New Hebrew School Program

(June 2006) Congregation M'vakshe Derekh in Scarsdale announces the opening of a Hebrew School in Fall 2006, serving children 9-12. The schools' goal is to offer an affordable opportunity for youngsters to receive an excellent education in basic Hebrew, holidays, Bible, Israel and ethics. The curriculum will be guided by contemporary Jewish as well as educational philosophy. Among the leading features of the school will be an open environment with personal attention, small classes and individualized instruction. Private lessons will be offered to Bar/Bar Mitzvah students, leading to an individualized service. Because there will only be one Bar/Bar Mitzvah on a given date, it will be possible to specifically design the service with the focus on the student and his or her own family.

Director Nomi Chiel was previously the founder and teacher of the religious school at the Actor's Temple in New York City. While serving there, her duties also included officiating at Friday evening, Shabbat morning and holiday services, as well as preparing adults for B'nai Mitzvah. Chiel was also a consultant and coordinator on the staff of the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York. She received a BA degree from Hebrew University. Her strong musical background will bring music and movement into the school program at Congregation M'vakshe Derekh.

Congregation M'vakshe Derekh has strong commitments to tradition, ethics and the search for contemporary meaning. Through dialogue, prayer and Torah study, connections are explored between text, tradition, history, culture and the issues that confront Jews living in an open, democratic society. The congregation is led by Rabbi Emanuel Goldsmith, Ph.D., D.D. who is a renowned author and professor of Jewish Literature and Jewish Studies at Queens College. He will take an active role in the education of students, as will Associate Rabbi Benjamin Newman. Rabbi Newman received ordination from the Academy of Jewish Religion in Riverdale and was awarded a Master's Degree at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He loves to play the guitar during services, which should be pleasing to his young students.

Families are welcome to join the synagogue and experience the warmth, encouragement and inclusiveness of the congregation, and also participate in establishing a modern, exciting place of learning where youngsters will be eager to come.

Above article appeared in the June 2006 issue of Westchester Jewish Life.

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 2:30 PM
Arturo Toscanini Program