Inclusive Learning:
Welcoming Every Student
At Temple Emanu-El Religious School, we believe that every child deserves a meaningful and successful Jewish educational experience. We recognize that no two students learn in exactly the same way, and we are committed to meeting each learner where they are.
Inspired by the teaching from the Book of Proverbs, “Educate a child according to their way” (Proverbs 22:6), we strive to create an inclusive learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. Whether a child learns best in a traditional classroom setting or benefits from additional support, our goal is to help every student feel confident, included, and connected to Jewish life.
Our Learning Supports
To meet the diverse needs of our students, Temple Emanu-El offers a variety of educational supports, including:
- Differentiated classroom instruction
- Dedicated Learning Specialists
- Small-group instruction and tutoring
- The Aleph Program for advanced Hebrew and prayer learning
- Specialized Learning Center classrooms
- Classroom and roving shadow support
- A dedicated Resource Room for individualized learning
- Ongoing professional development in inclusive Jewish education
Who We Serve
Our Religious School welcomes students with a wide range of learning profiles. We work with children who have been diagnosed with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, and language processing disorder, as well as students with hearing or vision challenges.
We also recognize that many children benefit from additional educational support even without a formal diagnosis. For this reason, we partner closely with families to understand each child’s individual strengths and challenges and to develop accommodations that help them thrive.
Through individualized instruction, small-group learning, classroom accommodations, and other educational supports, we are able to help many students participate successfully in all aspects of Religious School life.
Experienced and Caring Educators
One of the greatest strengths of our program is our outstanding educational team. Nearly all of our Religious School teachers are professional educators who bring years of classroom experience to our synagogue.
Our inclusion team includes:
- Shelli Sussman, Learning Specialist, who holds a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education.
- Adam Schwartzbard, Director of Youth Engagement and co-director of the Religious School, who also has formal training in Special Education.
- Ilana Porat and Yifat Stern, Hebrew Reading Specialists who provide individualized and small-group Hebrew instruction.
- A team of trained teen madrichim who serve as classroom shadows and provide additional support to students throughout the school day.
Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg has also completed the Matan Institute for Education and Youth Directors, further strengthening our synagogue’s commitment to inclusive Jewish education.
Partnering with Families
We know that every child is unique. We encourage parents to share information about their child’s learning style, educational supports, or accommodations so that we can work together to create the best possible Religious School experience.
If you have questions about whether Temple Emanu-El Religious School is the right fit for your child, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you, learn more about your family’s needs, and discuss how we can support your child’s Jewish educational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a formal diagnosis to receive support?
No. While many of the students we support have formal educational or psychological evaluations, we also work with students who simply need additional assistance to be successful in the classroom. We encourage families to share any concerns or information that will help us better support their child.
What types of learning differences do you support?
Our students have a wide variety of learning profiles, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and other educational, social, or emotional needs. We also work with students who have hearing or vision challenges.
What kinds of accommodations are available?
Support is individualized based on each student’s needs. Accommodations may include:
- Small-group instruction
- Differentiated classroom activities
- Additional time or modified assignments
- Pull-out instruction when appropriate
- One-on-one or small-group Hebrew support
- Classroom or roving shadows
- Resource Room instruction
- Alternative learning strategies and materials
Will my child still prepare for their B'nai Mitzvah?
Absolutely. Our goal is for every student to experience a meaningful and successful Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We work closely with families, tutors, clergy, and educators to develop an approach that helps each student reach their fullest potential while honoring their individual learning style.
Will my child be separated from the rest of the class?
Whenever possible, students remain with their classmates. Additional support may occur within the classroom, in small groups, or through brief individualized instruction. We strive to provide support while ensuring every student feels included as a valued member of the class community.
Can my child have a classroom shadow?
Yes. Depending on a student’s needs, we may recommend a classroom or roving shadow. We work with families to determine the most appropriate level of support and will discuss options together.
How do you determine what support my child needs?
We begin by partnering with parents. Families know their children best, and we value open communication. When appropriate, we also review educational evaluations, school accommodations (such as IEPs or 504 Plans), and recommendations from outside professionals to better understand how we can support each learner in our Religious School setting.
Who provides the learning support?
Our inclusion team includes experienced educators, Learning Specialists, Hebrew Reading Specialists, trained tutors, and teen madrichim who serve as classroom shadows. Together, they work closely with our clergy and Religious School staff to provide individualized support for students throughout the year.
Does receiving support cost extra?
Many of the supports offered within our Religious School are included as part of a student’s educational experience. In situations where additional individualized services may be recommended, we will discuss options with families before any decisions are made.
My child has an IEP or 504 Plan. Can Temple Emanu-El accommodate them?
Yes. While a public school IEP or 504 Plan does not automatically transfer to a supplemental Religious School setting, we welcome the opportunity to review your child’s accommodations and work with your family to implement reasonable and appropriate supports within our program. Our goal is to provide every student with the tools they need to be successful and engaged in Jewish learning.
My child has never attended Religious School before. Can we meet before enrolling?
Absolutely. We encourage prospective families to schedule a conversation with Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg or our Religious School leadership. We would be happy to learn about your child, answer your questions, and discuss how Temple Emanu-El can help your family have a successful and meaningful Jewish educational experience.
Questions?
If you would like to learn more about our Inclusive Learning Program or discuss your child’s individual needs, please contact Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg at ruberg@tecloster.org. We would be happy to meet with you and help determine the best path for your family.
