Events - 18 Nov 23

Timely Torah: Insights from the Weekly Torah Portion
Saturday, November 18th @ 09:00 AM
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Join Rabbi Aaron Starr, Rabbi Yoni Dahlen and Ritual Director Saul Rube in the CSZ Beit Midrash for refreshments and a relaxed discussion before the Shabbat morning service begins. We will use traditional and contemporary commentaries on the weekly Torah portion to mine our sacred scripture for wisdom, truth, a better understanding of the...
Shabbat Morning Services
Saturday, November 18th @ 09:30 AM
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Shabbat morning we gather in-person in the sanctuary for a participatory, clergy-led service, a triennial Torah reading, a sermon, and songs of the Musaf service.  Following services, we join together for a festive Shabbat lunch! You may also join our services on Live Streaming Online prayer books are available for...
Wisdom & Coffee: The Morality of War
Saturday, November 18th @ 09:30 AM
Join Rabbi Aaron Starr as we study the Jewish teachings on ethical warfare. Is there such a thing as a moral war?
Shabbat Lunch
Saturday, November 18th @ 12:00 PM
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Shabbat Minchah
Saturday, November 18th @ 01:00 PM
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Immediately following Shabbat lunch please gather in the Bernstein Chapel for a quick Minchah service including Torah reading.  Helping to join the minyan will ensure that all CSZ members saying Kaddish for a loved one will be able to do so.  
Havdalah Service
Saturday, November 18th @ 06:03 PM
The CSZ clergy help us say goodbye to Shabbat and hello to the new week. Bring your favorite beverage and click HERE to join us online, then remain for a schmooze and a few minutes of fun learning, a niggun, or a soulful story to start the week!

Curriculum

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. 

Staff

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.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.