Ida and Charles Gilvarg Religious School @ Temple Israel of Natick

What do we expect to achieve in our Conservative synagogue school? (per United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism)

We believe that a good synagogue school education should and can be a major influence in forming what a Jewish teenager knows (knowledge), knows how to do (skills), and wants to do (attitudes and proclivities). It requires a sufficient amount of time to form the foundation for future Jewish living, study and growth. The school program will best impact on these if it integrates elements of informal education and systematically engages in family education. This program needs to start early, continue through adolescence and into adulthood.

We want all students to continue their formal Jewish education through high school and to be members of USY. Adolescence is a period of growth in the capacity to conceptualize and for dealing personally with one's identity. It is therefore important that Jewish education continue during these years and be ongoing so that the teen can develop a more mature perception of and commitment to Judaism, the foundation for which has only been laid in the elementary grades.

Temple Israel of Natick places a special focus on Holidays, Hebrew, and Prayer.

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Temple Israel prides itself in providing a comprehensive, multi-faceted education program for its youth from kindergarten through grade 12. The Religious School, under the leadership of Education Director Karen Hayett provides a broad-based, inclusive Jewish curriculum. Kindergarten and grade one students attend on Sunday mornings where they learn about Jewish holidays, sing songs, learn Hebrew letters and begin learning prayers. They often do creative projects and participate with the older students in school-wide celebrations. Starting in second grade, our students attend classes on Sundays and one weekday afternoon. Periodically throughout the year, students and their families participate in our Shabbat morning program. There are lively discussions on the weekly Torah portion and opportunities to learn about Jewish life throughout the world today.

The components of our curriculum include Hebrew literacy, Torah study, mitzvot (good deeds), holidays and prayer. Jewish values and principles of Jewish life are interwoven into all of these components. The skills that are taught remain with the students and are used throughout their lives. Our education strongly prepares students for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and well beyond. Many students become proficient Torah readers and participate regularly in Shabbat services. Students develop a strong Jewish identity and connection with the Temple community.

For the past two decades, the Religious School has been in the forefront of Special Education. Through our Learning Center, we provide support services for students with special needs which are overseen by the Learning Specialist. We are very proud of our commitment to provide a high quality education to all Jewish children. Our well-qualified, dedicated faculty includes involvement from our Rabbi. Opportunities exist for parents to learn with their children in family-focused programming held throughout the year.

The Education Committee, made up of volunteers and the education director, supports the school, sets policies and aids in fundraising events.

Prozdor, the High School division of Hebrew College, now administers our high school program. Prozdor offers courses in a variety of Jewish subjects, including Hebrew, Midrash (a method of interpreting Biblical text or commentaries on the Bible) and The Arts, in addition to Shabbat retreats and teen-age trips. Students may elect to study two, four or six hours per week. Prozdor instructors are experienced, creative and engaging. The Wednesday night segment at Temple Israel offers myriad subjects for students to choose from, as well as a social aspect that allows them to interact with their peers for a fun and interesting evening. The once-a-month optional dinner also encourages camaraderie and new friendships.

The Youth and Information Education Committee, made up of volunteers and the youth director, plans informal synagogue events and supports the United Synagogue Youth (USY) activities (see more in Youth Programs page)

Family Education is a central theme in Temple Israel’s vision for a lifelong passion for Jewish living and learning. Clergy, staff and leadership value and support the Jewish journey of each individual. Our programs provide opportunities to acquire tools for Jewish living and to ensure the transmission of Jewish knowledge and values from one generation to the next. These experiences create opportunities to explore relationships with God, Torah, Israel and the Jewish people. Some Family Education programs are based on the cycle of the Jewish year. Others focus on stages of human development.