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After School

The Jewish School of the Arts is proud to offer afterschool combined with Hebrew school Monday through Friday.

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Current thinking in the field of early childhood education echoes a statement by King Solomon, found in the Book of Proverbs:
“Educate a child in his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

The Goals of our Program

  • To master and progress in art, music, cooking, science, or any extracurricular activity they chose

  • To attain a strong feeling of identity with their heritage and to develop a sense of love and pride in being Jewish.

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of the mitzvot, traditions, and practices that Judaism stands for, while studying the morals, values, and ethical behavior mandated by the Torah.

  • Master the skills of Hebrew reading and gradually develop the ability to understand basic Hebrew words, emphasizing on prayers so that the students feel comfortable when attending services.

  • Discover and explore the incredible history of the Jewish people and its relevance for all times.

  • Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G‑d, Torah, and religion.

  • Attain a “Jewish” perspective on life and maintain Jewish feelings and involvement beyond the years at Hebrew School and ultimately perpetuate this onto future generations.

  • Participate in community service by volunteering to help seniors, hospitalized children, and the needy – putting what they learn into action.0

Most importantly, to ensure that the students enjoy the classes and look at Hebrew School as a positive and fun experience.

Children will be taught the meaning of Mitzvot – Torah commandments – and will be encouraged to enjoy the experience of doing mitzvot. Some mitzvot emphasized are tzedaka (charity), loving one another, kindness to living creatures, hospitality, honoring parents, mezuzah, and brachot (blessings). The teachers will help each child develop a consciousness of proper Torah behavior and good deeds towards others – Midot Tovot – which is the acquisition of desirable character traits. Kabbalah self improvement is a daily subject at JSA.

Mitzvot

Aleph Champ & Hebrew Language

Our Hebrew reading curriculum is the latest educational breakthrough around. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color-coded levels and testing, it provides excitement and inspiration, leading the students into a winning cycle of learning. The Hebrew Alphabet as well as the vowels and word formations are divided into 10 colored levels. The students start out as “White Aleph Champs,” working their way up the colors of the rainbow to be a “Black Aleph Champ” like their teachers. Games, cards, logs, and rewards make every step along this remarkable journey a fun educational success.

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Hebrew vocabulary, cursive writing, and numbers are also basic parts of the program – students will learn Hebrew words related to Jewish themes.

We are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to the children through the Hebrew School curriculum.

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The Jewish School of the Arts afterschool offers an outstanding program that will give your child a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Judaism, and will instill in your child the faith, beauty and values of our heritage.

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All lessons will be taught in a manner that will give the children a great appreciation of our rich Jewish heritage. Role-playing, arts & crafts, and songs will be incorporated to make the lessons more enjoyable.

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We plan special programs during the year, such as the Shofar Factory, Chanukah Wonderland, Purim Fun, Passover Experience, Model Seder, Matzah Bakery, and Shabbat Experience. We also feature ongoing activities throughout the year, such as Jewish Game Shows and Kosher label contest, to develop and maintain strong participation and enthusiasm from our students.

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We believe that the joy and pride in Judaism that will be experienced at The Jewish School of the Arts after school will make an indelible impression upon the children.

General Curriculum

Holiday Observance

Children will learn to appreciate the special quality and holiness of Shabbat and Holidays. They will become familiar with the historical background, customs, and observances of each festival through multi-sensory, hands-on activities and creative art projects.

Children will start to learn simple, basic prayers and blessings. Special focus will be put on understanding the prayers the children are saying. As they progress, they will learn more prayers and the appropriate time to say them.

Prayer and Blessings

Jewish History

Children will learn to view our Avot (patriarchs) and Imahot (matriarchs) and other Jewish heroic figures as role models. They will be taught morals and ethics from people highlighted in the weekly Torah portion. The lessons will be infused with discussions and practical lessons we can derive from our ancestors.

The children will learn about the land G‑d gave us. We will start the history from our patriarchs, through the Holy Temples and up to modern day Israel. The children will be instilled with a love and attachment to our Holy Land. They will be exposed to pictures, films, games, projects and songs about the land.

The Land of Israel

Arts and Crafts

Art projects are incorporated into our curriculum to add excitement to the upcoming holidays and Mitzvot. Our projects will have Jewish holiday and Mitzvah themes and will add a taste of Jewish life to your home.

When your child is ready for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, The Jewish School of the Arts afterschool will lay the foundation for a meaningful ceremony. The Rabbi is available for consultation on all aspects of the special day. Your family will have the option of celebration in the warm and traditional atmosphere of the Chabad or in the location of your choice. Together, we can ensure that your child’s first taste of their Jewish identity will be enjoyable, fun and most importantly, create memories that will inspire him/her for a lifetime.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

 Extra-Curricular Activities

Children will participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, science, cooking, science, and game room to enhance the learning. In addition we offer piano lessons for an extra fee.

We believe that Hebrew School should be a positive experience for your child. Our teachers use oral encouragement, small prizes and rewards. Constant encouragement is the greatest gift that you as a parent can give your child. Too much is never enough.

Encouragement

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