1. MY CHILD DOESN'T WANT TO ADD ANY SCHOOL DAYS TO THEIR ALREADY BUSY SCHEDULE, BUT I FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE THEM WITH SOME FORM OF JEWISH EDUCATION.Aleph Bay Hebrew School is not a typical school. We understand that children learn through activities and games and we strive to create an environment which is fun and camp-like, with our focus being on expression through various forms of art so that the students are so busy doing things, they don’t even realize they are learning!
2. WE ARE NOT OBSERVANT OR VERY RELIGIOUS. WILL MY CHILD FEEL OUT OF PLACE AT ALEPH BAY?One of the common myths associated with Chabad, is that it is a place that is only for religious Jews. Although the synagogue is traditional, and our staff is observant, almost NONE of our Aleph Bay families are orthodox. Our students are from very diverse Jewish backgrounds and most attend public school or non-Jewish private schools. Many of our families identify unaffiliated, but choose to send their children to Aleph Bay because of the excellent quality of education we offer. The range of observance is varied, some families attend synagogue or do Shabbat at home, some observe the holidays, some parents read Hebrew, many do not. When teaching about observance and Mitzvot, our teachers are careful to present in a way that includes all children. Our curriculum teaches personal Judaism, without labels or divisions.
3. DO WE HAVE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE CHABAD CENTER TO ENROLL OUR CHILDREN IN HEBREW SCHOOL?The Chabad’s No Membership Philosophy makes our programs accessible to all. Everyone is welcomed as family. Our unique approach and unconditional acceptance of every Jew has created a dynamic and flourishing Jewish community. We are constantly expanding our programs and services, such as our Hebrew School, to serve everyone and we invite you to join us at any time.
4. HOW DOES ALEPH BAY PREPARE MY CHILD FOR BAR/BAT MITZVAH?At our Hebrew School, your child will gain a solid foundation of Judaism and Hebrew Reading in preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the synagogue of your choice. Some families prefer to celebrate elsewhere and maintain membership at various local synagogues. Families who choose to hold Bar/Bat Mitzvah services at Chabad are welcome to do so as Chabad does not require any membership fees. Our slogan is: “No need to join, you already belong here.” We offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies which are tailored to each child and family. Additional Bar/ Bat Mitzvah tutoring is available for students who would like to prepare for a service.
5. WHAT IS CHABAD ALL ABOUT?Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of Chabad's classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace, and each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in ones personal growth. Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad are not Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to an Orthodox life-style a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
6. I LIKE WHAT I AM READING HERE BUT I STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO?Our staff is warm and friendly and we welcome you to come by for a chat or to look around for yourself. Please contact Mrs. Chayale Teitelbaum at 646-283-5126 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment. |
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