Religious Education at CKI

Few Mitzvot appear more often in Jewish tradition than the requirement to “Teach Our Children.” That commitment is expressed most directly through our Religious School. From Pre-School through Confirmation, CKI provides a modern, challenging curriculum that uses the latest methods and materials to teach our enduring values and heritage.

Curriculum

Our Religious School curriculum, developed by our Religious School director, is based on a thoughtful consideration of both the material we want to impart to our children and on creating life-long, active members of the Jewish community.

Class Schedule

Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 meet on Sundays from 9:30 am -11:30 am to study holidays, culture, history and some Hebrew.

Grades 3 through 6 meet on Sundays from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm for Hebrew language and Judaic studies. Students attend a first session of Hebrew classes, followed by a short break with a Kosher snack, and then a second session of Judaic studies.

Judaic studies cover Jewish History, Current Events, Morals, Values, and Culture. Students explore topics relevant to their lives and to what is happening in the world today.

Students are placed in Hebrew language classes according to ability:

Hebrew 1: Introduction to Hebrew – for new students who haven’t had any Hebrew before.
Hebrew 2: Beginning Hebrew – for students who are still learning their letters and sounds as well as basic vocabulary and prayers.
Hebrew 3: Intermediate Hebrew – for students who have mastered all the letters and are now ready to explore the intricacies of the Hebrew Language and learn the Friday Night Service.
Hebrew 4: Advanced Hebrew – for children who are approaching their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This class focuses on the Saturday Service, Parsha, and grammar of the Hebrew language.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah class meets Sundays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. On Sundays, students attend a first session of Hebrew class, take a short break and continue a second session of Judaic studies. On Tuesdays they have Hebrew language instruction, and students meet individually for tutoring with Rabbi Kramer.

Grades 7 - 11 have a new program called Chai Five run by Rabbi Kramer, to help post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students stay active and excited about Jewish life. Please contact us for details.

Faculty

Rabbi Kramer is our Religious School principal, and Orly Elstein, our school coordinator, handles administrative duties. They work with the Temple Education Committee to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all of our students.

Our teachers are professional educators, trained scholars, and enthusiastic Judaic Studies students from Rutgers University. We offer Hebrew tutoring for those students who need extra help, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah chanting lessons.

If you would like registration materials for your child, would be interested in teaching in our Religious School, or if you have any questions, please e-mail Religous School committee co-chair Lisa Scherzer, or call the temple at 732-469-0934.

CONGREGATION KNESSETH ISRAEL
229 Mountain Avenue
Bound Brook, NJ
732-469-0934