HHD

  • November 14 - November 15 - All Day - Baker Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch

    Don’t miss this special weekend of learning, prayer, and conversation with leading American Zionist Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.

    Session Topics are:

    Erev Shabbat: “The State of World Jewry: What Now?”

    Shabbat Shacharit: “Finding Unity in a Post-October 7 World.”

    Shabbat afternoon: “Zionism Through Biblical Texts.”

    Registration includes Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat dinner, learning sessions, and Shabbat lunch.

    Registration required by Wednesday, November 12.

    Cost for Friday dinner: $25 members / $30 not-yet-members .

    No cost for Shabbat lunch, but registration requested.

    Generously sponsored by the Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation.


  • November 14 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Baker Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch

    Don’t miss this special weekend of learning, prayer, and conversation with leading American Zionist Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.

    Session Topics are:

    Erev Shabbat: “The State of World Jewry: What Now?”

    Shabbat Shacharit: “Finding Unity in a Post-October 7 World.”

    Shabbat afternoon: “Zionism Through Biblical Texts.”

    Registration includes Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat dinner, learning sessions, and Shabbat lunch.

    Registration required by Wednesday, November 12.

    Cost for Friday dinner: $25 members / $30 not-yet-members .

    No cost for Shabbat lunch, but registration requested.

    Generously sponsored by the Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation.


  • November 17 - 10:45 am - 12:00 pm - Coffee House with Father Chris Yaw

    Father Chris Yaw returns to the Coffee House to present, “A Complicated Relationship: The Jewish State in the Eyes of Mainline Christians Today.

    Enjoy coffee, connection, and discussion.

    Catered  lunch. Registration required. Cost: $10 Generously sponsored by Joy and Allan Nachman.

    Fr. Chris Yaw is an outspoken advocate for both gun safety and food security.  In his 17th year as St. David’s sixth rector, he was born in Detroit, serves as dean of the McGeHee Deanery, and has served on several diocesan boards, including St. Anne’s Mead in Southfield, The Cathedral Chapter in Detroit, and the Diocesan Strategic Planning Committee. He is also active as the President of the board of Oakland Housing.

    Fr. Chris previously spent six years as Associate Rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan. He was ordained in the diocese of Los Angeles where he worked as a television journalist. Fr. Chris holds MDiv and ThM degrees from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, and studied for one year at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, UK.Fr. Chris has published several books and articles including, in 2008, the popular:Jesus Was an Episcopalian (And You Can Be One Too!).


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.