How Do We Respond to Antisemitism?

Here are ten responses to the continued rise in antisemitic acts in America:

Attend Shabbat services in person or online. Click HERE for Shabbat information, with times and links.

Light Shabbat candles and recite the blessing. Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat. Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candle[s].

Enjoy a Shabbat dinner, with the accompanying blessings. Click HERE for audio and video help, on our Shul Skills 101 page.

Take your child or grandchild to the synagogue for prayer or for learning. We welcome you to our main service, our Alive! family service, CSZ Religious School, or a wide variety of youth and family services and events. Check our calendar HERE.

Donate to a Jewish cause: for security or, even better, for Jewish living. CSZ has a wide variety of dedicated purpose funds. Click HERE to learn more.

Attend weekday minyan. Click HERE for service times and links.

Engage in Jewish learning. Read a Jewish book. Find Jewish articles from reputable sources. CSZ’s Adult Learning includes Rosh Chodesh Moon Meetings, Timely Torah, Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism, and Read with the Rabbi, to name a few.

Reach out to a non-Jewish friend. Tell the person how the rise in antisemitism is making you feel.

Talk to your children or grandchildren about antisemitism. Even better: Talk to your children or grandchildren about Jewish joy. What do you love about being Jewish?

Travel to Israel. Facilitate others traveling to Israel. Donate to an Israeli cause. Read books about Israel or subscribe to Israeli newspapers. Buy Israeli products. Make Aliyah. Click HERE to learn about the CSZ Israel trip in December 2022!

For more information or support, please contact Rabbi Starr, Rabbi Dahlen, Hazzan Propis, or Ritual Director Saul A. Rube. We are here for you.

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.