Early Childhood Programs

It’s never too early to engage your child in Jewish life. With our educational and enriching programming, your child will learn, sing, and play with our clergy and teachers.

TE Explorers

Following best practices in early childhood education, our TE Explorers learn about being Jewish, including holidays and Shabbat, as well as Hebrew words through play and sensory activities. Making Jewish friends and feeling comfortable in the synagogue are central points of emphasis for the program.

Music with Moreh Matt

Moreh Matt, our music instructor, visits the class and leads the students in Jewish songs.

Special Programs

Throughout the year, the class has special on-site programs that focus on the Jewish holidays. Activities include a visit to our sukkah on Sukkot, decorating dreidels on Chanukah, and making Israeli Flags for Israel’s Independence Day.

Clergy Involvement

Throughout the year, Temple Emanu-El’s clergy (Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg, Rabbi Gabe Cohen and Cantor Israel Singer) visit the class, participating in special “Ask the Rabbi” sessions and reading stories to the kids.

Teaching Torah/Mitzvot/Values

Each session includes a Jewish story that teaches about a Jewish value, with most books from the PJ Library collection.

Snack/Free Play:

Learning how to eat and play with friends is an important aspect of our program! Snacks will be provided and play will take place either inside or outside each session.

The congregants and leadership of TE have been warm and welcoming, and although we have only been members for a short time, TE already feels like home.

- Brittnay Alter

Our family has found a second home at Temple Emanu-el. For us it is a place for meaningful worship; but also it's a vibrant community that caters to every member of our family. From enriching religious school programs and fun holiday celebrations for our kids, to engaging study sessions and social activities for my husband and me, there's always something happening at the Temple.

- Ruthie Nussbaum

My family is not only connected spiritually to our Temple Emanu-El community generationally from the Tenafly Road days, we are also connected physically through this beautiful stained glass dome. My parents were married under this dome in 1955 when it sat atop the Brooklyn Jewish Center at 667 Eastern Parkway. And my Son Harry and daughter Aline had their B’nai Mitzvahs under this same dome. This dome is a magnificent example of the ornamental elements found in Neo-Moorish design used by 19th and 20th century synagogue architects in Europe and the Americas.

- Neil Chalfin

I can’t believe our Hebrew school journey has come to end. Thank you to all of our Morahs, the Rabbis, Cantor Singer, and Adam who have all made an impact on my Jewish values. I always love learning about where I come from and the traditions we keep. Not to mention the ice cream truck we get rewarded with at the end of the year has made it all worth it. But seriously, learning the stories of our people and seeing how they connect to the traditions my family observes during the holidays has given more meaning to those stories.

- Maya Kent

I am blessed to have four generations active as members of Temple Emanu-El. Spending time here with my grandkids creating lifelong memories is a priceless gift.

- Robin Miller

The first time I arrived on the Temple Emanu-El campus I could feel the vibrant and warm energy. I knew immediately that this is where I wanted my children and family to engage in their Jewish life. Since then, we have been blessed to watch our children move through the Temple’s Hebrew school and become Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Jillian and I have built deep and meaningful friendships with fellow members and the clergy. The energy we felt at the beginning has grown to become a vibrant Jewish light.

- Daniel Herz

Early Childhood Programs

Step into the sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El and find solace, connection, and purpose waiting for you today.

Important Notice:

Building & Office Closure

Important Notice:

Summer Office Hours