Talmud Torah is Or Shalom's Hebrew school for children in grades 1 through 7. Religious studies, Jewish History and Hebrew Language training instill a positive jewish identity in the students and develop a sense of responsibility for the State of Israel and the worldwide Jewish Community.
Youth Programs
Shorashim is Or Shalom's youth program for children ages 3–6.
Nitzanim
Nitzanim is Or Shalom's youth program for children in grades 1–3
Pre Kadima is Or Shalom's youth program for children in grades 4 and 5
Kadima is Or Shalom's youth program for children in grades 6–8.
Hebrew High
Hebrew High is an educational series for teens in grades 8 through 12. It is led by Ian Silver, assisted by Phil Gold, with speakers from the community joining the group to lead discussions or activities in their areas of expertise. Younger teens will have a mentor in the group.
Much of what we do during the year is driven by the students' interests and ideas. As an overarching framework we're exploring the relationships that we have with God, people and the environment. The sessions that we do have will cover a variety of topics on themes such as tefilah and mitzvot, Israel, conversational Hebrew, chagim, and Judaism's response to social issues such as hunger, substance abuse, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, etc.
Sample topics include:
- a hands-on approach to Jewish Holidays
- current Israeli affairs
- conversational Hebrew
- legal issues
- Tefilah, with a focus on the evening service
- Tikkun Olam and mitzvah projects
- a Conservative Jewish Response to questions that teens ask about drugs, drinking, smoking, sexuality, and the meaning of God.
Tot Shabbat is a Saturday morning program for preschoolers and parents. It takes place 10:30–11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month.
Junior Congregation is a Saturday morning program for children ages 6–12, and takes place in the library, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. It is led by Darlene Guslits and includes lots of fun activities. The third Saturday of every month is an Ice Cream Kiddush.
Junior Choir
Junior Choir is a fun activity for children ages 6-12 years. Through choir children learn traditional and non-traditional tunes for prayers and song in both hebrew and English.
United Synagogue Youth, or USY, for young adults of high school age, is led by an elected Executive committee. Membership is $60 for members of Or Shalom, $75 otherwise, and goes toward USY's great programs! More information on London Ontario USY which is part of Eastern Canadian Region USY is here).