Union Temple of Brooklyn Religious School Manual 2015-2016/ 5776

Teach Each Child According to their Way Pirke Avot 22:6

Union Temple of Brooklyn

17 Eastern Parkway (at Grand Army Plaza)
Brooklyn, New York 11238-5699
Telephone: (718) 638-7600
Fax: (718) 783-9151
www.uniontemple.org
Dr. Linda Henry Goodman, Rabbi
Mindy Sherry, Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Our Mission
Teach Each Child According to their Way Pirke Avot 22:6
At our Union Temple Religious School, all students and their families are part of a kehillah kedoshah, a
holy community.
Our community welcomes all families including interfaith, interracial and single-sex couples.
Our school educates our children and encourages all family members to engage in active Jewish
learning.
Through classroom study, tefillah (prayer services) and Shabbat/holiday family programs we strive to
create Jewish learning experiences that empower our students and families to live exciting and
meaningful Jewish lives.
Our mission is to learn together how to live a rich and joyful Jewish life as part of a
community, family and the greater Jewish world, Klal Yisrael.

August 2015,
Baruchim Habaim- Welcome,
It is my pleasure on behalf of the faculty, staff and Religious School committee to welcome you to the Religious
School at Union Temple of Brooklyn. We are honored that you have entrusted your children to us. Jewish education
is a sacred partnership between the family and the synagogue.
You have made an important and significant decision by choosing to enroll your children in religious school. By
giving your children the gift of Jewish education you are helping to provide a solid foundation from which they will
build their lives. Jewish education extends far beyond the religious school classroom and is enriched by your home
activities and celebrations.
We look forward to continuing this sacred partnership with you. Together, we are creating a community of learners.
If at any point I can be of help to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me, my door is always open.
We are excited to see you on Sunday, September 20 for the first day of school.

BShalom,

Mindy
Mindy Sherry
Director of Youth and Family Engagement

17 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11238-5699 (718) 638-7600 Fax: (718) 783-9151 info@uniontemple.org
www.uniontemple.org

Teach Each Child According to their Way Pirke Avot 22:6

Union Temples Religious School curriculum is designed to guide all children on their Jewish
journey.
Our Kinder Kef (K-1) program focuses on Shabbat and holidays, with an interactive and exciting
introduction to the Torah, Jewish holidays and rituals. Using music and crafts, our Kinder Kef students
interact with Judaism in a fun and exciting way. We aim to convey a love of Judaism to our students
in their classroom and at home.
2nd and 3rd graders begin to learn the Hebrew alphabet. Students will learn to identify, name and read
the Hebrew letters and vowels. They will discover the Bible through the stories of Creation, and by
learning about Adam and Eve, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Students will also begin learning basic
Shabbat and holiday blessings.
4th and 5th graders begin a journey through the Torah using biblio-drama (interactive storytelling) text
study, and arts activities. The students learn about the people, places and values of our Torah and
what it means to be a mensch (a kind and considerate person) by exploring the ethics the prophets teach
us.
Hebrew language instruction focuses on reading and recognizing prayer vocabulary. Our goal is to
foster an appreciation of Hebrew and its importance in deepening the prayer experience and
enhancing Jewish identity. We use a self-paced program which allows students to learn at their own
pace and in their own ways. The Hebrew component of the curriculum includes reading,
understanding the meaning of the prayer, and students giving personal meaning to the prayers learned.
6th and 7th graders will ask the question, What does it mean to be a good Jew? In answering this
question, students will explore various Jewish values by focusing on what they are and how they apply
to their daily lives. In addition they will study an overview of Jewish history, starting with the biblical
period and ending in the modern era. To keep this from being an overwhelming topic, we'll be using
specific items, personalities, and moments to discuss the larger movements of our people, through the
world and through our past. The students will continue to expand their Hebrew reading skills and
learn new prayers.
For All Grades: In addition to what they are learning in the classroom, the students will have Art
once a month. Our Art Specialist will visit once a month with art projects related to our curriculum.
Students will also receive a weekly visit from our Shinshin. The shinshin is an Israeli volunteering
during their gap year between high school and their service in the army. They will teach about Israel
and Israeli culture, about Jewish identity and Jewish celebration.
Parent Participation: Parents are invited to join their children for our First Friday Family Shabbat
service every month, and join their children in learning during our Yom Mishpacha, Day Retreat and
school-wide holiday celebrations.

Tefillah: An interactive prayer experience:

We believe Tefillah is a time for personal spiritual searching while simultaneously creating a
relationship with God. Tefillah is also an opportunity for community building, making meaning out
of large theological concepts, and sharing personal ideas.
Prayer is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Through the Religious School Tefillah experience
and study, we will explore central Jewish concepts in the prayer services. All students at Union
Temple will participate in these unique musical services for a half-hour every Sunday morning and
during monthly First Family Friday Shabbat services at 6.30.
By learning the basic skills of worship (reading Hebrew prayers, understanding Hebrew words,
practicing choreography, and becoming familiar with the organization of the siddur), students will be
well prepared for any future prayer experience.
Parents are invited to join us for Tefillah.

SCHEDULE
All Students: Sunday from 9:30am-12:30pm.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:30 Arrival
9:30-10:00 Tefillah for 2nd-7th grade
10:00-10:20 Tefillah for kinder kef and 1st grade
10:15-11:00 Classroom Time
11:00-11:15 Snack and Community Time
11:15-12:30 Classroom Time
12:30 Dismissal from the 4th floor

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Drop-off/Pick-up
Students should be in the sanctuary for Family Tefillah by 9:30am. Parents are encouraged to stay
for Tefillah. Class begins promptly at 9:30am. School ends at 12:30pm. Parents must pick up their
children personally from the Religious School on the 4th floor unless special arrangements are made
in advance. If your child must leave early, or with someone other than yourself, please send in a note
with your child.

Early Dismissal
If your child must be dismissed early, please make a request in writing and have your student give it
to his or her teacher or to the Director of Youth and Family Engagement. A parent must come into
the building and pick their child up from their classroom. Students will not be permitted to leave
by themselves or meet a parent out in the street. If someone other than a family member is
picking up your child, please make sure to include the persons name on the note. The Religious School
does not release students to minors.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
In case of inclement weather, check your e-mail or call the Temple office: 718-638-7600.

ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all sessions of Religious School. We value your childs presence and
participation, and regular attendance helps create a cohesive educational community. All students and
parents are expected to attend the monthly First Friday Family Shabbat service, starting at 6:30pm. A
potluck dinner will follow services. There will be other special programs throughout the year
that families will be expected to attend.

THE CALENDAR
Please consult the Religious School calendar for important dates. The Religious School calendar is
also on the Union Temple website: www.uniontemple.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS
The Union Temple Religious School is committed to serving all of our children. We strive to help
each child learn and feel comfortable at Union Temple. If there is something that we should be aware
of about your child, please contact Mindy Sherry, Director of Youth and Family Engagement.

Yom Mishpacha (Family Education Days)

One of the primary obligations of Jewish parents is to teach their children. As parents, we often feel
the need to learn and experience more of our Jewish traditions in order to pass them on to our
children in a meaningful way. At Union Temple each grade will have a Yom Mishpacha (Family
Education Day). On this day parents will come to Religious School and learn with the students.
Please check the calendar for the dates. This opportunity allows for families to spend quality time
together and to grow together as a family in your knowledge of Jewish tradition and ritual. No prior
Jewish education needed to attend! These programs will be extensions of the classroom curriculum
and will allow parents and children to learn about Judaism together.

FAMILY EDUCATION DATES

October 25, 2015- 6th/7th Grade
December 20, 2015- 4th/5th Grade
February 7, 2016- 3rd Grade
March 6, 2016- 2nd Grade
April 3, 2016- K-1 Grade
November 22, 2015- Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El of NYC (All-School)
May 22, 2016- Mitzvah Day (All- School)

Parent Programs
Parent modeling Jewish learning is a critical component of Jewish education. Throughout the school year we
will offer parent programs to take place during the Religious School hours. Parent programming is scheduled
for the following dates:

Sunday, December 6 9:30-11:00

Sunday April 10 9:30-11:00

TEMPLE MEMBERSHIP

Temple membership is required for families of students beginning in 5th grade.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION
It is recommended that your child begin Religious School as early as possible to develop a strong
foundation but a minimum of two years of Religious School enrollment is required prior to your
childs Bar or Bat Mitzvah year. Preparation for the service is arranged individually with Rabbi
Goodman. On occasion additional tutoring may be recommended.

PARTICIPATION AT SERVICES
The Religious School students will participate in monthly First Family Friday Shabbat services at
6.30pm. Student participation in these services is required.

HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Family participation in Temple celebrations, including family dinners and luncheons, services, and
special programs, is encouraged. Participation reinforces awareness of the regular cycle of Jewish life,
and increases the joy of Jewish life for your children and your entire family.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
How we act
All students are entitled to a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and developing a love of
Judaism. While we hope that students will behave in a respectful manner while at Religious School,
we understand that occasionally discipline problems arise.

We expect the following from our students and families at Union Temple:
Exhibit respectful behavior that contributes to maintaining a positive learning environment
Demonstrate courtesy
Behave in a responsible manner
Attend classes regularly and arrive on time
Obey all class rules
Respect the rights and privileges of all students, teachers, advisors, administrators, and
parents
Dress appropriately for study and worship
Remain in designated supervised areas
Respect the property of others, including Union Temple property and its facilities
DISCIPLINARY STEPS:
We have developed the following steps toward maintaining a desirable and safe learning
environment when negative behavior is displayed. Inappropriate behavior will be discussed between
the student and the teacher. At the discretion of the teacher, the student will be sent to an
administrator. Parents will be called if the child cannot return to class without causing disruption.
The student may be asked to write an explanation and have it signed by the parent and returned to
school.
If negative behavior persists, parents may be asked to monitor the students classes and assist in
teaching acceptable classroom practices. Serious actions may be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Cell phones and other electronics

Religious School is a place for the business of learning. Our students deserve and require a learning
environment that is conducive to learning. Except in situations where they are being used as
part of a class lesson, cell phones and other electronics (e.g., iPods, DS Systems) are to remain in
their owners pockets or bags during class and break. Teachers who feel students are being distracted
by phones or other gadgets will confiscate the item until the end of the school day.

Guests in classroom
Students are permitted to bring guests to Religious School if prior arrangements are made with the
classroom teacher and the Director of Youth and Family Engagement.

Tzedakah
Tzedakah (righteous giving) in the form of small change is collected during each Sunday. Students
pick an organization at the end of the year to donate the tzedakah collected.

Union Temple Religious School Policies

Please initial each policy and sign the reverse side. Return to the office by September 20,2015
______
Initial

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Drop-off/Pick-up
Students should be in the sanctuary for Family Tefillah by 9:30am. Parents are
encouraged to stay for Tefillah. Class begins promptly at 9:30am. School ends at
12:30pm. Parents must pick up their children personally from the Religious School on the
4th floor unless special arrangements are made in advance. If your child must leave early,
or with someone other than yourself, please send in a note with your child.
Early Dismissal
If your child must be dismissed early, please make a request in writing and have your
student give it to his or her teacher or to the Director of Youth and Family Engagement.
A parent must come into the building and pick their child up from their classroom.
Students will not be permitted to leave by themselves or meet a parent out in the
street. If someone other than a family member is picking up your child, please make
sure to include the persons name on the note. The Religious School does not release
students to minors.

____ ATTENDANCE
Initial

Students are expected to attend all sessions of Religious School. We value your childs
presence and participation, and regular attendance helps create a cohesive educational
community. All students and parents are expected to attend the monthly First Friday
Family Shabbat service, starting at 6:30pm. A potluck dinner will follow services. There
will be other special programs throughout the year that families will be expected
to attend.
_____
Initial

_____
Initial

TEMPLE MEMBERSHIP
Temple membership is required for families of students beginning in 5th grade.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION
It is recommended that your child begin Religious School as early as possible to develop a
strong foundation, but a minimum of two years of Religious School enrollment is required
prior to your childs Bar or Bat Mitzvah year. Preparation for the service is arranged
individually with Rabbi Goodman. On occasion additional tutoring may be recommended.

____

PARTICIPATION AT SERVICES

Initial

The Religious School students will participate in monthly First Family Friday Shabbat
services at 6.30pm. Student participation in these services is required.
____

HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Initial

Family participation in Temple celebrations, including family dinners and luncheons,

services, and special programs, is encouraged. Participation reinforces awareness of the
regular cycle of Jewish life, and increases the joy of Jewish life for your children and your
entire family.
____

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Initials

How we act
All students are entitled to a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and
developing a love of Judaism. While we hope that students will behave in a
respectful manner while at Religious School, we understand that occasionally
discipline problems arise.
We expect the following from our students and families at Union Temple:
Exhibit respectful behavior that contributes to maintaining a positive
learning environment
Demonstrate courtesy
Behave in a responsible manner
Attend classes regularly and arrive on time
Obey all class rules
Respect the rights and privileges of all students, teachers, advisors,
administrators, and parents
Dress appropriately for study and worship
Remain in designated supervised areas
Respect the property of others, including Union Temple property and its
facilities
______

DISCIPLINARY STEPS:

Initials

We have developed the following steps toward maintaining a desirable and safe
learning environment when negative behavior is displayed. Inappropriate behavior
will be discussed between the student and the teacher. At the discretion of the
teacher, the student will be sent to an administrator. Parents will be called if the child
cannot return to class without causing disruption. The student may be asked to write
an explanation and have it signed by the parent and returned to school.
If negative behavior persists, parents may be asked to monitor the students classes and assist in
teaching acceptable classroom practices. Serious actions may be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

_____

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONICS

Initials

Religious School is a place for the business of learning. Our students deserve and
require a learning environment that is conducive to learning. Except in situations
where they are being used as part of a class lesson, cell phones and other
electronics (e.g., iPods, DS Systems) are to remain in their owners pockets or bags
during class and break. Teachers who feel students are being distracted by phones or
other gadgets will confiscate the item until the end of the school day.
____

GUESTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Initials

Students are permitted to bring guests to Religious School if prior arrangements are
made with the classroom teacher and the Director of Youth and Family
Engagement.

10

Important Dates for Union Temple Religious School 2015-2016

Parent Breakfast with Rabbi Goodman:
Sunday, December 6 9:30-11:00
Sunday April 10 9:30-11:00
First Friday Family Shabbat
October 2- Naming Shabbat and Consecration
November 6
December 4
February 5
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3- Last First Friday Family Shabbat
Yom Mishpacha (Family Program Days)
October 25, 2015- 6th/7th Grade
December 20, 2015- 4th/5th Grade
February 7, 2016- 3rd Grade
March 6, 2016- 2nd Grade
April 3, 2016- K-1 Grade
November 22, 2015- Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El of NYC (All-School)
May 22, 2016- Mitzvah Day (All- School)
Holiday Celebrations during Religious School:
December 13 - Chanukah Family celebration at 4:00pm
January 24 - Tu BShevat
March 20 - Purim Carnival
April 17 - Chocolate Seder

11

2015-2016 Union Temple Religious School Year

September
20 First Day, Tefillah
27 Art
October
4 Art
11 NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day
18 Tefillah
25 6th/7th Grade Yom Mishpacha, Tefillah
November
1 Art
8 Tefillah
15 Tefillah
22 Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El
29 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
December
6 Art
13 Tefillah
20 4th/5th Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah
27 NO SCHOOL Christmas Break
January
3 No School- Faculty Training
12 Art
17 NO SCHOOL- MLK Day
24 Tefillah, TuBiShevat Program
31 Tefillah
February
7 3rd Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah
14 NO SCHOOL- Winter Break
21 NO SCHOOL- Winter Break
28 Tefillah

March
6 2nd Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah
13 Art
20 Tefillah Purim Carnival After School
27- NO SCHOOL- Easter Sunday
April
3 K-1 Yom Mishpacha Tefillah
10 Art
17 Tefillah Chocolate Seder
24- NO SCHOOL- Spring Break/Passover
May
1-NO SCHOOL- Spring Break/Passover
8 Art
15 Art
22 Mitzvah Day instead of Religious School
29- NO SCHOOL- Memorial Day
June
5- Last Day Tefillah

Key

Tefillah Days- 2nd-7th grade report to

sanctuary, K-1 report to the 4th floor

Yom Mishpacha day, families in

those grades should report to the
social hall (3rd Floor)

Art Days- all students report to the

4th floor

All School and Parent Participation

12