Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning

October 5    
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

2:30 p.m. What Jewish Short Stories Say About Our Long Jewish History
Join CSZ Vice President and author extraordinaire Karen Tintori Katz for a reading and discussion of short stories with a Jewish theme. Synagogue VP Karen Tintori Katz is a Jewish Italian-American author of fiction and nonfiction. Her books cover a wide range of human experience, from the mysteries of the Kabbalah to the lives of Italian American immigrants.

 

3:45 p.m. How to Live Life in this New Year: Jewish Wisdom in 140 Characters or Less.
Join CSZ Officer Marc Rosenstock and Board of Trustees member Emma Zerkel for a discussion of Judaism’s most important teachings, what they might mean for us today and how we can use them to guide our lives. Marc Rosenstock has led business teams across a range of companies and holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, The University of Chicago, and The Jewish Spiritual Leadership Institute. Emma Zerkel has taught at Hillel Day School and for the CSZ Religious School. She is the owner of Winning Imprints, and recently received the Marion Freedman Volunteer Award at the Detroit Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Annual Meeting.

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.