Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning

October 12    
2:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Yom Kippur Afternoon of Learning – Israel: One Year After

2:45 p.m. CSZ member David Victor is a past national president of AIPAC. A native of Detroit, David received a BBA from the University of
Michigan in 1981, and a law degree in 1984 from the University of Michigan School of Law. After practicing law very briefly in Chicago
he returned to the Detroit area to assume control of American Educational Institute, a national, accredited continuing education
company for healthcare and legal professionals and continues as its chairman to this day. David’s primary community involvement
since the early 2000’s has been focused on Pro-Israel activism with AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

4:00 p.m. CSZ Rebbitzen Rebecca Starr is a Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she oversees
educational and program development to manage strategy and organizational synergies throughout North American regional hubs.
A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Rebecca is a respected educator and community organizer, lending her expertise
frequently to CSZ, JLearn, and a variety of national initiatives.

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.