- About Us
- Connect
- Learn
- Jewish Life
- Music
- Events
- Give
- Join Us
CJL Class Overview
Hinei Mah Tov – How Good it IS for us to be Together
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Kindergarten meets monthly on Sundays, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
1st - 5th grade classes meet weekly Sundays from 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Our students participate in a music-filled, interactive service, Judaic studies, Hebrew through Movement (a technique of teaching Hebrew through auditory learning and responding to Hebrew commands with movement), dance, art, and also spend time with our Clergy. Throughout the year, students and families join in community programs such as a Hanukkah family concert, our Purim carnival, experiential life cycle rituals and Passover celebrations. Our Madrichim (Teen Aides) offer creative electives and serve as peer leaders and role models for our younger students. (Please scroll down for more specific class descriptions).
REGISTER HERE
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULA OVERVIEW – VAV/ZAYIN (GRADES 6 & 7)
“JOURNEY TO B’NEI MITZVAH”
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
While in the elementary grades, there is a focus on Hebrew preparedness and building skills for Hebrew decoding, our classes in Vav/Zayin (Grades 6 & 7) now focus on helping students achieve fluency in Hebrew prayers for the Friday night and Shabbat morning prayer services. Our afternoons begin with “Kehillah / Community Connection” which are ice breakers / games to encourage relationship building. Students enjoy an evening "nosh" which helps build community in our upper grades and allows our students time to socialize and bond with one another. (Please scroll down for further specific content by grade).
REGISTER HERE
HIGH SCHOOL OVERVIEW – (GRADES 8 - 12)
“Rav Kav” / CJL Flex Pass
Wednesdays, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
The CJL “Rav Kav” is a kind of “Flex Pass” – with CJL Registration, a student can participate in our Wednesday afternoon classes with our Clergy and CJL Faculty, serve as Madrichim/ot (Teen Aides) on Sunday mornings, and engage in community service/social activities through the CJL. In the 11th/12th grade, our CJL students can design and fulfill a synagogue/CJL internship. With CJL registration, a student can choose to participate in one or all of our High School activities. (Please scroll down for more specific information about each grade/class).
REGISTER HERE
Class Descriptions
KITAH GAN (Kindergarten)
Monthly Sundays, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Our CJL Gan/Kindergarten meets monthly. Our morning begins with a short, musical service with a teaching moment, led by our Clergy. Our students learn about Jewish holidays through music, crafts, and stories. Our Madrichim (Teen Aides) help facilitate this class with a CJL Instructor as part of their teacher and leadership training.
REGISTER HERE
Kitah ALEPH (1st Grade)
Sundays 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Our morning begins with a short, musical service with a teaching moment, led by our Clergy. Kitah Aleph students learn the foundational Jewish prayer, Sh’ma and the brachot (blessings) associated with Shabbat, learn the yearly cycle of Jewish holidays, learn about the special places in the synagogue, and are introduced to the Hebrew alphabet and explore the Hebrew language using Hebrew Through Movement, an interactive program in which students are exposed to modern Hebrew through active listening and movement. Students gain an understanding of Jewish values, including Hakarat ha tov (Recognizing the Good), Ometz Lev (Strength of Heart, Courage), Ma’achil R’eivm (Feeding the Hungry), and Kavod (Respect). A core part of the curriculum is the Jewish value of tzedakah (righteousness), and the class often holds a food drive and visits the Croton Food Pantry to learn how to help those who are in need.
REGISTER HERE
Kitah Bet (2nd grade)
Sundays 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Our morning begins with a short, musical service with a teaching moment, led by our Clergy. This year, Kitah Bet takes a deeper dive in the yearly cycle of the Jewish holidays. For example, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur give us time to reflect on our past behaviors, and Purim reminds us to be proud of our Jewish identity. Our students learn how tikkun olam (improving the world) are a part of each holiday. Each Sunday, we practice our Shabbat blessings during which children prepare to eat by setting the table, reciting the prayers and passing out challah and juice. Our year is complemented with fun experiential activities such as making haroset for Passover and learning Israeli dance for Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Kitah Bet participates in a food drive for the Croton Food pantry, and we look forward to visiting the Croton Food pantry to help stock shelves with our various food donations. Each Sunday, Hebrew through Movement (HTM) is a highlight during which students enjoy interactive games and learning modern Hebrew with Morah Ariela, our Hebrew Through Movement specialist.
REGISTER HERE
KITAH GIMMEL (3RD GRADE)
Sundays 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Our morning begins with a short, musical service with a teaching moment, led by our Clergy.
In addition to celebrating and learning the history of our holidays, Kitah Gimmel participates in Torah study, learning the stories from the Book of Genesis. In learning their stories, we learn the Jewish values of taking responsibility for our own actions, taking responsibility for the well-being of others (achreiyut), and of welcoming guests (Hachnasat Orchim). Kitah Gimmel also has a core unit about the 10 Commandments in the Book of Exodus. As part of our Jewish values curriculum, we plan for Kitah Gimmel and Dalet students to visit the elderly at a local nursing home. In doing this, the students participate in the Jewish value of kibud zekeinim, honoring the elderly. In Hebrew, our students build their Hebrew skills through a rotation of Hebrew game stations such as Hebrew twister and Hebrew football/basketball, depending on the season. By the end of the year, our Kitah Gimmel students have been introduced to all the Hebrew letters and vowels and the process of Hebrew decoding.
REGISTER HERE
KITAH DALET (4th GRADE)
Sundays 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Kitah Dalet students explore the Bible as Jews have done for centuries- by pondering, personalizing, and wrestling with the text. Building on the foundation of Torah study in Kitah Gimmel, Kitah Dalet students focus on the prophets, kings, and judges that came after Moses’ death and the beginning of the Israelites’ journey into Canaan. We learn about the biblical figures Joshua, Deborah, Ruth, the prophet Samuel, and Kings Saul, David, and Solomon. Through exploring these Biblical figures, we share the histories and traditions of our families. As part of our exploration into our Jewish values curriculum, we plan for Kitah Gimmel and Dalet students to visit the elderly at a local nursing home. In doing this, the students participate in the Jewish value of kibud zekaynim, honoring the elderly. After reviewing Hebrew letters and vowels, Kitah Dalet students now progress toward learning Hebrew blessings and prayers, including Hanukkah blessings and the Four Questions of Pesach (Passover). In the spring, students participate in the Golden Alef program, a program which motivates students to work on a set of prayers or texts to earn achievement dog tags, similar to the learning of belts in karate classes.
KITAH HAY (5TH GRADE)
In Judaic studies, our fifth graders learn about Jewish life-cycle events which include active participation in ceremonies such as a mock baby-naming, a “mock-mitzvah,” and a mock wedding. Watching our students come to CJL on a Sunday morning dressed up and excited for the mock wedding is truly memorable. Our fifth-grade students also are paired with an Israeli class and hold live video conferences with Israeli students of similar ages. Through regular correspondence with this school and students throughout the year, our students learn about Israel from their peers and how our Israeli brothers and sisters practice Judaism and celebrate holidays. They also learn how similar they are to one another as they embrace the same trends, video games, and apps! Each year, we plan a special field trip for Kitah Hey such as visiting the Eldridge Street Synagogue in NYC to learn about the Jewish history of the Lower East Side. This trip would not be complete without also a trip to a famous bagel/bialy and/or candy shop! As a student once commented during the trip, “This is my best day ever!” Kitah Hey students practice Hebrew and prayers in class and also individually through the digital platform, ShalomLearning. In the spring, students participate in the Golden Alef program, a program which motivates students to work on a set of prayers or texts to earn achievement dog tags, similar to the learning of belts in karate classes.
REGISTER HERE
KITAH VAV (6TH GRADE)
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Our Wednesday CJL classes begin with a moment of community connection (games like Gaga or icebreakers) and then a brief worship service led by our Clergy. Our Kitah Vav class is focused on b’nai mitzvah preparation. During the first semester, students study the V'ahavta (And You Shall Love), Friday night Kiddush (Sanctification of Wine), and Amidah (Standing/Core Section of Worship Service) Prayers through reading and discussions. We also review Hanukkah blessings and review Hebrew letters/vowels as needed. As part of our Jewish values curriculum, students delve into the Jewish values of Chesed (Kindness), B’tzelem Elohim (Acting in God's image), Gevurah (Strength), Tzedakah (righteous giving), and together we discuss how we can emulate these values in our everyday lives. During the second semester, students are introduced to Trope (symbols for chanting Torah) from our Cantor, learn Torah and Haftarah Blessings, learn the Havdalah Blessings, review the Ma Nishtana (4 Questions of Passover), and learn the Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. Kitah Vav also has a historical Jewish figure unit during which students research Jewish role models, past and present. They also participate in a Torah art project around the theme of the parshah (Torah portion) for their b’nai mitzvah. Both Kitah Vav and Kitah Zayin learn about Israel from our Shinshin, our young adult Israeli emissary. No Wednesday CJL session would be complete without evening “nosh” or snack during which students eat, socialize, and conclude with singing Birkat HaMazon, the blessing after meals.
REGISTER HERE
KITAH ZAYIN (7TH GRADE)
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
With b'nei mitzvah ceremonies and celebrations at the forefront of their minds, our students begin their year with practicing prayers for their upcoming b’nei mitzvah service. This is followed by an examination of the Holocaust and World War II and learning about the State of Israel, its diverse immigrant groups, their effect on modern Israeli culture and language, and how our Jewish identity relates to a Jewish state and its citizens. A core component of the seventh grade Judaica curriculum is the Mitzvah service project, a process in which students plan and complete their 18-hour community service hours as part of their b’nei mitzvah journey. Many students complete their mitzvah hours through Temple Israel programs such as the Midnight Run. Kitah Zayin students present their idea for a Mitzvah project in the fall and then celebrate their mitzvah projects and connection to Jewish values during a Kitah Zayin Shabbat dinner or dessert reception at the end of the year. No Wednesday CJL session would be complete without evening “nosh” or snack during which students eat, socialize, and conclude with singing Birkat HaMazon, the blessing after meals.
REGISTER HERE
PATHWAY TO CONFIRMATION – (8TH/ 9TH GRADE)
Bi-monthly Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Sunday Madrichim Program 9:00 - 11:30 AM
The 8th/9th grade program is a blend of social, communal, and learning activities on a bimonthly basis. Our teens will discuss current events through a Jewish lens. 8th/9th graders also have the opportunity to participate in our Sunday morning Madrichim (Teen Aide) Program which includes leadership training and discussions on topical issues. Our goal is to cap the year with a class planned trip to NYC.
CJL High school (10TH - 12TH GRADEs)
Bi-monthly Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Sunday Madrichim Program: 9:00 - 11:30 AM
During the CJL High School years, students explore and deepen their identity as young Jewish adults and students learn to engage with Jewish texts and traditions on an adult level. In a student-driven curricula, students learn how to apply Jewish values to their daily lives, and to their role as citizens of our greater community and our nation. This year, Rabbi Jaech will teach 10th – 12th grades and lead interested teens on a four-day trip to Washington DC to participate in the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism's L'Taken Social Justice Seminar for teens. This trip culminates in a visit to Capitol Hill where the students make presentations to congressional staff. At the end of the senior year in high school, students lead a worship service in celebration of their confirmation. During the service, students speak about what they value about being a young Jewish adult. Temple Israel honors those who have been confirmed here by permanently displaying their class photographs in our downstairs hallway. 10th - 12th grade teens may participate in our Madrichim Program on Sunday mornings with the culmination of a synagogue internship during their junior and/or senior year.
REGISTER HERE
Wed, December 4 2024
3 Kislev 5785
Temple israel Happenings
-
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 4 , 2024Brotherhood Holiday Dinner
Wednesday, Dec 4th 7:30pm to 9:00pm
All men of Temple Israel are welcome to join Brotherhood for our Holiday Dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal at Taormina Trattoria Restaurant, 59 Hudson Ave Peekskill, NY (914)739-4007 in the company of old friends & new. Our Food Czar, Neal Freiman, has carefully selected a menu featuring the finest Italian food to be found. -
Friday ,
DecDecember 6 , 2024Shabbat Shabbang
Friday, Dec 6th 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Join our clergy for songs, music, crafts, challah, pizza, and yummy treats! We welcome families with children 7 and under (and their older siblings). Bring a friend to share in our Shabbat! -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024Midnight Run
Shabbat, Dec 7th 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Volunteers needed. The Midnight Run is a volunteer organization whose goal is to come together as a community in order to feed the homeless of New York City. They coordinate more than 1,000 relief missions per year with volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools and other civic groups to deliver food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024Midnight Run
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 7th 8:00pm to Sunday, Dec 8th 2:00am
Volunteers needed. The Midnight Run is a volunteer organization whose goal is to come together as a community in order to feed the homeless of New York City. They coordinate more than 1,000 relief missions per year with volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools and other civic groups to deliver food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City.
Events
Today's Calendar
: 7:30pm |
Friday Night
: 5:00pm |
: 5:30pm |
: 7:00pm |
Shabbat Day
: 9:30am |
: 1:00pm |
: 8:00pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Dec 4 |
Dec 6 |
Dec 6 |
Dec 7 |
Dec 7 |
This week's Torah portion is Parashat Vayeitzei
Shabbat, Dec 7 |
Erev Hanukkah
Wednesday, Dec 25 |