We offer students from pre-K through high school engaging and innovative learning experiences to connect them to our rich Jewish tradition and our caring and lively community. We endeavor to provide an education that exceeds expectations and becomes a cornerstone for lifelong curiosity and involvement in Jewish learning.

The Lower School

The pre-K through Grade 2 program makes learning fun through song, crafts, drama, and story-telling.

The Lower School curriculum mainly focuses on three vital and interconnected subjects: Holidays & Traditions, Hebrew, and Torah. Through music, art, drama, and special programs, students develop a feel for the rhythm of the holidays and our enduring traditions. They build on prior learning as they learn fresh ideas through new activities.

The priority for the Hebrew curriculum in the Lower School is to introduce students to the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, furnishing the foundation and confidence to students in Middle School as they begin reading, comprehending, and connecting with Jewish prayer.

The Lower School Torah curriculum focuses on an introduction to the stories and lessons of the Five Books of Moses. Each grade builds on previous learning and offers new ways to deepen students’ insights and yield more aha moments.

The Middle School

Our 3rd through 7th graders acquire the knowledge and experience to become active participants in the Jewish community. Middle School students meet twice weekly and discover Judaism by exploring the worlds of Jewish texts, prayer, history, culture, and values. The Middle School Hebrew program focuses on fluency in reading, reciting, comprehending, and connecting to Jewish liturgy. We offer students the skills to participate in communal worship as well as the opportunity to connect with prayer on personal and spiritual levels.

We delve deeper into Torah study and other traditional Jewish texts. Students engage with the ideas and issues arising from the texts and are encouraged to find their own voices in these ongoing conversations. In Middle School we emphasize the ethics and values of Judaism and how relevant they are to our everyday lives.

Student Teachers (Ozrim)

Our teenagers play a vital role in the Eitz Chayim community. Our eighth through twelfth grade students are invited to be student teachers in our religious school. While earning a small stipend, they build the skills and practices of good teachers. The experience offers educational and social benefits to the teens while knitting them closer to each other and to our broader community.

Family Education: Holiday Celebrations

Families come together at Eitz Chayim for fun and meaningful holiday celebrations year round. The entire community participates in celebrations geared to enhance the Religious School Program and connect students and parents to our community.

Class Schedule

Sundays: Pre-K through High School meet from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wednesdays: 3rd through 7th grades meet from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Visiting

Parents are always encouraged to check out our fabulous religious school. Children are welcome to visit, participate in a class and see for themselves. Contact Director of Education Rabbi Sue Ann Wasserman to line up a visit.