Jewish Learning and Living K-5

Welcome to Temple Shalom's Jewish Learning and Living Program for K-5

Temple Shalom's Jewish Learning and Living Program is offered on Sundays or Wednesdays for students in grades K-5. The goal of Jewish learning at Temple Shalom is to teach our students how, why, and what it means to be Jewish. We value personal relationships with staff, teachers, and other students. We strive to create a space where our students can be their authentic selves, find a place in the community, and gain enough knowledge to know the basics that will allow to begin developing their Jewish identity. We want them to leave our program with a thirst for knowledge, a connection to the community and a positive relationship with the synagogue, community and their own Jewish identity. The program follows a school-year schedule and offers 2.5-3.5 hours of Jewish learning each week including T'filah (worship), core class learning, activity based thematic learning and Small Group Hebrew starting in 2nd grade. We offer Extended Days on Sundays and Wednesdays to allow flexibility in families' schedules.

JLL K-5 Program Components

JEWISH LEARNING

Grades K-5: One-hour Jewish Learning- Grade Based
Sunday or Wednesday option

Our qualified and enthusiastic Jewish educators guide our students through Jewish learning incorporate music, stories, art, and games. Students engage in lively discussions that encourage them to ask questions and make connections between Jewish tradition and today’s world. The curriculum is designed to help students and their families build a foundation of Jewish Learning.

SMALL GROUP HEBREW

Grades 2-5: One-hour Small Group Hebrew
Once per Week (Days and Times Vary)

Learners in Grades 2-5 study Hebrew in small groups of 3-6 students. Groups are offered throughout the week at various times. Our Hebrew groups are carefully organized with the goal of creating a community of learners who will work together proceed through our Hebrew curriculum in a style and pace that meets their needs. We are committed to finding the best learning environment and scheduling option for your family.

JEWISH LIVING-KEHILLAH CLUB

Grades K-5: One-hour Jewish Living Curriculum
Sunday or Wednesday option

With the goals of fostering Jewish community, encouraging creativity, exploring Jewish Time, values, and building self-esteem, students are placed in small peer Kehillah groups (6-10 students). Kehillah Groups are led by our teen Madrichim with support from staff. Activities are thematic and include art, cooking, movement, and STEM options.

T'FILAH- WORSHIP/SPIRITUALITY

Weekly Family T'filah Gathering

Sunday morning or Wednesday late afternoon.
Judaism offers us many paths to travel as we deepen our own spirituality. JLL is proud to offer our families an interactive, family friendly gatherings that feature joyful music, an opportunity to practice and lead prayers students are learning in class and a chance to consider how Jewish wisdom (Torah) is relevant today.

EXTENDED DAY OPPORTUNITY- Grades 2-5- Wednesdays 12:30-5:00

For our Newton families, we provide afterschool childcare until 5:00 on Wednesdays. Students arrive at Temple Shalom between 12:20-12:40 and enjoy lunch together as a community followed by recess. Classes begin at 1:30 for our Grades 2-5 students. We encourage our Wednesday K-1 students to explore Shalom After School.

Sample Schedules

Sunday

Kindergarten

9:30-10:00- Family T'filah
10:00-11:00- K-1 Expedition
11:00-12:00- Kehillah Club

Grade 4 with Small Group Hebrew Bundled

9:30-10:00- Family T'filah
10:00-11:00- Kehillah Club
11:00-12:00- Small Group Hebrew
12:00-12:30- Lunch
12:30-1:30- 4th Grade Expedition

Grade 5 with Small Group Hebrew on a different day

9:30-10:00- Family T'filah
10:00-11:00- Kehillah Club
11:00-12:00-5th Grade Expedition
Tuesdays: 3:45-4:45- Small Group Hebrew

Wednesday

Grade 2 with Small Group Hebrew and Extended Day

12:30-1:30- Lunch and Recess
1:30-2:30- Small Group Hebrew
2:30-3:30- Grade 2 Expedition
3:30-4:30- Kehillah Club (start with snack)
4:30-5:00- Family T'filah

Grade 1

2:30-3:30- Grade K-1 Expedition
3:30-4:30- Kehillah Club (start with snack)
4:30-5:00- Family T'filah

Grade 3 with Small Group Hebrew

1:30-2:30- Small Group Hebrew
2:30-3:30- Grade 3 Expedition
3:30-4:30- Kehillah Club (start with snack)
4:30-5:00- Family T'filah

How much does it cost?

Students can be enrolled in SHACHARIT as long as their families are members of Temple Shalom and have submitted their Annual Shalom Commitment.

Tuition Cost for 2025-2026

Jewish Learning and Living K-7 without Hebrew: $1065
Small Group Hebrew for Grades 2-6: $595
Extended Day Wednesday (12:30-1:30): $325
Kid's Club Wednesday (1:30-2:30): $325
Kid's Club Sunday (12:30-1:30 for K-1 with older sibs): $325
Pizza lunch on Wednesday or Sunday (optional): $210

Connect with Us!

Interested in learning more about our K-5 program? Please complete the form below and we will be in touch to schedule an introductory conversation.