Welcome to HCS Hebrew School! 

What makes us unique? 

At the HCS Hebrew School, a K-7 program, we are dedicated to providing a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can explore their Jewish identities, deepen their understanding of Jewish traditions, and become active, ethical members of the community. At HCS, every child and family feels celebrated and valued, as we embrace differences and inspire a love of Jewish culture, traditions, and community, fostering a deep connection to Jewish
identity and lifelong learning.

”We are multi-racial, neurodiverse + neurotypical, LGBT+. We engage in Tikkun Olam and show up for each other in times of need with homemade cards and soup. We learn Hebrew, meaningful prayer practices and Torah story literacy, and how to chant from the Torah long past the day of our B Mitzvah.”

 -Rabbi Shoshana Leis

Our Curriculum 

Younger Grades (K-2nd grade)

Children in our youngest class are introduced to Jewish culture and values, Israel, Torah stories, Shabbat and holidays through hands-on experiences and through the lens of the question, “Who Am I?” Jewish symbols, items in the synagogue, terms and customs are emphasized and reinforced so that each child may develop a strong Jewish identity. The children become comfortable with the Hebrew language step by step. They start by recognizing letters and vowels and progress toward simple reading. Key Hebrew words, phrases and blessings are also learned. Our time together also includes learning and singing prayers and holiday songs.

Middle Grades (3rd-5th grades)

Expanding from the question of “Who Am I?” our students in the Middle Grades start to look at Judaism’s meaningful rituals, expectations, customs and ceremonies for every stage of life. We learn to share our personal Jewish lives with our friends and family. And, we begin to understand that Israel is our Jewish homeland. The Hebrew curriculum continues, first reviewing letters, vowels and words, and then expanding our knowledge in learning about the root (shoresh) of words. Starting in 5th grade, our students join our Tuesday afternoon remote sessions with one-on-one Hebrew/Tefillah lessons. Our time together also includes learning and singing prayers and holiday songs, in addition to deepening our learning of more tefillot (prayers).

Older Grades (6th-7th grades)

Children in our Older Grades are reflecting and discussing how they live a Jewish life related to the community around them and the greater world community beyond. Our older students study the key events in the Jewish life cycle and increase their understanding of how to mark and celebrate these milestones in their own lives, particularly B-Mitzvah. We will start to incorporate text study and debating and discussing ethical dilemmas and moral choices. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is a topic we tackle as well. Our Older Grades develop an understanding of the place in history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Their study of Hebrew is expanded to more reading and decoding, and to apply it to tefillah. We specifically review and learn the Torah service, as well as the Avot/Imahot and G’vurot sections of the Amidah. Our Older Grades also meet remotely on Tuesday afternoons, one-on-one, to build and expand Hebrew skills, as well as synagogue and tefillah skills.

CHAI Curriculum

All grades enhance their learning using the CHAI Curriculum, focusing on lessons of Torah, Avodah (work we do to find sacred connections to God, community, and self) and G’milut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness and being personally responsible for making the world a better and holier place).

Tuesday Afternoons 

Once a month (approximately), our 5th-7th graders meet in-person on Tuesdays at the synagogue. These sessions are opportunities to continue building community and coming together with teachers and the clergy for things, such as Bar-Bat-B-mitzvah workshops, various family educational experiences and time in the sanctuary practicing synagogue and tefillah skills.

Madrichim

Our older students, 8th grade and up, serve as role models in our Hebrew School, assisting teachers and building relationships with our younger students. Our madrichim (counselors; assistant teachers) also learn valuable skills in being Jewish leaders.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Please look here for our Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings our Curriculum focuses on.

Please read our B Mitzvah manual to learn about our program.