Generously sponsored by the Zipser Foundation and the Betty Fishman Fund
Hadar and Sheldon is the brand new crossover collaboration of husband and wife duo Sheldon Low and Hadar Orshalimy. Since entering the studio in the Spring of 2018 to record their first three singles, the duo has already begun touring the country together and their tune “Body Is A Temple” was featured on the URJ Ruach 5779 compilation album.
Growing up, Hadar was a popular performer in Israel, with appearances on Israeli TV, such as Kochav Nolad (Israeli Idol), and at major national and municipal events. Upon completing her mandatory Army service in the IDF as a nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare defense trainer, Hadar enrolled in the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel, studying with some of Israel’s most renowned contemporary musicians. She then transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied professional music and voice and graduated with honors.
Sheldon Low continues to establish himself as a prominent voice in contemporary Jewish music, with 5 albums to his name and more as the highly acclaimed duo “Hadar and Sheldon.” A self-proclaimed road warrior, Low performs in over 100 concerts, services, and workshops around North America each year. In addition to becoming a mainstay of congregational life, Sheldon’s music has become the soundtrack of the lives of hundreds of thousands of children around the globe, thanks in part to PJ Library distributing two of his children’s albums and featuring him on countless other compilation albums. Sheldon is also widely known for creating and hosting the innovative Jewish Songwriter podcast.
The duo were married in Jaffa, Israel in 2015 and live together in Harlem, New York.
We have three events this year:
Kick off the weekend at 5:30 p.m. with a warm and welcoming Shabbat dinner followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services for all ages. Come together to celebrate and begin the weekend with joyful melodies and community spirit.
$18/Adults | $10/Kids 5-12 years old | Kids 4 years old and under eat free.
Start the morning with an inspiring songwriting workshop at 10:30 a.m. where all ages can unleash their creativity. During our morning services, children will enjoy interactive activities designed to make their spiritual experience engaging and fun.
In the evening, we invite you to a special Havdalah ceremony and highlight of the weekend: Israel Storytellers Concert featuring the talented Israeli folk musicians Hadar and Sheldon. Their soulful melodies will weave prayer, stories, and heartfelt music inspired by familiar Israeli songs, engaging both the spirit and the senses.
Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.