Betsy Zalaznick
We are especially proud of the atmosphere we have created at Or Chadash. Our students participate in learning activities based on the Chai curriculum developed by the Union for Reform Judaism. Our students are involved in tefillah(weekly worship services), music, arts and crafts, library and other special activities chosen to enrich holiday celebrations or curricular themes. We introduce the Hebrew alef bet(alphabet) in the general curriculum in kindergarten through second grade. Beginning in third grade, we distinguish the curriculum into two distinct subject areas, Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Temple Tots is a fun and educational program that teaches basic Jewish concepts at the pre-school age level for children and their parent(s).
On our website you will find important information about our Religious School. If you have any other questions or concerns about our Religious School, please feel encouraged to call upon me at education@orchadash-nj.org.
We are very proud of our Religious School and invite you to visit and share in the excitement. This new school year brings our largest enrollment to date--we have 170 students in our school! Our program begins with TempleTots, a parent/child playgroup and extends through Confirmation—10th grade.
Our curriculum in our younger grades focuses on Shabbat and the other holidays, prayers, practices, rituals, and Bible stories. We introduce Hebrew, through sight and sound relationships beginning in kindergarten, and in third grade we divide our Hebrew and Judaica studies into separate components, as the prayer study intensifies. The Judaica curriculum for grades four through seven includes life cycle, Torah, Israel, values, Jewish heroes, holidays and the exploration of other Jewish communities around the world.
An important element of our Religious School program is tzedakah. We teach our children that the word tzedakah is derived from the Hebrew letters Tsadee, Dalet, Kaf which forms the root for righteous. The word Tzedakah, literally means to “do the right thing.”
We emphasize performing mitzvot in our b’nai mitzvah program. Our b’nai mitzvah candidates learn that performing mitzvot is the special way that the Jewish people try to make the world a better place.
We are very proud of our growth and the success of our students. Please give me a call if you would like to learn more about our school program
