* To attain a strong sense of Love and Pride in being Jewish.
* Explore the Torah (Bible) and the history of the Jewish people to discover their relevance to our daily lives.
* Gain an understanding of holiday traditions and other Jewish practices.
* Study the morals, values and ethical behavior as taught in the Torah.
* Master the skills of Hebrew reading and writing. (Age appropriate)
* Understand basic Hebrew words.
* Learn basic prayers so that the students can feel comfortable at their respective synagogue services.
* Study the ancient and modern history of the land of Israel.
* Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G-d, Torah and religion.
Ages: Our program is for boys and girls 4-13
Hours: Sundays 10:30am - 12:30 pm
Location: Chabad House
In order to successfully implement our goals, a home-school partnership is imperative and to achieve our noble aims we earnestly seek genuine co-operation and active participation. The old saying, that children learn what they live, is particularly true with regard to Jewish education.
With your participation in our family days through the year, our goals become a family goal. As partners, we can give them a more balanced education
It is of great importance for the teacher to have any information which can provide for the optimum learning situation. Information of a physical, social and psychological nature can aid a teacher in planning instruction for each child.
Please note: Notices will be sent home with your child. Please check for these notices.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us at 814-861-8063 or aleph-beit@psujew.com
The school provides all textbooks and supplies for all grades.
Out of respect for the Synagogue, boys are encouraged to wear a hat or Kippah. If you do not have one and would like one, Hebrew School can provide one for you.
Tzedakah (charity) is a basic value in Judaism. We attempt to develop a commitment amongst our students to share with others less fortunate than ourselves by donating a few pennies each day to charity. Please try to send some coins to school to enable your child to perform this Mitzvah.
A Kosher snack is provided; we request that you do not send any additional snacks or drinks due to Kashrut and health reasons. If your child is allergic to any food or beverages, please be sure that it is written on his/her form.
Beginning with letter recognition for our youngest children, this program leads them through phonetic decoding, reading comprehension and writing. Age appropriate textbooks and workbooks will be completed throughout the year.
Aleph Champ©
Our Hebrew reading curriculum uses the latest educational breakthrough. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color-coded levels and testing, Aleph Champ provides excitement and inspiration, leading the students into a winning cycle of learning.
The Hebrew alphabet as well as the vowels and word formations are divided into 10 colored levels. The students start out as "White Aleph Champs", working their way up the colors of the rainbow to be a "Black Aleph Champ" like their teachers. Games, cards, logs and rewards make every step along this remarkable journey a fun and educational success.
Torah (Bible) and Jewish History
The children are introduced to the characters and stories of the Bible. They are given an overview of Jewish history beginning with creation until modern day Israel.
Holidays
Through hands-on lessons, the students will have a deeper understanding of each holiday, traditions and customs. The Shul Hebrew School will also host community holiday celebrations for our students and their families.
Mitzvot: Why We Do What We Do
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 grades K - 2 and provide insightful meaning of Mitzvot beginning in Grade 3.
Arts and Crafts
Art projects are incorporated into our curriculum for Jewish holiday and Mitzvot themes and will add a taste of Jewish life at home.
Family Service
The Chabad House will periodically offer a Family Shabbat Service that includes songs, stories, dancing & Jewish game shows. Following Services we will celebrate all the birthdays of the month with a delicious cake & a light Oneg. To add your child's name to the cake or to sponsor the Oneg, please call our office in advance of your child’s birthday.
Friday Night Shabbat Dinners
Friday night Shabbat dinners at The Chabad House is a great time to get to know other families & enjoy the warmth & beauty of Shabbat. The dinners feature traditional Shabbat food, stories, songs, & lots of fun for the children.
As the students near the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, they will be given special training to prepare them in a meaningful way for this special moment in their lives.
This program is offered separately from our Hebrew School. If you are interested please call Rabbi Meretsky (814) 863-4929 or campusrabbi@psu.edu