Not Your Mother’s Hebrew School

CEDARHURST, NY — Many of us know at least one person who speaks of his of her days in Hebrew school with the same tone of voice as when speaking of wisdom-tooth removal or chicken pox. However, you won’t hear any such talk from the attendees of the Chabad Hebrew School in Cedarhurst. Those moans and groans have been replaced by squeals of delight.

It starts with Aleph Champ, an exciting Hebrew literacy education program that uses the karate model. Children move through the ranks—white, red, orange, etc.—all the way to the highest level, Black Aleph Champ. “The students love the personal challenge and the fulfillment of progressing to another color,” said Rabbi Meir, the Hebrew-reading instructor. “Charting their own progress keeps them motivated.”

Also included in the curriculum is study of the weekly Torah portion with an emphasis on the Land of Israel, Jewish history, an understanding of Jewish holidays and Shabbos, and finally, yet most essentially, Jewish values.

This unique Sunday school is geared for boys and girls ages 5–13 who attend public school during the week. Parents are also included in fun days and in holiday lessons. The school’s enrollment has doubled in this last year alone, and Chabad expects the numbers to keep rising as more parents learn of this important tool to ensure the future of Judaism.

For more information, contact the Hebrew School director, Rabbi Meir Geisinsky, at 516-295-2478 ext. 19 or e-mail RabbiMeir@chabad5towns.com. You may also visit www.chabad5towns.com to download forms, learn about Chabad’s unique approach, and obtain more information.