch’s outcry for New York City’s religious institutions to respond to an exploding homeless and hungry problem. Today, many clients of the Breakfast Program are working poor who greatly appreciate and regularly rely on the warm, nutritious start to their day. Volunteers assemble every Thursday and Friday morning in Stern Lobby (Community House) to prepare and serve the most important meal of the day. A bag lunch is also handed out to clients. These lunches are prepared the prior evening as part of Central Synagogue’s Sandwich Making Program. Your commitment to this important project is needed: Thursday and Friday mornings, 6:00am – 7:30am.
Clients of our weekly Breakfast Program are also sent away with a freshly prepared bag lunch. These sandwiches are made in advance by dedicated groups of volunteers including Nursery School parents, Religious School students, Young Professionals and Social Justice volunteers. Your commitment to this important project is needed: on Wednesday and Thursdays (daytime and evening sessions planned).
Raising Kids Who Care is a working group that came out of the listening campaign, a series of one to one conversations between members of Central Synagogue to learn where individual interests and concerns lie, both within and beyond synagogue life. This committed group of lay leaders has focused on the specific issue of bar/bat mitzvah ~ how to change the culture that surrounds this life-cycle event to one based more deeply in the Jewish values which sustain this milestone, and their reach even beyond a child’s thirteenth year.
Through small groups of approximately 8-10 families of children with similar b’nei mitzvah dates, havurah members will gain a sense of community, support each other, and feel more connected to Central Synagogue. They will engage in events together such as grade-wide family education events and Shabbat dinner, attend Shabbat services together, share the responsibility of being shamashim (ushers) at Saturday morning services, share the Kiddush after their service (?), meet up on Mitzvah Day, any social events the group organizes for its members, and spend time together at the family programs encompassing the theme of values as they relate to the b’nei mitzvah process. Those include:
MANDATORY: In January, the Grade 4 year students are assigned the date on which they will become bar/bat mitzvah. Rather than mailing those dates home, we have created a program around this event in order to emphasize the importance of this time in a child’s life, and to bring our families closer together. During this program, families attend a Shabbat morning service in the sanctuary, learn about the b’nei mitzvah process, and receive their special date. This program will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
MANDATORY: In November, the Grade 5 year parents and students come together in a meaningful session dedicated to thinking about bar/bat mitzvah – what it means, why it matters and what are our commitments as families to Jewish engagement and education throughout and following this process. This program will take place on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm.
A special Shabbat experience has been designed specifically for Grade 6 students and their families. At this overnight, families will share in the celebration of Shabbat, together with our clergy and Religious School staff and faculty, and embark on the b’nei mitzvah experience as a community. This year, the retreat will be held Friday-Saturday, January 7-8, 2011 at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
DDD is a parent-driven project that asks you to do three things surrounding your child’s bar or bat mitzvah: consider sending evites instead of paper invitations and/or response cards, donate the amount of money you saved on printing and postage to purchase trees for NYC through the New York Restoration Project and Million Trees NYC and, finally, join other b’nei mitzvah families during the harvest season of Shavuot, June 2011, to plant trees throughout the five boroughs. The goal is to be able to plant a grove as a class!
The three goals of this initiative are to educate students in tzedakah and philanthropy, to encourage participation in the act of Tikkun Olam (social justice) and to empower children to make meaningful and responsible choices in how to improve the lives of others. In an effort to accomplish these goals, during the student’s 7 grade year, they will be taught how working together as a community can make a significant impact on the lives of other people, especially people in need, and they will participate in social justice activities. Then, around the time of your child becoming a bar or bat mitzvah, we are asking for children and their families to make a contribution to the tzedakah collective. The last step of the process occurs during the 8 grade, when he or she can become a participant on the Tzedakah Board. They will learn how to research and evaluate different organizations, both Jewish and secular, and eventually choose organizations to which they will make contributions from the money they have collectively donated to the fund. It is our hope that children will begin to learn the power of giving on a whole new level.
1. Please leave strollers downstairs in the lobby. It is a fire hazard to bring strollers upstairs. Bring diaper bag and personal belongings with you to Room 201.
2. Please turn off all cell phones.
3. No food or beverages are allowed in the Parenting Center. Snacks will be provided for the children each week.
4. Please note that bottles or sippy cups are permitted for babies or toddlers up to 18 months of age. Sippy cups are permitted for older toddlers (18 – 30 months), if necessary. Small cups will be available for children at snack time.
5. The entire Nursery School and Parenting Center are Peanut/Tree Nut Aware Programs. Please let the teachers know if your child has any allergies to food, etc at the first parent meeting or before class begins in the Fall.
6. Please call if you plan to be absent: (212) 838-5122 ext. 4003.
7. Illness – Please do not bring a child to school if the child or caregiver is sick or has a cold. We catch each other’s germs very easily in the classroom.
8. Label all articles of clothing. Please bring a change of clothing, diapers, etc. Dress children for messy play. Please bring an extra set of clothing to class each week in case your child gets wet or messy from special art activities.
9. Please bring a picture of your child to the class.
10. During the first 10 minutes, we would like caregivers to accompany the child into the playroom to help the child get adjusted to the classroom and to the teachers.
11. The last 10 minutes of each class is designated for caregivers and children to get together for music and singing. We want to stress the importance of this time together and encourage everyone to participate.
1. Strollers are to be left in the lobby. It is a fire hazard to bring them upstairs. Bring diaper bag and child to room 201.
2. Please turn off all cell phones – they must be off during class (no texting or e-mailing, please). Important calls can be routed through the Nursery School office: 212-838-5122 x 4003 and the administrator will let you know ASAP. If you absolutely need to make a phone call during class, take your child, and please use the lobby.
3. Parents: No food or beverages are allowed in the Parenting Center. Children: Snacks will be provided. Sippy cups are permitted, please label.
Note: The entire nursery school and parenting center programs are peanut/tree nut aware. Please let the teachers know if your child has any allergies to food, etc.
4. Call if you plan to be absent.
5. Illness – Please do not bring a child to school if the child or parent is sick or has a cold. Germs spread very easily.
6. a. Parents are welcome to attend the parent group even if their child is ill.
b. In the event a parent cannot attend, another family member may come in your place i.e. grandparents, aunts, uncles. If this is not possible, it is unfortunate, but your child will have to miss class that week. Please call in advance to notify the Parenting Center team.
7. Label all articles of clothing, etc. Dress children in comfortable clothing for art activities and water play. Please bring a change of clothing, diapers, etc.
8. The Sunday Program is an integral part of the Parenting Center experience and is a requirement of this program. Set aside time to attend these classes.
9. Bring a picture of your child to the class.
10. Please Be Prompt – our discussions will begin and end on time.
11. Caregivers are to meet you in the lobby.
12. At arrival, during the first 15 minutes, if your child can easily separate, we encourage you to go into the parent room where you can freely socialize before the beginning of the parent discussion group.
13. The last 10 minutes of class are designated for interaction with your child for music and singing. We want to stress the importance of this time….this is a parent/child program and we respectfully ask that you hold your conversation with the other parents until the class has ended.
14. L’Shanah Tovah! Looking forward to a wonderful year.
Our Confirmation students have the unique opportunity to spend a year learning with our clergy, as we attempt to “answer the unanswerable” questions. Our 10th graders are challenged intellectually and spiritually. They build strong and lasting connections with their peers and their clergy at a pivotal point in their young adult lives. Building off the success of last year’s experience in Prague (check out the blog) we are in the middle of planning another study trip for February to a different European destination.
Dinner Provided for all sessions.
All classes are held in the Community House (123 East 55 St.)unless otherwise noted.
| 13 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Opening Session) |
| 20 | Tues. | 6:30pm – 7:45pm |
| 27 | Tues. | 6:30pm – 7:45pm |
| 4 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 11 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 18 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 25 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 1 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 8 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 15 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 18-19 | Fri.- Sat. | Mandatory Confirmation Class Retreat |
| 22 | Tues. | No Class - Thanksgiving |
| 29 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 6 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 13 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 20 | Tues. | NO CLASS - Winter Break |
| 27 | Tues. | NO CLASS - Winter Break |
| 3 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 10 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 17 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 24 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 31 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 7 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 14 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 21 | Tues. | NO CLASS - President’s Week Break |
| 28 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 6 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 13 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 20 | Tues. | NO Class - Spring Break |
| 27 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 3 | Tues. | NO CLASS - Spring Break |
| 10 | Tues. | NO CLASS - Pesach |
| 17 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 24 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 1 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm |
| 8 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Confirmation Rehearsal) |
| 15 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Confirmation Rehearsal) |
| 18 | Fri. | 6:00 pm (Confirmands Blessing & Dinner) |
| 22 | Tues. | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Confirmation Rehearsal) |
| 28 | Mon. | Confirmation Service |
Please click on a month to jump to that calendar:
Each Wednesday evening, from 6:15pm-7:30pm, we offer teens a space to gather and learn together at Central Synagogue. Dinner (pizza & salad) is served every week, starting at 6:15pm. Following dinner, students participate in engaging and challenging Jewish learning with our full-time teaching staff and clergy. Building upon the success of last year’s Civil Rights Journey, we will be embarking on our second study trip for 8th and 9th graders to New Orleans, where we will be participating in service as well as learning about the Jewish culture in the Big Easy. This trip will be taking place April 19-22, 2012.
(Dinners provided at all sessions)
All classes are held in the Community House (123 East 55th St) unless otherwise noted.
| 14 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 21 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 28 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Erev Rosh HaShanah |
| 5 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm (Sandwich Making) |
| 12 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Erev Sukkot |
| 19 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Erev Simchat Torah |
| 26 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 2 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 9 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 16 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 23 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Thanksgiving |
| 30 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 7 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 14 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 21 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Winter Break |
| 28 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Winter Break |
| 4 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 11 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 18 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 25 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 1 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 8 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 15 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 22 | Wed. | No Class - President’s Week Break |
| 29 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 7 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 14 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 21 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Spring Break |
| 28 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm (Sandwich Making) |
| 4 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Spring Break |
| 11 | Wed. | NO CLASS - Pesach |
| 18 | Wed. | 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm |
| 25 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 2 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 9 | Mon. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 16 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 23 | Wed. | 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 28 | Wed. | Confirmation Service |
Please click on a month to jump to that calendar:
Your child’s registration makes them eligible for any and all of the teen programming that we offer here – both academic as well as social – from speaking series to weekend youth group events and retreats. Building off the success of last year’s experience in Prague (check out the blog) we are in the middle of planning another study trip for February to a different European destination that will be open to all students in grades 10-12.
SEPTEMBER
| 25 | Sun. | Apple Picking |
| 8 | Sat. | Yom Kippur Teen Experience |
| 15 | Sat. | Sukkot Themed Midnight Run |
| 20 | Thu. | Simchat Torah @ B’nai Jeshurun |
| 11 | Fri. | ’10-11’ Confirmation Reunion Shabbat |
| 10 | Sat. | “Festival of Lights” Laser Tag / Chanukah Event |
| 6-9 | Fri.-Mon. | Religious Action Center, Washington, D.C. |
| 21-22 | Sat.-Sun. | Shul-In (Cancelled) |
| 16-21 | Thu.-Tue. | Study trip for students in grades 10-12 |
| 10 | Sat. | Midnight Run (As of 3/1, This event is no longer happening) |
| 9 | Mon. | 2nd Annual CiTY Passover Seder (date tentative) |
| 14 | Sat. | Beit Torah Event |
| 27-29 | Fri.-Sun. | Spring Retreat |
| 12 | Sat. | Israeli Film Festival Event |
| 28 | Mon. | Confirmation Service |
| 2 | Sat. | Closing Event |
Please click on a month to jump to that calendar:
| Thursday | October 7 | Caregiver Class Parent Meeting, 8:30 – 9:30, Room 201 |
| Tuesday | October 12 | First day of Toldot for: | 12 – 20 Months, 8:45 – 10:00 | 20 – 27 months, 10:30 – 12:00 | 24 – 32 months, 12:30 – 2:00 |
| Thursday | October 14 | First day of Toldot for: | Baby Group, 9:00 – 10:00 | Caregiver Class, 10:30 – 12:00 |
| Sunday | November 21 | Toldot/Parenting Center Sunday | Follow weekly schedule for times |
| Thursday | November 25 | No Class – Thanksgiving |
| Sunday | December 12 | Toldot/Parenting Center Sunday |
| Tuesday | December 21 | No Class – Winter Break |
| Thursday | December 23 | No Class – Winter Break |
| Tuesday | December 28 | No Class – Winter Break |
| Thursday | December 30 | No Class – Winter Break |
| January | 2011 | Call for Toldot Applications for the 2011 – 2012 school year |
| Tuesday | January 4 | No Class – Intake Day |
| Thursday | January 6 | No Class – Intake Day |
| Sunday | January 23 | Toldot/Parenting Center Sunday |
| Tuesday | February 22 | No Class – President’s Week |
| Tuesday | February 24 | No Class – President’s Week |
| Monday | February 28 | Toldot Applications sent out for 2011 – 2012 |
| Sunday | March 20 | Final Toldot/Parenting Center Sunday |
| Tuesday | March 29 | No Class – Spring Break |
| Thursday | March 31 | No Class – Spring Break |
| Tuesday | April 5 | Class Resumes |
| Thursday | April 7 | Class Resumes |
| Tuesday | April 19 | No School – Passover Break |
| Thursday | April 21 | No School – Passover Break |
| Tuesday | April 26 | Class Resumes |
| Thursday | April 28 | Class Resumes |
| Tuesday | May 24 | Last Day of Parenting Center |
| Thursday | May 26 | Last Day of Parenting Center |
Dear Parents,
What are the two best ways to ensure that your teenager will live an actively Jewish life when he or she becomes an adult?
Studies show that the top factors in predicting future Jewish involvement are: a) participating in a synagogue youth program during one’s teen years, and b) visiting Israel between the ages of 16 and 26.
Yes, it’s true – teen programs and a trip to Israel are more important that Hebrew school or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in determining your child’s Jewish identity. On every scale we can measure, teens who participate in youth programs end up affiliating and associating with Jewish life more than those who do not participate.
I’m not sure that there’s a stronger case I can make… other than telling you that CiTY’s programs suit a teens needs in many ways. CiTY Nights is a more conventional learning (and pizza!) program held every Wednesday from 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm. It is intended for the student who prefers to come each week on the same day and time.
Other CiTY events are held on weekends and are intended for the student who seeks a more flexible schedule. You are free to mix and match as you choose.
All programs are intended to excite and challenge teens, as we ask them think deeply about who they are and the world they live in.
All they have to do is walk in the door. You know that Central Synagogue is your home. Make it your teen’s home as well.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman
Back to CiTY’s Homepage
Hi everyone!
I’m Jessica Bendes and I’m incredibly excited to be the president of CiTY.
I can’t believe that October is here! This summer seems to have just flown by. It feels like school just ended, and yet we’ve only got a few more weeks to relax. But while school starting again may not be something to we all want to celebrate, the start of a new year of CiTY definitely is. Also with the start of a new year comes a new group of 9th graders, so to all new members of CiTY let me be the first to say welcome and tell you that I can’t wait to meet you all! To all of the returning members, I am so excited to start off another great year together.
See you all soon!
This track is comprised of fun and engaging programs all around Manhattan and the Greater New York City area. This is an ideal option for those teens interested in socializing with old and new friends both from Central Synagogue and from other local synagogues with similar backgrounds and ideals. We are always looking to expand our social calendar, and we welcome ideas from you. You can also have the opportunity to help run or chair an upcoming event!
Jewish Teen NYC Tours
October 18, 2009
December 13, 2009
April 18, 2009
May 16, 2010
Apple Picking
October 4, 2009
All-Knighter
February 27, 2010
Intra-Synagogue Fundraiser
January 23, 2010
This track focuses on building Jewish identity and enriching the students’ connections to both Central Synagogue and their Jewish faith. The major tenets of Reform Judaism are Torah (teachings), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and avodah (faith in God.) The programs listed here are either written by teenagers, or are tailor-made for them. As Reform Jews, we are obligated to educate ourselves and make choices on how we want to practice our Judaism, and these programs aim to inform teenagers about those choices.
Teen High Holy Day Experience
September 20 and September 28,2009
Shabbat Services
October 16, 2009
November 13, 2009
February 26, 2010
April 23, 2010
Book Groups
Teen Choir
Jewish Teen Film Series
Spring Retreat with Rodeph Sholom
April 9-11, 2010
This track is comprised of programs that engage teens Jewish “Call to Action.” All programs and events are centered around tikkun olam, the idea that human beings serve as partners with God in completing the work of creation. Tikkun olam is an essential part of being a Reform Jew and a member of Central Synagogue.
The teenagers of Central Synagogue are very aware of the role they play and the responsibility they have in helping those who are less fortunate. As a member of CiTY, our teens will have the opportunity to engage in tikkun olam on both local and global levels. All of the programs are written and chosen by the teens themselves. CiTY is a place where teens can come to perform mitzvot with their peers. The program schedule is fluid and we are always looking for new ideas. It is our hope that this track will inspire the individual and the group to grow together, take what they have learned and become leaders in the effort to help repair the world.
Mitzvah Day
November 15, 2009
Midnight Runs
October 24, 2009
December 12, 2009
March 13, 2010
RAC Trip to Washington DC
January 8-11, 2010
Purim Carnival
March 1, 2010
Central Synagogue Breakfast Program
Every Thursday and Friday morning (5:45-7:30am)
AIDS Walk
September 13
Chelsea Piers Bowling – Opening Program for 9th – 12th Grade
September 20
Teen Tashlich Service
September 23
CiTY-Nights Begins for 8th and 9th Grade
September 28
Teen Yom Kippur Experience
September 30
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
October 4
Apple Picking for 9th – 12th Grade
October 7
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
October 14
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
October 16
CiTY Shabbat Services for 8th – 12th Grade
October 18
Teen Tour-Jewish NYC for 8th-12th Grade
October 21
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
October 24
Midnight Run for 9th – 12th Grade
October 28
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
November 4
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
November 11
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
November 13
CiTY Shabbat Services for 8th – 12th Grade
November 15
Mitzvah Day for 8th -12th Grade
November 18
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
December 2
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
December 9
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
December 12
Midnight Run for 9th – 12th Grade
December 13
Teen Tour-Jewish NYC 8th – 12th Grade
December 16
CiTY Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
January 6
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
January 8 – 11
RAC Trip to Washington DC for 9th – 12th Grade
January 13
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
January 20
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
January 23
Intra-Synagogue Fundraiser for 9th -12th Grade
January 27
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
February 3
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
February 10
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
February 24
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
February 26
CiTY Shabbat Services for 8th – 12th Grade
February 27
All-Knighter for 9th – 12th Grade
March 1
Purim Carnival for 8th – 12th Grade
March 3
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
March 10
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
March 13
Midnight Run for 9th – 12th Grade
March 17
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
April 7
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
April 9-11
Spring Retreat with Rodeph Sholom for 9th – 12th Grade
April 14
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
April 18
Teen Tour-Jewish NYC 8th – 12th Grade
April 21
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
April 23
CiTY Shabbat Services for 8th – 12th Grade
April 28
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
May 5
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
May 12
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade
May 16
Teen Tour-Jewish NYC 8th – 12th Grade
May 19
Confirmation Service
May 26
CiTY-Nights for 8th and 9th Grade (Last Class)
Dear Parents,
We understand the busy lives of teenagers today, particularly in NYC, and we also recognize the challenges of parents trying to guide headstrong teenagers into certain decisions! We also understand that everyone wants to feel connected to something meaningful and to be a significant piece of something to which you belong.
Through the creative energy of Youth Advisor Greg Weitzman in combination with Rabbi Michael Friedman’s and my years of successful programming work with teens, we have re-envisioned how we can provide exactly those experiences for your 8th through 12th graders, while allowing their opinions, needs and desires to shine through.
CiTY (Central’s Temple Youth) is a new concept for post Bar and Bat Mitzvah age kids – a multi-venue program designed to tap individual interests and cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships between teens and their peers, Central Synagogue and their world.
Within CiTY, there are four programmatic tracks in which your child can participate:
Weekly classes aimed at the more academic minded teen
Taps into both the social and spiritual sides with Shabbat services and dinners, book groups, film screenings and tours of Jewish NY
Geared towards those looking for community service, with events like the Midnight Run and the AIDS walk (great for college resumes!)
For the teens who just want to hang with friends on ski trips and other social events
Your teen is invited to participate in as many or as few events as his or her busy schedule permits. The financial commitment is $1000. This tuition entitles your child to unlimited events, meals at each event, and one over night experience, like the 4 day trip to Washington, DC, where Jewish high school students come together to learn how to lobby Congress.
Please give CiTY some real consideration, and encourage your teen to give this a try. Jewish involvement doesn’t have to end at 13…that is the age at which so many of the struggles with faith begin, and tremendous growth – emotionally and spiritually – occurs. In New York City, the pace is particularly hectic with multiple influences effecting these changes. What better place to wrestle with these issues than at Central?
Click here for a registration form and commit to being a partner with us in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Yonni Wattenmaker, RJE
Director of Lifelong Learning
(212) 838-5122 x 4031
CiTY (Central Synagogue Temple Youth)
Central Synagogue provides a safe and vibrant Jewish space for teens in which they can grow spiritually, socially, and intellectually. We equip them with tools to answer the difficult questions as they navigate through a complex and diverse world. They will be encouraged to explore challenging questions about God, Torah, Israel and the world around them. Central Synagogue will be an anchor in their sometimes tumultuous lives.
Central Synagogue will serve our youth by offering a range of options that suit our students’ needs, from regular weekly evening sessions to varied weekend events and study trips. In addition, we aim to motivate and encourage teen initiative so that teens become a part of the planning process for themselves and their peers.
This year we are starting a brand new program, yet another way for students to stay engaged in Jewish life. Students in grades 7-12 are welcome to get involved in our Religious School classrooms as Madrichim (assistant teachers). Students will earn community service credit as well as receive valuable leadership training as they take their place as role models for our younger members. There will be 3 educational workshops throughout the month of October and early November – after which the students will be placed in a classroom.
If you would like to sign your child up for this program, or for any other questions about teen programs at Central Synagogue, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 212-838-5122 x 4039.
Susan Alpert, Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4001
Jo Sohinki, Assistant Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4002
Danielle Rodriguez, Education Department Assistant
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4003
Throughout the year several tzedakah projects and collection drives are organized by our Tzedakah Committee in order to get our children involved with tikun olam (repairing the world). These projects and drives help homebound elderly, poor children and families and the environment among other worthy causes. In addition, the Tzedakah Committee Chairs liaison with the Social Action Committee at Central Synagogue, helping to involve the nursery school with synagogue wide mitzvah days and other initiatives.
Thank you for your interest in Toldot (Central Synagogue’s Parenting Center). Applications must be received no later than March 9, 2012. Acceptance into the program is based upon the number of available spaces needed to fill a class based on age and gender balance. Priority is given to sibling families and current Synagogue members. Families currently enrolled in the Parenting Center need to reapply for admission, but do not have to pay another application fee. There are no parent tours or children visits for this program. Notification of acceptance will be mailed by March 30, 2012. Contracts with deposits are due no later than April 25, 2012. Interest is keen for our Jewish Parenting Center classes and we encourage that applications be returned shortly after you receive them.
Please be advised that participation in our Parenting Center classes does not assure you a spot in Central Synagogue’s May Family Nursery School and therefore should not be a motivating factor in applying to the Parenting Center.
| Toddling Tots: 12 to 20 months | $3,700 | |
| Today’s Toddlers: 20 to 27 months | $11,500 | |
| Creative Caregiving | $3,000 |
Susan Alpert, Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4001
Jo Sohinki, Assistant Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4002
Danielle Rodriguez, Education Department Assistant
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4003
| Thursday | September 16 | Parent Orientation, 8:30am, Beir Chapel | |
| Monday | September 20 | 1st Day of School for Bananot (Building Bridges), 3’s, and 4/5’s classes | |
| Wednesday | September 22 | 4/5’s Apple Trip | |
| Thursday | September 23 | No School – Sukkot | |
| Monday | September 27 | 1st Day of School for Anavim (Purple) 3AM | |
| Tuesday | September 28 | 1st Day of School for Anavim (Purple) 2AM | |
| Wednesday | September 29 | 1st On-Going Schools Meeting, 9:15am, Room 503 | NS Consecration, Main Sanctuary, 11:30am | Dismissal after service |
| Thursday | September 30 | No School – Simchat Torah | |
| Monday | October 4 | Enrichment Specialists begin | |
| Monday | October 11 | No School – Columbus Day | |
| Friday | October 22 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Saturday | October 23 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Wednesday | October 27 | Parent Workshop, Room 503, 9:30am - 10:30am | |
| Thursday | October 28 | 1/2 Day of School—12:00pm dismissal – 2’s; 12:15 pm dismissal – 3’s, 4/5’s | Open House/Curriculum Night (class schedules to follow) |
| Tuesday | November 9 | Picture Day | |
| Wednesday | November 10 | Picture Day | |
| Thursday | November 11 | Chanukah Book Fair and Boutique with special guest Bernadette Peters, Pavilion,8:30am– 3:00pm | |
| Sunday | November 14 | Mitzvah Day – specific NS projects are planned for 10:00am Opening Event | |
| Monday | November 15 | No School—Parent/Teacher Conferences | |
| Tuesday | November 16 | No School for Anavim 2AM—Parent/Teacher Conferences | |
| Friday | November 19 | Grandparent Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Saturday | November 20 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Wenedday | November 24 | 12:15 pm dismissal for Tutim (Red) and Tzipporim (Blue) Rooms | |
| Thursday | November 25 | No School – Thanksgiving | |
| Friday | November 26 | No School | |
| Wednesday | December 1 | Morning Classes Only, CS All-Staff Meeting, 11:45am dismissal | 1st Chanukah Candle | NS Parent Sandwich-Making, 9:30am |
| Friday | December 3 | Classroom Chanukah Parties | |
| Saturday | December 4 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Friday | December 10 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Wednesday | December 15 | Parent Workshop, Room 503, 9:30am - 10:30am | |
| Friday | December 17 | Last Day Before Winter Break (12/20 – 12/31) | |
| Monday | January 3 | School Resumes | |
| Friday | January 7 | Benefit and PA Meeting, Room 902, 9:15am | |
| Tuesday | January 11 | Parent Workshop, Room 503, 9:30am - 10:30am | |
| Friday | January 14 | First Bananot (BB) Friday | |
| Monday | January 17 | No School – MLK Day | |
| Friday | January 21 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Saturday | January 22 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Thursday | January 27 | NS Parent Sandwich-Making, 9:30am | |
| Wednesday | February 9 | On-Going Schools Meeting, 9:15am, Room 503 | |
| Friday | February 11 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Saturday | February 12 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Monday | February 21 | No School – President’s Week Break Begins (2/21 – 2/25) | |
| Monday | February 28 | School Resumes | |
| Thursday | March 3 | NS Parent Sandwich-Making, 9:30am | |
| Saturday | March 12 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Monday | March 14 | No School—Parent/Teacher Conferences | |
| Tuesday | March 15 | No School for Anavim 2AM—Parent/Teacher Conferences | |
| Thursday | March 17 | Synagogue Purim Spiel | |
| Friday | March 18 | NS School Shabbat/Purim Celebration (children only) | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm |
| Sunday | March 20 | Central Synagogue Purim Carnival | |
| Monday | March 28 | No School – Spring Break Begins (3/28 – 4/3) | |
| Monday | April 4 | School Resumes | |
| Wednesday | April 6 | School only in the morning — CS All-Staff meeting in the afternoon | |
| Noon Dismissal, Bananot 11:45am Dismissal | |||
| Thursday | April 7 | NS Parent Sandwich-Making, 9:30am | NS Benefit - "Hollywood Glamour: A Tribute The Jewish Influence" 7:00 pm, Harmonie Club, 4 East 60th Street |
| Friday | April 8 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm | |
| Saturday | April 9 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Monday | April 18 | No School – Passover Break Begins (4/18-4/26) | |
| Monday | April 18 | No School – Passover Break Begins (4/18-4/26) | |
| Wednesday | April 27 | School Resumes | |
| Monday | May 9 | Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel Independence Day Celebration | |
| Friday | May 13 | Caregiver Appreciation Lunch, 11:15am, Room 903 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | May 17 | New Parent Social 6:30 – 7:30pm | |
| Friday | May 20 | Teacher Appreciation Lunch – PA sponsored | |
| Saturday | May 21 | Tot Shabbat, 9th Floor, 9:30am | |
| Monday | May 30 | No School – Memorial Day | |
| Wednesday | June 1 | Last Day of School/Family Fun Day |
At the May Family Nursery School, we believe that the learning process is fundamentally a cooperative effort involving teachers, parents, students and the synagogue. There are many ways for parents to participate in their child’s school experience. This participation is part of what makes our school such a strong, vibrant and nurturing community.
Our active Parents Association (PA) provides a vital link between parents and the school. Both working and non-working parents get involved, helping to enrich our community. Parent volunteers organize a variety of activities, including a book fair at Chanukah time, year-round Tzedakah projects, our school newsletter “Beyond the Backpack,” the Nursery School Library, and the Annual Nursery School Benefit, among others. The key to success for all PA-sponsored projects and events is parental involvement. Whether a parent has one hour to give once during the school year or several hours each month, we welcome their help.
Parents and family members are welcome at various times throughout the year to come into the classroom to participate in or lead an activity. Every family is invited to celebrate Shabbat with their child’s class once during the school year. Parents can sign-up to read to the class during library time. They are invited to celebrate their child’s birthday with the class. Parents, grandparents or other family members can talk to the teachers if they are interested in coming into the class to share a talent or interest with the children through an art project, science experiment or other activity.
The May Family Nursery School is blessed to be a part of the larger Central Synagogue community, and there are many ways that families can get involved. Nursery school families are encouraged to take advantage of all synagogue offerings – whether for families or adults only.
Each month during the school year we offer Shabbat services tailored specifically to nursery school-age children. Many nursery school families also participate in our High Holy Days tot services. In addition, the synagogue celebrates all Jewish holidays as well as social action activities with programs that are appropriate for nursery school families.
Our classes are filled with age and developmentally appropriate activities. Our youngest students enter school at 2 years 4 months and our oldest graduate at 5, and in some cases 6. The experiences they gain build on those of prior years, changing and becoming increasingly complex to meet the needs of our children as they grow. To learn more about our 2s Program, 3s Program, 4/5s Program, Enrichment Program and Jewish Curriculum scroll down or click on the appropriate hyperlink.
At Central Synagogue the two-year-old classes meet the needs of both parent and child, by recognizing that separation and adjustment to school are the first steps in the formal learning process. Our sensitive, mature, and creative teachers have a deep understanding of this rapidly changing age. They support the emotional, social and language development of the children through predictable routines, art, music, movement and Jewish ritual.
The two’s program is separated into two sections: Building Bridges and the Purple Room. The Building Bridges class bridges the nursery school experience with a parenting component – children ease into separation by having an adult present during the fall months. Parents participate in weekly discussion groups through December. When separation has been achieved Building Bridges becomes a drop-off program. The program begins in the fall two days a week, adding a third day in January.
The Purple Room is a drop-off program from the start of school, but allows for children to separate at their own pace. There are two Purple Room classes, one meeting three days a week, the other twice a week.
| Building Bridges | 2.4-2.8 | MW(F) | 9:15 - 11:30 am |
| Purple Room | 2.7- 3.0 | MWF | 9:30 am - 12:00 pm |
| TTh | 9:30 am - 12:00 pm |
Our threes program continues the emphasis on play, social, emotional and language skills. Children learn to be respectful members of the community – in their class, in the school, and in the Synagogue. In addition, this is the year when we introduce conceptual learning, i.e. colors, shapes, ordinals, calendar, weather, job charts etc. Jewish ritual is raised to a higher level with the increased ability of the children who now participate in school-wide Shabbat services and holiday observances. There are three classes for three-year-olds, all on the same schedule.
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 am - 12:15 pm | Sept.-Jan |
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 am - 1:15 pm | Feb.-June |
| Friday | 9:00 am - 12:15 pm | Sept.-June |
At this age, children come to school full of enthusiasm for learning and excitement at seeing familiar friends. They now have a great capacity for processing information and for creative thinking, and they exhibit tremendous interest in books and games. They are full of ideas, eager to share stories and to tell jokes. The program builds on these budding life skills by engaging them in meaningful thematic units, “Hand-Writing Without Tears”, field trips and activities that capture the interest of this age group, before they are launched into kindergarten. This exciting year of graduation is also one focused on the on-going school “exmission” process for parents whether applying to private or public schools. There are two classes for this age group both on the same schedule.
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 am - 2:15 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 ma - 12:15 pm |
All of our classes, at every age, participate in our enrichment program in movement, music and library. Through visits to the school’s lending library children share the joy of reading together. Singing and music are an important part of our curriculum and are enhanced by weekly classes with the music teacher. Every day our children run and play on our school’s rooftop playground and 2nd-floor patio. In addition, they attend weekly movement classes where running, dancing, jumping and yoga are all part of the experience. In short, our children are busy inside and outside the classroom.
At every age, Jewish ritual permeates the school experience. Our children celebrate Shabbat together every week in their classrooms with each family invited to join them once during the year. Our three, four and five-year-olds come together for a school-wide celebration each week. The Jewish calendar provides a rhythm to the school year with each Jewish holiday studied and celebrated. Music, storytelling and art projects all play a role in holiday observance.
Jewish values are at the core of our program. In addition to celebrating the holidays, children participate in tikkun olam (social justice) doing their part to repair the world through tzedakah (charity) donations and activities to help those in need. Through our rich Jewish curriculum, children embrace Judaism joyously and appropriately for their age, which eases the transition into Religious School.
Thank you for your interest in the Central Synagogue May Family Nursery School for the 2012/2013 school year. Applications must be received no later than October 15th 2011. All applications submitted after this date will be “wait list status”. All applications will be grouped according to age and a lottery will be used to select the realistic number of children we can see for the number of corresponding available spots. Priority will continue to be given to current sibling families, Synagogue members and alumni/legacy children whose families have maintained active membership. Families who are selected in the lottery will be notified based on the previously stated criteria. You will be notified in a timely manner, and as always we follow the ISAGGNY notification dates.
Once you have submitted your application, please contact the nursery school office by phone or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to arrange a tour date that is convenient for you. We encourage Synagogue members to sign up for one of the first four tour dates.
| October 2011 | |
| 12 Wednesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 18 Tuesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 26 Wednesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| November 2011 | |
| 1 Tuesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 9 Wednesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 15 Tuesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 22 Tuesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| 30 Wednesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
| December 2011 | |
| 6 Tuesday | NS Tour, Room 603 |
After you have toured the school, you will be notified by mail about your child’s school visit. Children’s visits will be scheduled in December and January. We see many children and respectfully ask that you be accommodating to our schedule. Our goal is for all applicants to feel that genuine attention has been afforded to them by meeting the children in groups of manageable size.
All group tours start at 9:30am and end approximately 10:45am. Please come to room 603 in the Community House, which is located at 123 East 55th Street.
| 2s Programs | ||
| Building Bridges | MW(F) | $13,000 |
| Purple Room | T,Th | $12,000 |
| MWF | $13,000 | |
| 3s Program | M-F | $20,250 |
| 4/5s Program | M-F | $22,000 |
Susan Alpert, Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4001
Jo Sohinki, Assistant Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4002
Danielle Rodriguez, Education Department Assistant
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4003
This is where our current nursery school families can get information on upcoming events and how they can participate. You will find the current calendar as well as Jewish resources for those looking for ideas on how to bring Judaism to life at home. This section is still being developed but please check back as links to these resources will be coming on line over the coming months.
Key: Parents only: Attendance is not required Family Education/Meet the Teacher: Parents are expected to attend Shabbat Mishpachah: Services for children in grades K-4; parents are welcome but not required Sandwich Making: Students are strongly encouraged to attend and should bring a bag dinner with them; parents are welcome but not required Conversations with the Principal: an opportunity to meet with our new Principal and Director of Lifelong Learning to share your hopes for the year while meeting other parents (optional)
Please click on a month to jump to that calendar:
| 3rd | 3rd Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students |
| 4th | Shabbat Mishpachah 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner for K-2nd Grade families, 7:15pm |
| 8th | Election Day No Religious School |
| 13th | Mitzvah Day |
| 17th | 2nd Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students |
| 23rd-24th | No Religious School Classes - Thanksgiving Recess |
| 7th | 5th Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students |
| 9th | Shabbat Mishpachah 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner for 5th and 6th Grade families, 7:15 pm |
| 10th | 4th Grade Derech Mitzvah Program, 9am -1:00pm Parents and students required to attend |
| 19th - 2nd | No Religious School Classes - Winter Recess |
| 3rd | Religious School classes resume |
| 16h | No Religious School Classes - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| 20th | Shabbat Mishpachah 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner for non-Religious School families, 7:15pm |
| 27th- 28th | 6th Grade Masah Mitzvah Retreat Parents and students required to attend |
| 31st | 4th Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students. |
| 15th | 5th Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students. |
| 20th - 24th | No Religious School Classes - February Recess |
| 2nd | Shabbat Mishpachah 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner for K-2nd Grade, 7:15pm |
| 8th | Purim Spiel, 5:00-6:00 pm All families encouraged to attend |
| 11th | Purim Carnival |
| 19th -22nd | No Religious School Classes - Spring Break |
| 4th | 5th Grade Brit B'nei Mitzvah Program, 4:15-6:15 pm Parents and students required to attend K/1 Family Education Program, 4:00-5:30 pm For parents and students |
| 5th | 3rd Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students |
| 9th - 13th | No Religious School Classes - Passover Break |
| 19th | 2nd Grade Family Education Program, 4:15-6:15pm For parents and students |
| 27th | Shabbat Mishpachah 6:00pm Shabbat Dinner 3rd -4th Grade, 7:15pm |
| 7th | 6th Grade Family Education Program, 4:30-6:30pm For parents and students |
| 21st-26th | Last week of Religious School |
Led by Natalie Azatyan
Tuesdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Room 804
Designed for adults who have never learned to read Hebrew characters, but yearn to make sense of the language, this course offers beginners a basic introduction patiently led by a native speaker. Please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
December 7, 14
Led by Professor Miri Kubovy
Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, Room 504
This next level course will concentrate on written and spoken grammar and vocabulary, while more closely examining the Reform Siddur.
October 4, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13
Led by Professor Miri Kubovy
Mondays, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Room 504
Explore the beauty, variety and intricacies of Israeli literature. This course features 10 different exceptional authors who have written over the decades including Yehuda Amichai, Haim Nachman Bialik, A.B. Yehoshua and David Grossman.
October 4, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13
(check our Web site regarding major holiday closures)
Wednesdays, 12:45 pm
Our synagogue, consecrated in 1872, is the spiritual home of our congregation as well as a New York City Community Trust and National Landmark building. The docent-led tours of the synagogue include information about its construction, architectural significance and an opportunity to view this historic building from many vantage points.
Led by Rabbi Mo Salth
Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm, Room 504
Rabbi Phil Hiat
Saturdays, 8:45 am - 9:45 am, Room 501
Each week, the Torah offers us a teaching through its historic characters, narrative and themes. How can we relate these ancient lessons to our modern selves? This weekly exploration offers new thought on old text. No previous background or Hebrew knowledge necessary.
Led by Rabbi Michael Friedman
Thursdays, 8:15 am - 9:15 am, Room 504
Experience a line by line look at our sacred text from many perspectives. Participants bring with them an eagerness to understand the Bible in history, as the rabbis read it, as literature or drama, and for what it has to say to us today. No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary.
Led by Cantor Elizabeth Sacks
Fridays, 8:15 am - 9:15 am, Room 504
What does the Talmud have to say about our everyday business dealings? How should we handle lost property, deposits, sales, loans, rentals, hiring, and laws of interest? This fall, we will explore these and other related topics through the text of the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia.
Led by Patti Sayre, LCSW, Parenting Center Facilitator
Fridays, 9:30 am - 11:00 am, Room 602
“In learning to know other things and other minds, we become more intimately acquainted with ourselves, and are to ourselves better worth knowing.” -Philip Gilbert Hamilton
Multi-generational book lovers gather weekly to delve deeper into their shared literary passion. This fall, the group begins with The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, a story about courage, friendship, survival, love and grief. Newcomers are welcome to become a part of this dynamic community where books provide a backdrop for connection and friendship.
There will be no Adult Programs on the following dates:
Central Synagogue is proud to have created a true community of adult Jewish learning. We are committed to teaching Judaism as a thriving religion, at once relevant to our modern lives and enlightened by our ancient texts. As a blueprint for life, Reform Judaism comes alive in our classrooms and in our halls. It is our hope that ongoing learning by our adult members will not only foster Jewish literacy, but also nurture a lifelong commitment to the Jewish community.
For more information, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Director of Adult Education and Conversion Studies at 212-838-5122 x5002, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Assistant to the Education Department at 212-838-5122 x4005.
There are no announcements at this moment.
At the May Family Nursery School, we see each child as a unique individual. Our program is designed to maximize the development of the whole child – intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally. The children encounter many learning opportunities and challenges in a stimulating and happy Jewish environment. By providing challenging hands-on activities within an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth, we strengthen each child’s sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Our teachers are experienced, mature and highly trained early childhood educators. All of our Head Teachers have Master’s degrees as do several Associate Teachers. The entire staff participates in on-going professional development through workshops and conferences.
We are a member of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and the Parents League of New York.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4001
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Assistant Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4002
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Education Department Assistant
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4003
At Central Synagogue Nursery School, our vibrant Parents Association (PA) provides a link between parents and the school. Parent volunteers organize a variety of resources and activities, including a book fair for Chanukah, Family Fun Day in the Spring, year-round tzedakah projects, the Nursery School Library, and the Annual Nursery School Benefit among others.
The key to the success of the PA-sponsored projects and events is parental involvement. Whether you have one hour to give once during the school year or several hours each month, we welcome your help.
There are many ways to get involved. Please see links to our programs and events.
At the beginning of each school year, parents are chosen from each class for each of four roles: (1) the general class parent (often two parents), (2) the tzedakah class parent, (3) the benefit class parent, and (4) the library class parent.
The general class parents help to organize and communicate general class happenings. The tzedakah class parents act as liaisons to the PA Tzedakah Committee, facilitating each class’ involvement with tzedakah projects. The benefit class parents work with the Benefit Committee, helping to involve and inform all the parents in their class about the benefit and how they can get involved. The library class parents organize the library schedule for the class and make sure that all parent volunteers for the library know what is required of them.
Throughout the year several tzedakah projects and collection drives are organized by our Tzedakah Committee in order to get our children involved with tikun olam (repairing the world). These projects and drives help homebound elderly, poor children and families and the environment among other worthy causes. In addition, the Tzedakah Committee Chairs liaison with the Social Action Committee at Central Synagogue, helping to involve the nursery school with synagogue wide mitzvah days and other initiatives.
Our benefit, which includes a live and silent auction, takes place in the spring of each year. It is the school’s biggest fundraiser and social gathering of the year. We are very proud that our Benefit emphasizes community building and we always have great participation and attendance. There are various subcommittees where parents can get involved. These subcommittees organize different activities, including, helping our children create the artwork to be auctioned off during the live auction, solicitation of items for the silent auction, administrative activities such as correspondence, mailings and reminders, and organizing the benefit journal.
Our school has a lending library. Once a week, our children can check out one book to take home with them. Parent volunteers run our library, helping to organize the books and to purchase new books. Volunteering to help run our library is also a wonderful way for parents with limited time to get involved because each week parents from each classroom come to read to the class during library time.
We hold an annual book fair prior to Chanukah which serves as both a community builder and fundraiser for the school. In addition to children’s books of all kinds, the book fair has special interest books for adults as well as vendors selling toys, games, clothing, and Judaica. We typically have a guest author who reads to each class when they visit the fair. Our parent body takes charge of this event, doing everything from ordering the books to organizing outside vendors and setting up the room for the fair.
At the end of the year, parents help organize a luncheon to say thanks to all the teachers for being an inspiration and taking such good care of our children.
Our school holds a Family Fun Day each spring that includes a fun activity for our children and their families as well as an informal family dinner. Recent Family Fun Days have featured our favorite rock star Laurie Berkner and a performance by the Pushcart Players. We need people to take charge of this event each year, deciding on the activities and entertainment as well as the food and drinks.
You can be involved in helping to create personalized place mats, t-shirts and others items that each child will get to take home at the end of the year as a memory from their class of the wonderful year they had at school.
Parents assist in organizing these two days, usually in November, when each class takes a group picture and each child takes his or her individual school photo.
Choose a topic below:
The Parenting Center (one of the first in New York City) is a separate program at Central Synagogue. It was initiated more than 25 years ago and continues to flourish today, meeting the needs of many families with young children.
Share fears, fantasies and feelings that accompany the parenting of a young child who is just beginning to develop a clear sense of self. Life is rewarding and challenging, but sometimes can be frustrating for both parent and child.
It is well known that what happens in a child’s early years makes a significant difference in later life. It is important to share experiences and learn the skills needed to raise happy, confident children who are in control of their lives while parents stay in control as well. In order to accomplish this goal, we must first fully understand the particular age range and development that occurs within this group. It is recognized that each child is an individual with his or her developmental path, temperament and style. No two children are alike. No two families are alike. Each parent-child relationship is unique. Each family develops skills to suit their own style leading to greater satisfaction with life.
The expertise of the staff and the facilitator, encourages enthusiastic participation by both parent and child. Children expanding their world in a safe, inviting and cheerful environment are introduced to blocks, puzzles, art materials, music and movement. Two adjoining rooms allow for easy access and observation for both parent and child, reflecting the emotional developmental task for children in this age range - which is separation and individuation. Children develop feelings of self worth, independence and the ability to feel and express warmth.
Meanwhile, parents gain confidence through weekly support, guidance and informa¬tion about the child-rearing process and develop new skills that help to make life just a little better. Parent and child also experience the fun of Jewish tradition and culture through the celebration of major Jewish Holidays.
This new program, “Two by Two: Today’s Toddlers”, is offered as part of our Parenting Center classes and is designed to initiate the child into a modified classroom setting. By attending twice a week, children internalize routines more quickly, transfer trust from parent to three experienced early childhood teachers more readily and become more independent. This is achieved by offering structured and unstructured activities: i.e. free play, cooking, art projects, Jewish Holiday rituals, Shabbat, circle time, and enrichment with the Music and Movement teachers. The goal of the class is to lead to separation, as children are ready; a parent or caregiver is expected to remain in the adjacent parent room until separation has solidified. The parent/facilitator discussion hour will take place on Tuesday through December; in January the discussion is once a month.
This group is for the toddler and reflects the Parenting Center’s philosophy that the development of the parent, as well as the child, is important to the family’s contentment and stability. Our focus is in the best interest of the parent-child relationship and is developmentally age-appropriate for children of this age.
Four teachers supervise the toddlers’ play while their parents participate in a valuable discussion with a professional in the field of social work or psychology. The children and parents are in adjoining open-door rooms, allowing for complete accessibility. Approximately one half hour of this time is interactive between parents, caregivers, toddlers, teachers and family facilitator.
Taking care of children is an exciting and challenging responsibility. Caregivers take care of our most precious possessions, our children. This program is designed for caregivers AND THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. In this multi-age group (infants through toddlers up to ages thirty two months), the children experience a wide range of activities and learn by playing with puzzles, manipulatives, art materials, music, listening to stories, finger plays and other activities that expand their play and their minds.
While children are at play with the Parenting Center Team of teachers, the Caregivers have the opportunity to discuss child development and other childcare issues in a supportive, professional and encouraging group atmosphere, with a facilitator. Discussions include topics such as self esteem, setting limits, health, nutrition, safety, understanding the rituals of Jewish holidays and ideas for having fun with children at home and on play dates.
This program provides an opportunity to open up the lines of communication between caregivers and the families they work with, by providing communication skills training. The Parent Orientation meeting, as well as opportunities for parents to join us in class (for a Chanukah Party, and a Parent-Child-Caregiver Lunch in the Spring) are part of the program.
As caregivers are vital to the fabric and functioning of the modern American family today, we are very pleased to offer this very important and unique program at our school.
Trained early childhood teachers supervise all children in the Parenting Center. The head teacher has a Master’s Degree and works with a team of three teachers with specialties in infant/toddler education. Parent facilitators, who work primarily with the parents, are trained in psychology, social work, parent education and/or early childhood education. The entire Parenting Center staff forms an interdisciplinary team that truly knows each family.
Our Parenting Center offers families guidance and support during the children’s critical early years. Our primary goal is to enrich parents’ relationships with their very young children.
Susan Alpert, Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4001
Jo Sohinki, Assistant Director
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4002
Danielle Rodriguez, Education Department Assistant
(212) 838-5122, ext. 4003
Our curriculum is built around six key Jewish strands: God, Torah (our sacred texts), Israel (as the land of Israel and as the Jewish people), Avodah (prayer and ritual), Kehilah (community), and Tikkun Olam (social action). Every grade incorporates activities that relate to one or more of these six areas. In addition, the study of Hebrew is integrated into every lesson.
Our students will explore and develop a personal relationship with God and come to understand the covenant between God and the Jewish people as it has been experienced throughout history.
Our students will gain familiarity with Biblical, rabbinic, and other sacred texts, and will come to appreciate the Jewish value of lifelong study. They will develop critical skills for interpretation and integration of the sacred texts into their lives. They will recognize that talmud torah connects them to one another and to Jewish communities around the world and throughout time.
Our students will recognize the ancient Jewish bond with the land of Israel. They will have knowledge of, and foster a connection to, the State of Israel. They will also come to understand the concept of Am Yisrael, belonging to the historical community of Israel.
Our students will learn and find meaning in Jewish prayers and rituals, especially those incorporated in a Reform Jewish prayer service. In the younger grades, students become familiar with the rituals of Shabbat and the cycle of the Jewish year. Over the course of the curriculum, students will explore the meaning of individual prayers, adding new prayers each year to their base of knowledge. Familiarity with Mishkan T’filah, the Reform siddur, is an additional goal.
Our students will know what it means to be a member of, and will develop the skills to contribute to: the Religious School, Central Synagogue, the Reform Movement, New York City’s Jewish community, and the global Jewish community.
Our students will recognize mitzvot and tikkun olam, repairing the world, as a Jewish value; in particular, they will understand the centrality of social action to Reform Judaism.
Our Hebrew program at Central Synagogue is primarily a t’filah based curriculum. Students build Hebrew acquisition skills through weekly prayer services and classroom exercises. In kindergarten through second grade, the Hebrew program focuses on building a vocabulary of key-words and aims at building basic reading and letter recognition skills. By the end of third grade, all students are expected to know the letters of the alef-bet and should be able to sound out a basic Hebrew text. By the end of sixth grade, students are expected to read all familiar prayers accurately and fluently, identify and translate key vocabulary words, and convey an understanding of key themes for each prayer. Additionally, students should possess a vocabulary of Hebrew words and phrases that are integrated into the 6 strands of the curriculum (God, Torah, Israel, Tikkun Olam, Kehilah, and Avodah).
Jethro Shabbat