Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School

Temple Emanu-El’s religious school engages students in an active, meaningful, and collaborative experience. We believe that Jewish life is multidimensional and interactive, and we believe its education should be as well. With guidance from parents and the synagogue at large, our Religious School provides meaningful experiences both formal and experiential. Our religious school and Shabbat programs are designed to promote a rich, vibrant Jewish culture that encourages students to develop their growing Jewish identities.

Our goal is to help students build their knowledge, competence, and self-confidence as modern young Jews, providing a strong foundation of Jewish knowledge and encouraging involvement in the Jewish community for years to come.

Educational Goals:

Basic knowledge in areas of the Bible, prayers, and holidays.
Literacy of the Hebrew language and the siddur; navigating the Chumash and Biblical text.
Familiarity with Shabbat services and Shabbat ceremonies.
Love for and connection to Israel.

Our religious school aligns with the academic calendar and runs from kindergarten (Gan) through 7th grade (Zayin). Class sizes are typically 20 to 30 students. Highlights throughout the year include a Parent Meet & Greet Breakfast, a school-wide Hanukkah celebration, Purim Carnival, Mitzvah Day, Vav Heritage Fair, and our end-of-year Zayin Moving Up Ceremony.

K-5th Grade
Sundays 9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

6th and 7th Grade
Tuesdays 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

2nd-5th Grade
Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Click the links below to meet our teachers and view our curriculum:

If you are interested in enrolling your child in our religious school or have any questions regarding our program please contact Shelby Effron at, effron@tecloster.org or by calling 201-750-2959.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TUITION

Below are the current costs for our Religious School tuition for the calendar year. Our Religious School is open to everyone, though we offer discounted rates for our members. $180 is due upon the enrollment of your child. Payment in full (or an agreed upon payment plan) must be rendered prior to the first day of Religious School.

Pre-K
$ 360/members, $500/public

K-1st grade
$1,000*

2nd–7th grades
$1,800*

* A $50 discount is available to families for the tuition of subsequent children, following the enrollment of a first child.
* Members of the Parent Association are entitled to a discount of $18 per child or max $36 per family.

NON-MEMBERS
Sunday sessions only: $1,818*

*K – 1st Grade Only

* Fees are subject to change without notice.

Early Pickup Request Form

If you need to pick up your child from religious school early, please use this form to make the request.

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

Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TUITION

Early Pickup Request Form

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

High Holy Day Ticket Requests