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Congregation Dorshei Tzedek Religious School

Ewa Maniawski Tuschman, Education Director, 617-965-5443, school@dorsheitzedek.org

On three things the world stands: on Torah, on worship, and on acts of loving kindness. (Pirkei Avot 1:2)

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek's Religious School is a Reconstructionist educational program that values creativity and experiential learning. The curriculum reflects the guidelines of the Reconstructionist movement.

As Reconstructionist educators, we:

encourage gender equality through the use of gender-inclusive God language and equal emphasis on men's and women's roles in Jewish texts, worship and history.
emphasize Jewish peoplehood and community by teaching our children to become knowledgeable participants and creators of Jewish communal life.
are committed to making Judaism relevant and meaningful for parents as well as for children.

Our Religious School Program

Our children study Jewish history and Torah, celebrate Shabbat and the other Jewish holidays, and do acts of gemilut hasadim (loving kindness) and tikkun olam (social justice). They learn both modern Hebrew and prayer Hebrew through song, drama, and stories as well as text study.

Gan

One Sunday afternoon per month, 2 - 4 pm

Kindergarten students and parents participate in an introductory, creative program.

Kitah Aleph and Kitah Bet

Shabbat mornings 10 am - 12 pm

First and second grade activities include stories, songs, and crafts. Parents and children come together for a short family learning session called "Torah Talk" during the first 20 minutes of the morning.

In Kitah Aleph (Grade 1) students have an introduction to the cycle of the Jewish year and to Jewish values through the study of Shabbat and holidays.

In Kitah Bet (Grade 2) students begin Hebrew reading readiness and continue the study of Jewish values and customs.

Kitah Gimmel, Dalet, Hay, and Vav

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:45 - 5:45 pm

In addition to school-wide learning about Jewish holidays and values, each grade has its own focus.

Kitah Gimmel students (Grade 3) learn to read and write Hebrew, and explore Jewish values and practices in their introduction to Torah study.

Kitah Dalet students (Grade 4) continue their study of Torah with an in-depth exploration of the stories of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah and Rachel. They begin a journey through the Shabbat services that continues in Kitot Hay and Vav, focusing on the Friday night Shabbat service. The students lead a family Kabbalat Shabbat service at the end of the year.

Kitah Hay students (Grade 5) explore the book of Shemot (Exodus), focusing on themes of civil disobedience, freedom, and the challenges of leadership. They learn the Shabbat morning service (Shacharit), and lead that part of the service for the adult congregation in the spring.

Kitah Vav students (Grade 6) study the latter books of the Bible, grappling with everything from the pitfalls of charismatic leadership to the social justice message of the prophets. In preparation for the bar/bat mitzvah year, they learn to lead entire morning service and the Torah service.

Kitah Zayin

Tuesdays 6:15 - 8:15 pm

Kitah Zayin students (Grade 7) continue their Jewish learning through interactive educational units. Song, drama, and art are emphasized in our classes alongside skills-oriented language and text study. In addition to weekly classes, students prepare for their b'nai mitzvah with private tutors. Rabbi Toba Spitzer oversees bar/bat mitzvah preparation.

Ma'apilim

A teen program combines social action with Jewish learning.

Family Education

Family education is central to our Religious School and integrates students and their families into the broader Dorsehi Tzedek community of learners.

Tikkun Olam Projects

Both study and action are important parts of our students' participation in "repairing the world." Each year our students design and implement social action projects inspired by their classroom learning.

Grants

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek is a recipient of education grants from the Bureau of Jewish Education/Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

Contact the Religious School

Contact Ewa Maniawski Tuschman, Education Director, 617-965-5443, or school@dorsheitzedek.org

School Closings Due to Weather

In case of inclement weather, check the school phone line 617-965-5443 for a message about school cancellations. For weekday classes, parents will also be notified by email if school is cancelled.