Talmud Torah Nourishing our Children's Jewish Identity:Or Shalom's youth and education program  provides dynmic eduction ofr children kindergarten though high school striving to instill in them a love and respect for Judaism and the  mitzvot. 

What does any parent want for their child? We want our children to be safe, happy and grow up to be good people. The philosophy Or Shalom Talmud Torah Talmud Torah embraces these same principles while providing a solid education in the essentials of:

-Spoken and Written Hebrew

-Tefilot and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation

-Jewish and Israeli history

-Jewish customs and ethics

Classes are small allowing for personalized education plans and one on one supervision. All activities and learning are skill based and goal oriented. The learning environment inlcudes art, dramatic play, books, manipulative and discovery. Each child receives his/ her own portfolio which contains skills/ knowledge evaluation checklists, work samples and anecdotal records.

Hebrew: By the end of the first year, our students are able to read and write basic words in Hebrew and by the fifth year, they can navigate the Siddur and the Chumash as well as use simple phrases.

Tefilot: Every class begins with group tefilot focusing on the liturgy for Shabbat. Older children attend Sunday morning minyan to learn the Shacharit service more throughly and introduce them to customs associated with Tefilin.

Jewish and Israeli history: Films, stories and interactive games, expose the children to these topics.

Jewish customs and Ethics: The children learn Torah, the celebration of the Jewish holidays,, kashrut, Shabbat and holiday observance. We strive to imbue them with the ideals of our people, with a love for their fellow man, and a strong ethical code to follow for life.

 

Youth Programs

Shorashim

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

Pre Kadima is Or Shalom's youth program for children in grades 4 and 5

Kadima

Kadima is Or Shalom's youth program for children in grades 6–8.

Hebrew High

Tot Shabbat

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

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.

USY

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!   Event information is on the USY Page .