B"H


Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts

Parent & Student Handbook

2026–2027

 

Welcome

Imagine a Hebrew School where children do not want to miss a day—where they arrive with a smile, leave humming a Hebrew song, and feel the warmth, joy, and spirit of Judaism.

At Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts, our goal is to provide every Jewish child with a meaningful and engaging Jewish education. We strive to instill Jewish pride, create a personal connection to Jewish life and history, and build strong Hebrew reading skills.

Through creative learning, hands-on experiences, and a warm and welcoming environment, we aim to give our students the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration to grow into informed and caring Jewish adults who will positively shape their communities.

We are delighted that you have chosen Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts for your child’s education. We will do everything in our power to make your family’s Hebrew School experience enjoyable, inspiring, and filled with warm memories.

This handbook contains important information for the upcoming school year.


Curriculum

CKids Bereishis: Story of My Life

This year, students at Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts will embark on an unforgettable journey through the Book of Genesis—the story of where the Jewish people began.

Through 15 immersive, hands-on workshops, children will explore Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and his family, and the incredible story of Joseph.

Each lesson will transform Torah learning into an exciting experience through art, baking, STEM, games, drama, creative design, and more. Children will not simply hear the stories of Genesis—they will experience them, explore their meaning, and discover how their lessons relate to their own lives.

As students encounter the courage, kindness, faith, and perseverance of our ancestors, they will discover that Genesis is not merely ancient history. It is their family story—the story of who they are and the values they carry forward as Jewish children.

Each workshop includes:

Part One: An engaging and interactive exploration of the Torah story or theme.

Part Two: A hands-on activity that helps students experience the lesson, internalize its message, and connect it to their own lives.

Our curriculum is designed to help children develop a positive and personal relationship with Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish life.

Areas of emphasis include:

  • Torah stories and Jewish history
  • Jewish values and mitzvot
  • Hebrew reading and vocabulary
  • Holidays and traditions
  • Jewish culture and identity
  • Creative arts and hands-on learning

Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading

Students build strong Hebrew reading skills through Aleph Champ, an engaging, level-based program inspired by the structure of martial arts.

Children progress through a series of color-coded levels at their own pace, mastering Hebrew letters, vowels, word recognition, accuracy, and reading fluency step by step.

This individualized approach allows every child to experience success while continuing to be appropriately challenged. As students advance from one level to the next, they gain confidence and a genuine sense of accomplishment in their Hebrew reading.


Communication

Our school is blessed with a warm, professional, and dedicated staff. Each teacher invests significant time in preparing lessons and creating meaningful ways to bring Jewish learning to life.

We care deeply about the progress and well-being of every student and are always available to discuss your child’s experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out if a question, concern, or issue arises.

Parents will receive regular email updates with classroom highlights, upcoming events, important reminders, and Hebrew School news.


School Hours

Hebrew School meets on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Classes begin promptly at 9:30 AM. Please make every effort to have your child arrive on time so that they can participate fully from the beginning of the program.

Dismissal is at 11:30 AM. If you expect to be more than ten minutes late for pickup, please notify us at 862-324-5077.


Sunday Schedule

9:30–9:45 AM
Tefillah and Prayer

9:45–10:50 AM
Jewish Studies Curriculum and Hands-On Workshop

10:50–11:00 AM
Snack

11:00–11:30 AM
Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading

The schedule may occasionally be adjusted for holiday programs, special activities, or school-wide events.


Tuition and Registration

Tuition is essential to the operation of our Hebrew School and helps cover staffing, curriculum, supplies, snacks, and special programming.

A $100 registration fee per family is required at the time of registration. Tuition will be billed according to the payment option selected during registration. Families who select the “Pay in Full Today” option will be charged the full tuition amount at registration.

Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts does not require synagogue membership, and we work hard to keep tuition as affordable as possible.

Need-based tuition assistance is available. Please contact us privately if financial assistance would help make Hebrew School possible for your family.


Attendance

Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a successful Hebrew School experience. Each week builds upon previous lessons, particularly in Hebrew reading and our yearlong curriculum.

We ask parents to treat Hebrew School as an important and valued part of their child’s weekly schedule and, whenever possible, to arrange appointments, extracurricular activities, and other commitments around Hebrew School.

When you know that your child will be absent, please notify us in advance.


Weather Closures and Cancellations

If Hebrew School must be canceled because of snow, severe weather, or another unforeseen circumstance, families will receive an email notification by 8:00 AM on Sunday morning.

Please check your email before leaving home whenever weather conditions are uncertain.


Snacks and Allergies

Students are provided with a snack during Hebrew School.

Please make sure that all allergies, dietary restrictions, and relevant medical information are clearly included on your child’s registration and medical forms. Parents should notify us immediately if any of this information changes during the year.

Please do not send food containing nuts unless specifically requested.


Electronics

Phones, electronic games, and other personal devices can be distracting during Hebrew School and should remain at home whenever possible.

When a child needs to bring a phone or smartwatch, it should remain silenced and stored away during class. Parents should contact the school directly if they need to reach their child during Hebrew School hours.


Holiday Programs and Special Events

Throughout the year, students will experience the Jewish holidays through creative lessons, celebrations, crafts, food, music, and hands-on activities.

Parents and families will be invited to join us for select holiday celebrations, family programs, and special events. These gatherings are an important part of building community and creating lasting Jewish memories.


Bagels and Coffee

Periodically, parents will be invited to enjoy fresh bagels and coffee at pickup. This is a relaxed opportunity to meet other Hebrew School families, connect with our staff, and strengthen our Hebrew School community.


Contact Information

Please reach out at any time with questions or concerns.

Ita Leaf
862-324-5077
[email protected]

Rabbi Yaacov Leaf
862-252-5666
[email protected]

We look forward to a wonderful year of learning, creativity, friendship, and Jewish growth at Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts!