ב"ה
Hebrew School
Handbook
School Year 2024 - 25
424 W Henry Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Web: www.ChabadofCharlotteCounty.com or E-mail [email protected]
Welcome
Welcome to Chabad Hebrew School, the newest and most innovative Hebrew School in Charlotte County. Our School is a trendsetter in creative Jewish education for children ages six to thirteen. The Chabad Hebrew School offers an outstanding program that will give your child a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Judaism, and will instill in your child the faith, beauty and values of our heritage.
Our First Taste Program – Open for ages 3-5, Gives children a great introduction to their wonderful heritage.
Both programs begin on Sunday, September 8th
Every Sunday from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Our student body is made up of children from various backgrounds and affiliations. We encourage you, as a parent to get involved, ask questions and keep in touch with our school. You may very well discover that your child’s Hebrew School education at Chabad Hebrew School will add an enriching spiritual dimension to the lives of your entire family.
We are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons
that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to the children through the excellent Hebrew School program at Chabad.
The Goals of our Program
· To attain a strong feeling of identity with their heritage and to develop a sense of Love and Pride in being Jewish.
· Discover and explore the Torah (Bible), the incredible history of the Jewish people and see its relevance for all times.
· Gain an understanding of the practices and traditions of Judaism.
· Know the morals, values and ethical behavior mandated by the Torah.
· Hands-on experience and appreciation for all holidays.
· Master the skills of Hebrew reading and writing through a new and creative program “Aleph Champ.”
· Understand basic Hebrew words, emphasizing prayers so that the students will feel comfortable when attending services.
· Identify with the land of Israel as their own land and its inhabitants.
· Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G‑d, Torah and religion.
· Attain a “Jewish” perspective on life and maintain Jewish feelings and involvement beyond the years at Hebrew School and ultimately perpetuate this onto future generations.
Information
Ages: FT for boys and Girls ages 3-5 HS for boys and girls ages 6-13
Dates:
Hebrew School begins on Sunday, September 8th
Hours: Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Click here for our School Calendar - Please print calendar so you can reference it throughout the school year.
Address: 424 W Henry Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Tuition: $550 (including registration and book fees)
No child will be turned away due to lack of funds. If needed, please request a scholarship form.
Registration: Fill out an application and mail it to our office.
Important #’s: Administrator: Rabbi Simon Jacobson 941-258-0177
Director: Mrs. Sheina Jacobson 941-258-0188
Curriculum
Hebrew
Our FT children will be introduced to the Hebrew Letters this year in a fun and innovative ‘Alef Bet Bayit’ Our HS children will be working towards reading fluency this year. Have you ever heard “but Hebrew reading is boring”? Move over and make room for Aleph Champ, modeled after the Karate/Martial Arts system. Aleph Champ motivates students as they advance in rank from White to Red and all the way to Black Belt, as they learn to read Hebrew in an efficient, well-orchestrated and fun manner.
Torah (Bible) and Jewish History (HS)
Throughout the year your children will be learning Jewish History to give them a sense of Jewish pride and identity. Your children can expect to cover from the creation of the world until the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. History will be taught in a story form as well through games, projects, dramatizations and contests.
Holidays ( FT and HS)
Hands-on lessons on each Jewish holiday will fill the calendar as we proceed from Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays through the holiday of Shavuot. Expect your children to learn in depth about the following holidays; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanuka, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Pesach, Lag B’omer, and Shavuot. The students will have a deeper understanding of each holiday and its traditions and customs. Chabad Hebrew School will also host holiday celebrations for our students and their families.
Jewish Values and Ethics (HS)
Using the various textbooks the students will read and discuss stories and case scenarios that have practical application to our everyday life. They will understand that our religion is based on a G‑d given set of values and morals and that the “norm” is not always in the right.
Mitzvot: Why We Do What We Do (FT and HS)
Why do women light Shabbat candles? Why is Shabbat such a special day in the week? Why do we have a Mezuzah on our doors? This class will teach basic Mitzvot to the younger grades and provide insightful meaning of more complex Mitzvot to the older grades.
Arts and Crafts ( FT and HS)
Art projects are incorporated into our curriculum to add to the excitement of the upcoming holidays and Mitzvot. Our projects will have Jewish holiday and Mitzvot themes and will add a taste of Jewish life at home.
Extra Curricular ( FT and HS)
Chabad Hebrew School will offer a variety of extra curricular activities such as Friday night dinners, family fun days and contests. These events will allow our students to experience Judaism in its entirety.
Parent/School Communication
If your child is not able to attend class for any reason, please notify in advance. Parents should arrange for their children to arrive on time. To maximize our learning time and to avoid distractions to the class, your cooperation is appreciated.
Dress
All boys are encouraged to bring and wear a Kipah and Tzitzit for all classes. If you do not have a Kipa or Tzitzit, Hebrew School can provide one for you. Please have your children wear ‘safe shoes’ for play.
Tzedakah
Tzedakah (charity) is a basic value in Judaism. Our school attempts to develop a commitment among our students to share with others less fortunate than themselves by donating a few pennies a day to charity. Please try to send some coins with your child to help encourage your child to perform this Mitzvah.
Snack
During Hebrew School there will be a 15 minute break during which the children will get a snack. In the event of a birthday party, parents are asked that arrangements should be made in advance with your child’s Hebrew studies teacher.
