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. The school, together with parents and the synagogue at large, provide 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 and to provide a strong foundation to guide the way for their active involvement in the Jewish community in future years.

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).  The 2024 – 2025 religious school calendar is available here. 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.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in our religious school or have any questions regarding our program please contact Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg at, ruberg@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 
$ 250/members, $360/public

K-1st grade 
$1,000*

2nd–7th grades 
$1,660*

* 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:  $1818*

*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.

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