We are not observant or religious. Will my child (and our family) feel out of place at Hebrew School of the Arts?
This is the number one question we get! One of the common myths associated with Chabad, is that it is a place that is only for religious Jews. Although the synagogue is traditional and our staff is observant, almost NONE of our Hebrew School families are orthodox. Our students are from very diverse Jewish backgrounds and all attend public school or non-Jewish private schools. Many of our families identify as Conservative, Reform or unaffiliated, but choose to send their children to Hebrew School of the Arts because of the warm, embracing and non-judgmental atmosphere they find here and the excellent quality of education we offer. Our curriculum teaches personal Judaism, without labels or divisions.
The best answer to this question is to personally speak to Hebrew School parents who shared this same concern before joining Hebrew School of the Arts are now our biggest advocates who rave about our program. We would be happy to put you in contact with them so they can share their experience with you and reassure you that you will feel perfectly comfortable and accepted at Chabad.
My child does not want to add any school days to his/her already busy schedule, but I feel it is important to provide him/her with some form of a Jewish education. What to do?
Hebrew School of the Arts is not a typical school. We understand that children learn through activities and games and we strive to create an environment which is fun and camp-like while still maintaining high academic standards. We focus on expression through various activities and the arts (including music, drama, art, and STEM) so that the students are so busy doing, they don’t even realize they are learning!
How does Hebrew School of the Arts prepare my child for Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
At Hebrew School of the Arts, your child will gain a solid foundation of Judaism and Hebrew Reading in preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We would be happy and honored to host your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Chabad. We offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies that are beautiful and meaningful, and are tailored to each child and family. Additional Bar/ Bat Mitzvah tutoring is available through our Hebrew School for students who would like to prepare for a service.
What is Chabad all about?
Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to serving every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance. Chabad invites you to explore our rich Jewish heritage, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Chabad is all about embracing every single Jew regardless of background or religious level. Our community is comprised of a large spectrum of Jews ranging from Reform to Traditional to Conservative and everything in between. If you are Jewish, you belong! We don’t believe in labels, labels are for shirts only. We are confident that you and your family will feel comfortable and warmly accepted.
I like what I am reading here, but I still have more questions. Where can I get more information?
Our staff is warm and friendly and we welcome you to come by for a chat or to look around for yourself. Please contact Rikki at 610-353-3835 or email Rikki@Hebrewschoolofthearts.com to set up an appointment. We are also happy to give you the contact info of several Hebrew school moms and dads (who may have shared the same concerns as you) as references, so that you can speak to them directly about their experience at Hebrew School of the Arts
