Adult Education
The thirst for knowledge is never ending. Our Adult Education programs help quench that thirst. With classes in beginning Hebrew, Siddur, Bible, Mishna, Talmud, History, Yiddish and the Arts, the synagogue is a place of learning for all generations. "Understanding is a deep river running through the heart; learn to draw from it, and you will grow wise."
Religious School
Jewish tradition teaches us that the world stands on three things - Torah study, prayer and acts of loving kindness. Here at the Congregation Gesher Shalom Religious School we practice all of these values. Our educational goal is to nurture and help develop each individual student's knowledge, understanding and experiences in an effort to foster a strong, positive, proud Jewish identity. At the Congregation Gesher Shalom Religious School we bring together the collective wisdom and energy of our students, their families, our administration, faculty and the community. The aim of our Religious School is to foster the full potential of each student to become a knowledgeable, productive and integral member of Jewish society. The Religious School is basic training for life as a Jew. During the years our children spend as a part of our Religious School community, we provide the education and skills they need to live a Jewish life, as well as, the motivation and commitment to do so. Our Religious School experience is a beginning, not an end. It is important for our students to feel successful and appreciated as they engage in Jewish study and to understand why they should be proud to be Jewish. We encourage our students to treat every individual according to the highest principles of Jewish conduct and to develop lifelong friendships and memories in our Jewish community. Our knowledgeable, dedicated teachers provide an educational program and a creative, stimulating enjoyable atmosphere in the classroom. Our Religious School strives to combine the intrinsic values of each child with understanding and acceptance of individual needs. The Congregation Gesher Shalom Religious School curriculum is Siddur (prayer book) oriented. Our spiraling curriculum has three basic components. The first, that each student learn, at a very minimum, to read Hebrew and feel comfortable using the Siddur. The second prime objective is to instill a comprehension of the concept of prayer and what saying specific prayers mean in the individual's life. The third primary goal is teaching the English meanings of Siddur vocabulary to understanding important sacred Jewish terminology, thus making Siddur reading meaningful- not just rote reading. This then becomes the student’s direct link to learning the spoken Hebrew language. Running parallel to these major goals of Hebrew language and Prayer are these additional educational goals which bring our school to life and enhance the Jewish experience for our students and their families: feeling the joy of Shabbat and the holidays; pride in our land of Israel; studying the Bible and discovering in it our identity, the beliefs and values which make us a people. As Jews, we are especially dedicated to helping our children understand their responsibilities to the community. Toward this end our school promotes an understanding of mitzvot as being a Jewish obligation, asking that our students participate in a routine of giving to and engaging in on-going projects. We believe that Judaism means the most when it is translated into action. We want our children to identify with all Jews of the past and present, to have pride in Jewish achievement, empathize with Jewish tragedy, and act responsibly with regard to Jewish issues in the world today. Connecting our students with Torah (our Bible), insures that they will develop the tools that will ultimately enable them to have insights both into the history of our people and the development of the values we treasure. To live what is learned in class, our students and their families are encouraged to participate in Shabbat and holiday services and celebrations, as well as, the many family education and community events our synagogue offers its families including opportunities to learn and enjoy all aspects of Jewish life. B' Shalom, Nancy Galler-Malta Education Director [Back to top]
More about our Religious School: Our Religious School offers a full supplementary, conservative Jewish educational program for students entering Pre-K, through grade 7. Through the years at Congregation Gesher Shalom it is our hope that each student will attain:
A personal relationship with God and the realization that growing Jewishly is a process. A continuous search to understand that God is central to all we do, motivated by a consciousness of Jewish values and commandments. An understanding of the importance of Torah through Jewish learning. A shared sense and knowledge of our common history and spiritual legacy with other Jews, and awareness that each individual is part of K'lal Yisrael - the Jewish people as a whole. A knowledge of the Hebrew language, written and spoken, using basic vocabulary of the prayer book and simple conversation. The ability to master prayers; use the prayer book during Shabbat, holiday and weekday services; understand the structure and conceptual meaning of the services, and develop a personal meaning of the prayers. An understanding of the observance and customs associated with Shabbat, holidays, kashrut and life cycle events. A knowledge of the bible and the ability to interpret meanings in history, lessons of the Rabbis and to apply them to daily life. A love and appreciation for the importance of Israel to the Jewish people. The ability to know the meaning and practice of a wide range of Mitzvot. To encourage students to continue their Jewish experiences at home and in the community. Comprehensive Curricular outlines are available for review in the Religious School office.
G'milut Chesed/Righteous Acts of Giving Extending ourselves and helping others is an essential Jewish value. Each class has its own tzedekah box and each student is asked to contribute from his/her own money each school day. Each class develops its own tzedekah project, and our students decide how their tzedekah money will be allocated. As they approach B’nai Mitzvah age, students are additionally encouraged to take on and facilitate their acts of chesed more directly and individually, thus enhancing and educating our entire community. Shabbat Programs There are special children's services offered on most Shabbat. Junior Congregation is intended for all children in Kindergarten through grade 6 and meets from 10:30am-12:00pm. Our Junior Congregation program is designed to guide our students on their journey of Jewish prayer. Our goal is to enable our children to comfortably learn, lead, and understand our prayers, as well as, become familiar with the weekly Torah portion. Our Junior Congregation program enhances, transforms and inspires our students as we share joyous Shabbat experiences. Those parents wishing to learn are welcomed to accompany their children to these services and act as role models! Junior congregants are welcomed to the Bima to lead our congregation in the closing Shabbat service prayers. Children in grade 7 are encouraged to attend the main synagogue service, helping prepare them for their upcoming B’nai Mitzvah. Each student is asked to meet our Religious Schools Shabbat Attendance Expectations. (SAE) These expectations are in place as a fundamental backbone and reinforcement to everything we teach and aim to instill. Parental support in meeting these expectations is integral to the child’s success in their Religious School experience. Attendance is taken for Junior Congregation for ALL students in ALL grades. While it is the child's responsibility to make certain they get credit for their attendance on Shabbat, it is additionally important for parents to keep accurate recording on our monthly calendars, and submit them regularly. Students exceeding the (SAE) will receive recognition and rewards at the end of the year. Parents And Children Together Programs Every grade within the synagogue has a special program once a year in order to bring our families together as a learning community and to "explore" interesting and diverse Jewish topics. These programs are not to be missed. "Shul & School Together Programs" are educational programs intended to engage our community of learners in all age groups. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Education Programs This special series is designed to guide families through the entire process of a child becoming a bar/ bat mitzvah. Topics will range from the pragmatic (how to make an aliyah list) to the spiritual (what does this milestone mean to my family). As in all of our programs, families will have the opportunity to be creative and learn together and separately, while developing a special bond as their share ideas and experiences. Shabbat Together Family Service Erev Shabbat Class Services & Dinners and Shabbat Morning Class Services and Kiddushim. At least once a year, each class will share Shabbat in Shul together with their families. Come and celebrate in our larger community as we pray, sing, eat and relax together. Special notes about our staff & curriulum Our school is staffed by highly professional educators, able to accommodate ALL learners. Our unique “Matchilim” New Beginner’s program is taught by nationally recognized Jewish educator, and 2007 winner of the Grinspoon Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, Morah Peninah Pick! We are the only religious school in Bergen county, NJ to participate in the acclaimed “Project Etgar” middle school curriculum developed by the JTS Melton School, and United Synagogue, for our 6th and 7th graders. Parent Involvement There are a number of ways you can get involved with the Religious School and enhance your child's educational development. Our Religious School is a partnership between the synagogue and the home. It is essential that parents be directly involved in the development and running of the school. We have projects and tasks for all tastes and levels of interest. We are sure that, working for the Religious School will be a satisfying experience and, maybe you'll make a few new friends in the process. Please call the school office to volunteer (201)947-1654 ext 321 Class Parents: From time to time, special activities of a class require the help of volunteers. This is where you will come in. Your participation is minimal in time and effort, and more valuable and appreciated than words can say! Volunteers: When parents volunteer for year-round school activities such as special holiday events, community mitzvot and cultural enrichment trips, etc. communication between home and school is greatly enhanced. THE SUCCESS OF OUR SCHOOL depends, finally, upon the effective partnership of all of us: Rabbis, Principal, teachers, students, and you, the Congregation Gesher Shalom Religious School parents. We therefore attach extreme importance to communication between home and school. Please feel free to call with any questions, concerns, suggestions, etc. We look forward to hearing from you and working with your children this school year and in years to come. [Back to top]