The basic premise of our curriculum is to think of Jewish education not merely as a matter of communicating facts but rather as an effort to provide a positive learning environment in which young people can become proud participating Jews who are confident in their identity.
From early childhood, a child learns by experiencing, doing, touching, hearing, seeing, tasting, and smelling the richness of our heritage. Our school is based on the fact that, as our sages put it, “it is not the learning that is the essence, but the doing.”
In reality, whether children or adults, we learn what we do. Our students are given a foundation from which they are encouraged to explore and question their relationship to Judaism.
At Congregation Schaarai Zedek, we are building a warm, comfortable, and positive climate of Jewish experience and Jewish learning for our children, providing resources so those values can be reinforced in the home. We look forward to partnering with our families on their Jewish journeys in all shapes and forms.
Our dedicated and enthusiastic teaching staff is comprised predominantly of professional teachers. Most are members of our congregation. All have a love of Judaism and are devoted to teaching “them” (the mitzvot) diligently to your children.
If you are interested in teaching in our Religious School (we are always looking for new teachers!) contact Debbie Steinfeld by email or (813) 876-2377, ext. 246.
Our teacher assistants (tenth through twelfth-grade students) assist in both our Judaic Studies and Hebrew classes.
Schaarai Zedek Members: $550 per student
Note: Students enrolled in the Madrichim program will not be charged tuition. Tuition applies to students in Pre-K through 9th grade.
Questions? Please email us.
Enrollment: 500+ students in grades Pre-K through 9th grade
Teachers and Staff: about 40 teachers, nearly as many teacher assistants, and two full-time staff
Our Pre-K students learn about and celebrate the Jewish holidays as they lay the foundation for further Jewish learning. Their learning is marked by Consecration, a meaningful ceremony to mark the start of their Jewish education. Children age 4 by September 1 are welcome to join the Pre-K class!
Experiencing the Jewish holidays and Shabbat through stories, art projects, games, plays, dancing, and songs.
In addition to Jewish holidays and Shabbat, students are introduced to the meaning of prayer, tzedakah and mitzvot, and the Jewish symbols in their homes. The curriculum combines art, music, dance, songs, and stories from the Bible, Midrash, and Talmud. Students begin to get familiar with Hebrew and work towards identifying letters, vowels, and their sounds.
Acquainting students with the Book of Genesis through discussions, drama, art, videos, and games. Students begin the year with a review of holidays through the lens of God and our universe, before beginning to learn about the Torah. Students will continue to work with the Hebrew alphabet and begin to get familiar with the letters and prepare to read in 3rd grade.
This curriculum reinforces students’ connection to Schaarai Zedek and their Judaism as a whole. This year, students split their morning between dedicated Jewish Studies and Hebrew classes. In Hebrew, they begin with letters, vowels, and basic decoding.
This curriculum examines Jewish heroes and how our students can relate to their journeys. Fourth graders explore concepts relating to God, as well as how Jewish values relate to their everyday lives. In Hebrew, students progress through our self-paced prayer program with the assistance of teachers and their peers.
This curriculum explores the organized Jewish Community and its history. The story of Jewish immigration to America to the present day is studied through text and personal family histories. This year’s curriculum also includes an extensive component on Israel, its history, and our people. We stress fluency and correct pronunciation of Hebrew with the goal of leading a service from the prayer book.
During the Sixth Grade year, we look at how and why Jews observe significant life events. Students learn about Jewish lifecycle events throughout the year and have a Lifecycle Family Program to share their learning with family members. Students also begin to attend B’nai Mitzvah Club to solidify their ability to read and comprehend the prayers.
Hebrew classes are finished, our students are not done learning! Seventh grade focuses on exploring what it means to be Jewish with an emphasis on engaging activities out in the community with our Jewish peers. The year is filled with field trips and guest speakers and a unit on Anti-semitism and the Holocaust.
Eighth grade will be a continuation of seventh grade with engaging activities out in the community with our Jewish peers. Students prepare to be active Jews in their communities in a fun and interactive way.
The Confirmation Program of Congregation Schaarai Zedek provides each student with a lasting sense of commitment to the Jewish People and to Congregation Schaarai Zedek. A Confirmand of Congregation Schaarai Zedek will begin envisioning their life as a Jewish adult, exploring a broad range of Jewish concepts and values. Looking at Jewish history and tradition through an adult lens will allow them to make informed decisions as to how to live a Jewish life in the future. Our Confirmation class spends their year exploring these ideas with our clergy and senior staff, as well as professionals from our community. The year culminates with a poignant confirmation service at which we celebrate our students’ commitment to their Jewish identity.
We’re excited to introduce our new Madrichim program! Open to high school students in grades 10 through 12, this initiative builds on our existing TA program, enhancing how we support our students while empowering them to make meaningful contributions to our Religious School. Madrichim must be enrolled in Religious School, but there will be no associated fees. They can count their time in Religious School as community service hours or choose to be paid.
