If you have children, we have a program for you…

Tot Shabbat meets once each month. Geared to children ages 2-6, the curriculum changes each year (on a cyclical loop) so that the children learn new material as they grow through the program. The class is taught by NYS certified teachers. Our lead teacher has taught at the International Nursery School for a many years and brings her experience in early childhood education to our program through music, art and activities.

FSF Family Jewish Education program is a hands-on, experiential learning program primarily for families with children in elementary and middle school, leading up to Bar & Bat Mizvah. It meets twice each month and satisfies the religious education requirement for the students in our B'nei Mitzvah program. It is open to all members of FSF as well as families from the community at large. The class is for parents and children. It is a cohesive program that deals with the biblical, historical and cultural aspects of Judaism. It is a wonderful program for interfaith families and for those parents who may feel that their own religious education may have left them with unanswered questions. Participants should be committed to attending all classes. There are separate learning experiences for the children and adults, with time to share what each group has learned. Rabbi Weisser and Linda Stone are the chief facilitators for this program.

Hebrew classes meet weekly. Most children begin their Hebrew lessons at around age 8 or 9 so that they had adequate time to become proficient and practiced in the knowledge and skills they need to conduct a Shabbat service and chant Torah and Haftarah for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We can accommodate older children as well. Our Hebrew teacher is certified and holds an advanced degree in Hebrew literature.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Preparation. During the year leading up to Bar or Bat Mitzvah, our students meet weekly with Cantor Pearlston. During this time they learn their individual Torah and Haftarah portions and get intensive practice with the prayers that are part of the Shabbat service they will led on their special day. Students will also meet with Rabbi Weisser as they prepare their D'var Torah (commentary on their Torah portion).