Chabad’s After School Program Rated #1

An educational consulting company hired by Miami-Dade County has rated Chabads Hebrew After-School Program one of the best in the county. Cynthia Serure, president of A Gift for the Soul, Inc., spent two weeks observing and analyzing every aspect of Chabads program and concluded the program was exemplary.

“This program scored at the top on virtually all analytical criteria including quality of staff, student-teacher interaction, and curriculum,” said Serure. “It is a model program.” The Hebrew after-school program for boys and girls in grades K-7 is directed by Rabbi Moishe Kievman & his wife Layah, whose reputation for educational innovativeness are known throughout South Florida.

“The demand has been overwhelming,” says Kievman. “Registration keeps climbing and we are constantly adding classes to keep up with enrollment. This supplementary program is geared for Jewish students not attending Jewish day schools. Cultural pride is burgeoning in South Florida and parents want to give their kids the opportunity to learn about their heritage in a fun setting.”

The Hebrew program which also includes Jewish history, holidays, Parsha, art, ceramics and taekwondo runs from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Fridays at Aventura Waterways K-8 Center in Highland Lakes. Pre- and after-Hebrew school programs including homework help, tutoring, music and trips are available from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. for a nominal fee.

“This program offers a first taste of Jewish learning in a creative, joyful, hands-on and interesting way. We want to impart a sense of tradition using modern and innovative teaching techniques,” says school director Layah Kievman. “This is a Hebrew School that kids can’t wait to come!”

Working parents are especially thrilled to have the peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe, nurturing and productive environment. “I am very happy with Chabads after-school program and the warm, family environment that is offered to my child and her friends“ said Silvia Vega, mother of 5 year old Miriam.

”The teachers and staff are friendly, loving and responsible. My daughter who enjoys every moment shes there always comes home relating something new”.

According to a number of studies, Jewish education is a proven factor in ensuring Jewish involvement and continuity. “We must figure out a way to keep the program available to every child, no matter their financial situation.

”If we find a source for more funding, we’ll likely have as many as 1,000 kids enrolled within the next five years” projects Kievman. Chabad seeks sponsors to subsidize the cost of this amazing program.

“We seek to ensure that every single child has access to a high-quality Jewish education,” states Rabbi Kievman who together with his wife runs Chabad of Highland Lakes.