One of the core values and basic commitments central to Judaism is reflected in the words of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), which include: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

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1500 years after G-d gave these words to our people through Moses, the Jewish historian Josephus could write: “Above all, we pride ourselves on the education of our children, and regard as the most essential task in life the observance of our G-d given laws and of the pious practices based thereon, which we have inherited.”

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Throughout our history, as a people, we have remained committed to educating and transmitting our values to our children. Congregation Ohr Chadash is no different.

Shabbat School is offered for children three years old through Bar and Bat Mitzvah age.

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Youth Group is offered for older teens

Summer Program – During the summer, the synagogue runs a week-long summer Bible school and day camp called Gan Haviv. This is for Shabbat School age children as well as for those in the bar and bat mitzvah classes. Members of the youth group often serve as helpers in the program.

 

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Learning the Hebrew Aleph-Bet

Children ages 3-8. Classes typically meet on Saturday morning. Please contact us for more information. For more information, please contact us at OhrChadashOffice@aol.com.

 

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Bar and Bat Mitzvah Classes

Bar and bat mitzvah classes are available for the children during the years they approach this very important period in their lives. When the children become bar or bat mitzvah, they move into a new relationship to their community and congregation.

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Congregation Ohr Chadash’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Class is an organized, vital, and continuing program of Shabbat School. It is a three-year program designed for students beginning at ten years old and usually ending at thirteen years old.

 

This program involves various meeting times, several leaders from our synagogue, and consists of the following curriculum:

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• Older Covenant offered during Shabbat School

• Renewed Covenant offered during Shabbat School

• Holidays and customs offered during Shabbat School

• Hebrew

• Liturgy

• Jewish history

• Community Service selected by student and overseen by parent

• Date set for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration

• Course completion releases

• Mikvah

 

Teaching your children about G-d is the most awesome of G-d’s commandments; we appreciate the honor of allowing us to assist you in this assignment.