1. My child does not want to add any school days to his/her already busy schedule, but I feel it is important to provide him/her with some form of a Jewish education.
CKids of the Arts at Chabad of Forest Hills North is not a typical club. We understand that children learn through activities and games and we strive to create an environment which is fun and camp-like, with our focus being on expression through various forms of art so that the students are so busy doing things, they don’t even realize they are learning!
2. We are not observant or very religious. Will my child feel out of place at a CKids of the Arts? One of the common myths associated with Chabad, is that it is a place that is only for religious Jews. Although the synagogue is traditional, and our staff is observant, almost none of the interested families are orthodox. Our interested students are from very diverse Jewish back- grounds and most attend public school or non-Jewish private schools. Many of the families identify as Conservative, Reform or unaffiliated, but are choosing to send their children to CKids of the Arts because of the excellent quality of education we offer. The range of observance is varied, some families attend synagogue or do Shabbat at home, some observe the holidays, some parents read Hebrew, many do not. When teaching about observance and Mitzvot, our teachers are careful to present in a way that includes all children. Our curriculum teaches personal Judaism, without labels or divisions.
3. How does the CKids Club prepare my child for Bar/Bat Mitzvah? At our CKids Club, your child will gain a solid foundation of Judaism and Hebrew Reading in preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the synagogue of your choice. Some families prefer to celebrate elsewhere and maintain membership at various local synagogues. Families who choose to hold Bar/Bat Mitzvah services at Chabad are welcome to do so as Chabad does not require any membership fees. Our slogan is: “No need to join, you already belong here.” We offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies which are tailored to each child and family. Additional Bar/ Bat Mitzvah tutoring is available as well for students who would like to prepare for a service.
4. What is Chabad all about? Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of back- ground, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmos- phere. All of Chabad's classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the aware- ness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and ritu- als. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace, and each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in ones personal growth. Chabad is inclusive and non- judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. In fact, the majority of people who par- ticipate in programs at Chabad are not Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to an Orthodox life- style a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
Curriculum: We believe that real learning happens beyond the traditional textbook style of imparting information; a child really learns through engaging with the subject with all of one's senses and emotions. At the CKids Club of Chabad FHN, the children don't simply learn about Shabbat, rather, they experience Shabbat - they prepare for and celebrate a real Shabbat. Our curriculum is developed using a hands-on, minds-on and souls-on approach, with age appropriate standards of knowledge and skills. A great deal of thought and planning is put into the preparation of materials, lessons, and projects to ensure that what is gained each week is relevant, meaningful, and lasting. Lessons will cover a range of topics such as the Mitzvot, Holidays, Jewish History, the Land of Israel, and general concepts of Judaism. Meaningful projects will accompany each unit as children learn the 'how's and 'why's of Jewish living. Through songs and discussions, children will become familiar with basic liturgy and prayers and get acquainted with the Shul (synagogue). Please refer to the Aleph Champion Program for our Hebrew Reading Curriculum.
Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading Program: The Aleph Champion Program is an innovative, cutting edge reading system. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color coded levels and testing, the program provides motivation and inspiration to Chabad Houses around the world.
Easily attainable levels and professional materials make Aleph Champ an incredible success. The Hebrew Alphabet as well as the vowels and word formations are divided into ten colored levels. The students start out as “White Aleph Champs”, working their way up the colors of the rainbow to become a “Black Aleph Champ”.
Games, flashcards, exciting workbooks and other materials are used to engage the students in Hebrew Reading Practice. When a new level is reached, students are rewarded with an Aleph Champ Medallion which they wear proudly. One of the best elements of this program is the fact that every student can progress at his own pace, whether this means passing four levels in one year or spending a little bit more time mastering each level.
I like what I am reading here, but I still have more questions. Where can I get more information? Our staff is warm and friendly and we welcome you to come by for a chat or to look around for yourself. Please contact Chaya Hecht 347-778-9321 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
