Generations Learn Together at New Hebrew School

On a recent Sunday morning, Rachel Lemansky dropped off her 5-year-old son, Owen, for his classes at the new Hebrew School off Newton Square that is sponsored by the Yeshiva Chabad of Central Massachusetts.

But rather than pulling away and doing some errands while her child spent the next two hours studying, Mrs. Lemansky packed up her own things and joined her son.

“There are a lot of Hebrew schools around the country, but this one is unique,” said Rabbi Mendel Fogelman, the spiritual leader of the local Chabad community. “At this school, parents can learn about the Jewish religion alongside their children.”

About 30 children, some as young as 2 years old, attend the school regularly. Last Sunday, they were joined by about 10 parents.

The school was established this fall after parents expressed exuberance over a summer camp Chabad had sponsored.

“They were very happy with the program, and they were hoping there would be another available that would help their children continue to get a better understanding of the Jewish religion,” Rabbi Fogelman said.

He said some parents later approached him about opening up the school, which is located at the Yeshiva Achei Tmimim Academy at 22 Newton Ave., to adults.

“In today’s world, smoke and mirrors don’t work,” said the rabbi, noting school participants can pick up the difficult Hebrew language in as little as two months. “You have to give the people what they need.”

Many previously held classes at least three times a week and required participants to attend Shabbat services. But, in recognition of school sports and other youth activities that cut into family time, many Jewish organizations pared down Hebrew school attendance to once a week.

Myriam Solomon, who is originally from Paris and now lives in Spencer, said she learned about the Worcester school last fall during her attempts to find a bilingual prayer book for Yom Kippur.

“I called all over and couldn’t find one,” said Ms. Solomon, a travel and tour director. “Then I checked here.”

She said she was invited to the Fogelman home for dinner, where she learned about the school, which is run by the rabbi’s wife, Chana.

There are separate classes at the Hebrew School for children and adults. At the end of the morning, the two groups get together and sing a song in Hebrew.

“It is a bonding thing,” said Rabbi Fogelman, noting that some participants aren’t even members of the local Chabad movement.

Some students receive individual tutoring. For example, last Sunday, 10-year-old Shmuel Avinoma was getting some private instruction in the main worship area of the academy from Rabbi Chaim Fishman.

Officials said school participants pray, study the Torah, and learn Hebrew.

“My son, Owen, sees me reading and learning and that motivates him. He’s excited that I’m here,” Mrs. Lemansky said. “It’s about a 40-minute ride home, but the time goes by quickly because we discuss what we learned in school. We recently had a pretty good discussion about Moses.”

Like the kids, the adults are tested in the subject matter. For example, Mrs. Lemansky was quizzed on her recent studies. With a bit of trepidation and a big worrisome sigh, she looked at the book that was placed before her and began her test in reading Hebrew.

The mother of three young boys shouldn’t have worried. She passed the quiz, hands down.

For her accomplishment, Mrs. Lemansky received a round of applause from her fellow pupils. She also received a token medal and a chance to pick a prize from a container of small toys. Mrs. Lemansky chose three little cars, which she planned to give to her boys. “I have to admit I was worried a little bit about taking the test,” said the Charlton resident.

Officials said the school is successful because it integrates learning with fun.

“I do like coming here because I have lots of friends,” said Ariella Cohen, 7, who is the daughter of Alysa and Mitch Cohen. “We get to learn Hebrew and play games.”

“There’s always something to do,” added Jack Richard, the 8-year-old son of John and Esty Richard.

Jack said that he is very proud of himself because he learned the Hebrew alphabet.

Though Hebrew School is still in session, Rabbi Fogelman said the local Chabad is already organizing another summer camp.

It’s scheduled to run from June 30 to July 25, and, as it did last year, it will mix Hebrew teachings with the more traditional seasonal recreational activities such as swimming, sports and crafts.

The camp, which is open to children ages 3 to 14, is already accepting applications. Scholarships are available.