Welcome Hillel Families!

Thank you for joining us for Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. We are so glad you are here and hope this evening gives you a taste of the warmth, friendship, and community that make CSZ special.

We would love to continue getting to know you and your family. On this page you’ll find a selection of upcoming programs designed especially for families, children, and the broader Village community.

We hope you’ll join us again soon!

CSZ Village Shabbat
Saturday, March 14th @ 10:00 AM

Join us for Village Shabbat featuring Michael Feld with music and drumming for a warm, lively community experience. Enjoy Mahjong and Board Games including chess, checkers, mahjong, dominoes, and more—bring a friend and play! Our littlest guests can join Saba Savta Story Time, while kids of all ages are invited to Shabbat Lego Club, where creativity and fun take center stage. There’s something for everyone to enjoy as we gather for a joyful Village Shabbat together.
Generously supported by the Tillie Martin Village Fund.

CSZ Village 2nd Night Seder
Thursday, April 2nd @ 05:00 PM

CSZ Village presents a family-friendly seder on the 2nd night of Passover!

Our 2nd night seder was a HUGE success last year! Join your CSZ family for a warm and welcoming, intergenerational, intercommunity seder from 5 PM to 8 PM which will include:

• a special CSZ Haggadah
• Seder plates and buffet-style dinner
• Kids activities
• Songs and finding the Afikomen

Registration is required by noon on Wednesday, March 25th by clicking below. No walk-ins please.

Camp Pesach 5786
Monday, April 6th @ 08:30 AM

CSZ Village is proud to present: Camp Pesach! Parents, while your kiddos are off from school, we’ve got you covered.

Monday 4/6 and Tuesday 4/7, drop off your student for a fun filled morning of meaningful Pesach crafts, songs, games and more. Lunch included. Join us one or both days.

Open to PreK (4 years)- 5th grade.

$50 per child, per day for CSZ Village Members, $75 per child, per day for not yet members.

You must be logged in to see member discount prices.  If you need help logging in, please call the synagogue office.

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.