Congregation Shaarey Zedek has a long and illustrious history of music. Hazzan David Propis has blended masterpieces from composers across the centuries as well as original compositions, to create a rich musical culture at Shaarey Zedek.
Hazzan Propis has an international reputation, and countless performances and recordings to his credit, blending popular and cantorial music seamlessly. He has shared the stage with numerous luminaries in the U.S., Europe and Israel.
On the High Holy Days and Regalim (Festivals), we are blessed to have a professional choir, enabling our Hazzan to choose the most unique repertoire. Under Hazzan Propis’ direction, our choir masterfully weaves together ancient and modern sounds, coupled with Hazzanic interpretation (siddur exegesis), and popular congregational melodies.
In our magnificent sanctuary, on our holiest of days, we can sit, close our eyes and listen to the choir’s inspiring renditions and be transported to a spiritual realm. Or we can sing along, or even hum.
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.
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.