Religious School - Our Policies

Attendance

COVID

During these years of pandemic, as parents and educators we found we could change and be flexible far beyond our previous imaginings. We are resilient!  As a community, our approach to Covid policies is similar to our approach to almost every other issue. We recognize the diversity  of needs, risk tolerances, and comforts within our numbers, and strive to support each family where they are at. Here's what that looks like in the Religious School in Hebrew year 5782 (or 2021-22 on the secular calendar):

• Most classes meet outdoors.  On occasion we may need to move indoors. Unless it is a true emergency, we will not make that change without informing parents.
• Everyone is expected to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking.
• Snack is offered outdoors, with students seated six feet apart from one another.
• Parents are expected to complete a symptom check form before dropping their children at Religious School.

WEEKDAYS

• On time arrival sets your child up for success.  If you arrive early, please remain with your child until the official start of classes.
• Students who miss a lot of class fall behind. The experience of coming-in mid-conversation tends to sour what should be sweet.
• If a child must miss many days of school, their teacher can offer at-home assignments to keep. Please be in touch.

SHABBAT

• Beginning in 3rd grade, we expect your family to attend on Shabbat at least when your child’s class is leading Junior Congregation, and as often as possible,
• The good news: our Junior Congregation is engaging, and worthwhile for children and adults alike. Those who attend regularly find it forms an important part of the fabric of their week.
• Junior Congregation is an essential part of the curriculum.  Students who attend regularly know the service. Bar- and bat-mitzvah prep goes smoothly.  More importantly, they are well set for a lifetime of feeling comfortable in a synagogue.

CBJ School is Nut- and Sesame-Free

Note that the synagogue as a whole is NOT nut-free.  Kiddush luncheons on Shabbat, for example, may well contain nuts.  But any event that is geared towards children or families with school-age children must be nut-free.  Foods labelled as “processed on shared equipment with nuts” are acceptable.

Kashrut

Catered meals: CBJ’s kitchen is strictly kosher, under the supervision of Rabbi Ezray.  Any meal catered at the synagogue must be strictly kosher.  Any food brought into the synagogue’s kitchen or heated at the synagogue must be strictly kosher.  If you have any questions, Rabbi Ezray, Bill Futornick or Rabbi Ilana will be happy to help.

Pot-luck meals:  Sharing food is an important aspect of building community. At a pot-luck meal, NOT all the dishes are coming from a kosher kitchen, and that’s ok.  Food brought to a pot-luck meal should be strictly vegetarian (no beef or chicken broth or bullion, for example).  Kosher fish is ok.  It should be served on disposable plates, using either disposable utensils or utensils brought from outside the synagogue.

Dress Code

Congregation Beth Jacob is a House of Worship. Students need to dress appropriately for school and all services.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

• no spaghetti strap shirts
• only appropriate words on clothing
• no midriff showing
• if wearing a skirts or dress, please be sure the student can bend their knees freely for praying during Tefillah/Services.

Wearing a kippah is encouraged but not required,  in accordance with the religious practices policy of CBJ.

Special Needs

Congregation Beth Jacob strives to enable all children to access Jewish community and a Jewish education through a variety of programs designed to support individual differences.

Our programs are highly sensitive to each child’s physical, psychological, emotional, learning, and environmental needs. We strive to incorporate and welcome students with special needs into our religious school and work with our teachers, parents, and tutors to integrate all students into the classroom and other grade-appropriate activities. We also foster acceptance of children with special-needs into the social structure of the class. Confidentiality is maintained at all times and at no time will a student with special needs be identified as such to other students or parents.

Your child’s core teacher will determine which level is most appropriate for your child. We ask that all families share as much information with your child’s teacher in order to best help your child.