CURRICULUM & SCHEDULES
Our program runs from 4’s through 12th grade.
GAN KATAN (4 and 5 year old)
Gan Katan is a Shabbat morning class designed for our youngest learners - whether you're in the Kaplan 4’s, another local Pre-K program, or enrolled in LC Kindergarten. We meet approximately twice a month on Saturday mornings from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, with additional opportunities to join the wider community for Sunday museum adventures.
Children are introduced to the foundations of Jewish life, including holidays, simple Hebrew words and blessings, and key concepts. Sessions include hands-on activities, challah and grape juice, participation in the congregational Torah parade, and time in the sanctuary to conclude services with older students.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarteners explore early Torah stories, from Creation to Joseph, and Jewish holidays through a multisensory approach. Students engage in the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures of Jewish tradition while being introduced to Hebrew letters and core Jewish values. Learning comes to life through storytelling, dramatic play, music, art, and more.
ALEPH/FIRST GRADE
First graders begin their journey into Mitzvot (commandments) and Middot (Jewish values) through foundational Torah stories, including the Exodus from Egypt. They learn lessons from these stories and begin to connect them to their own lives. Students are also introduced to the land of Israel, exploring what makes its cities and culture special. Hebrew learning continues with letter exploration and basic vocabulary through games, stories, and hands-on activities.
BET/SECOND GRADE
Second graders deepen their understanding of core Jewish values such as Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, and Kehilla (community). They explore how Jewish celebrations and rituals express our relationship with God, and how G’milut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness) help make the world a better place. Students learn the full Aleph-Bet, including how to write each letter, recognize its sound, and connect it to a Hebrew word. Early reading and vocabulary building support both new and continuing learners.
GIMMEL/THIRD GRADE
Third graders focus on the meaning and symbolism of Jewish ritual objects such as Shabbat candles, mezuzah, tefillin, tallit, and the Torah scroll. They explore how these items connect us to Jewish identity, tradition, and God. Hebrew reading skills continue to develop as students build fluency and confidence.
DALET/FOURTH GRADE
Fourth graders continue to explore Jewish holidays and stories while beginning their study of modern Israel’s history, geography, and culture. Through learning about sacred places, Zionism, and key Israeli figures, they build personal connections to the land and people of Israel. In Hebrew, students strengthen decoding skills, build fluency, and begin to recognize key words and phrases from the Siddur (prayer book).
HEY/FIFTH GRADE
Fifth graders explore the Jewish lifecycle through project-based learning, including events such as a mock wedding and a potential visit to a Mikvah. They study lifecycle milestones such as Brit Milah/ baby naming, Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, weddings, and mourning rituals. Hebrew instruction continues with an emphasis on reading fluency, prayer skills, and writing.
VAV/SIXTH GRADE
Sixth graders dive into Jewish history, focusing on European and American Jewry, the Holocaust, and Judaism in modern times. They continue to strengthen Hebrew reading, writing, and liturgical vocabulary, while also practicing conversational Modern Hebrew. In small group settings, students refine prayer and chanting skills in preparation for becoming B’nai mitzvah, with a focus on building confidence in leading worship.
ZAYIN/SEVENTH GRADE
Seventh graders will continue to study Jewish history with a tie into discussions about current events and social issues through a Jewish lens. There is also a deeper focus on preparing for their Bar/ Bat Mitzvah by honing their ability to participate in and lead the Shacharit service, including trope and blessings. Students participate in our new electives program.
LEVEL UP: NATIV/EIGHTH GRADE
Students in Level Up: Nativ engage in meaningful discussions about current events, social issues, and teen life through a Jewish lens. The word Nativ and this program emphasizes social connection, community building, and informal learning. This class will meet twice a month with one session at USH and one session as a monthly meetup in students' homes.
LEVEL UP: TICHON/NINTH-TENTH-ELEVENTH GRADE
Level Up: Tichon continues the work of Nativ with deeper discussion on Jewish identity, ethics, and contemporary topics. The program balances thoughtful dialogue with peer connection and community. This class will meet twice a month with one session at USH and one session as a monthly meetup in students' homes.
TWELFTH GRADE
Twelfth graders meet monthly with Rabbi Scheinberg and guest speakers for seminar-style discussions on modern Israel’s history and contemporary controversies, preparing them to navigate Jewish life and conversations beyond high school.
GAN KATAN (4 and 5 year old)
Gan Katan is a Shabbat morning class designed for our youngest learners - whether you're in the Kaplan 4’s, another local Pre-K program, or enrolled in LC Kindergarten. We meet approximately twice a month on Saturday mornings from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, with additional opportunities to join the wider community for Sunday museum adventures.
Children are introduced to the foundations of Jewish life, including holidays, simple Hebrew words and blessings, and key concepts. Sessions include hands-on activities, challah and grape juice, participation in the congregational Torah parade, and time in the sanctuary to conclude services with older students.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarteners explore early Torah stories, from Creation to Joseph, and Jewish holidays through a multisensory approach. Students engage in the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures of Jewish tradition while being introduced to Hebrew letters and core Jewish values. Learning comes to life through storytelling, dramatic play, music, art, and more.
ALEPH/FIRST GRADE
First graders begin their journey into Mitzvot (commandments) and Middot (Jewish values) through foundational Torah stories, including the Exodus from Egypt. They learn lessons from these stories and begin to connect them to their own lives. Students are also introduced to the land of Israel, exploring what makes its cities and culture special. Hebrew learning continues with letter exploration and basic vocabulary through games, stories, and hands-on activities.
BET/SECOND GRADE
Second graders deepen their understanding of core Jewish values such as Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, and Kehilla (community). They explore how Jewish celebrations and rituals express our relationship with God, and how G’milut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness) help make the world a better place. Students learn the full Aleph-Bet, including how to write each letter, recognize its sound, and connect it to a Hebrew word. Early reading and vocabulary building support both new and continuing learners.
GIMMEL/THIRD GRADE
Third graders focus on the meaning and symbolism of Jewish ritual objects such as Shabbat candles, mezuzah, tefillin, tallit, and the Torah scroll. They explore how these items connect us to Jewish identity, tradition, and God. Hebrew reading skills continue to develop as students build fluency and confidence.
DALET/FOURTH GRADE
Fourth graders continue to explore Jewish holidays and stories while beginning their study of modern Israel’s history, geography, and culture. Through learning about sacred places, Zionism, and key Israeli figures, they build personal connections to the land and people of Israel. In Hebrew, students strengthen decoding skills, build fluency, and begin to recognize key words and phrases from the Siddur (prayer book).
HEY/FIFTH GRADE
Fifth graders explore the Jewish lifecycle through project-based learning, including events such as a mock wedding and a potential visit to a Mikvah. They study lifecycle milestones such as Brit Milah/ baby naming, Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, weddings, and mourning rituals. Hebrew instruction continues with an emphasis on reading fluency, prayer skills, and writing.
VAV/SIXTH GRADE
Sixth graders dive into Jewish history, focusing on European and American Jewry, the Holocaust, and Judaism in modern times. They continue to strengthen Hebrew reading, writing, and liturgical vocabulary, while also practicing conversational Modern Hebrew. In small group settings, students refine prayer and chanting skills in preparation for becoming B’nai mitzvah, with a focus on building confidence in leading worship.
ZAYIN/SEVENTH GRADE
Seventh graders will continue to study Jewish history with a tie into discussions about current events and social issues through a Jewish lens. There is also a deeper focus on preparing for their Bar/ Bat Mitzvah by honing their ability to participate in and lead the Shacharit service, including trope and blessings. Students participate in our new electives program.
LEVEL UP: NATIV/EIGHTH GRADE
Students in Level Up: Nativ engage in meaningful discussions about current events, social issues, and teen life through a Jewish lens. The word Nativ and this program emphasizes social connection, community building, and informal learning. This class will meet twice a month with one session at USH and one session as a monthly meetup in students' homes.
LEVEL UP: TICHON/NINTH-TENTH-ELEVENTH GRADE
Level Up: Tichon continues the work of Nativ with deeper discussion on Jewish identity, ethics, and contemporary topics. The program balances thoughtful dialogue with peer connection and community. This class will meet twice a month with one session at USH and one session as a monthly meetup in students' homes.
TWELFTH GRADE
Twelfth graders meet monthly with Rabbi Scheinberg and guest speakers for seminar-style discussions on modern Israel’s history and contemporary controversies, preparing them to navigate Jewish life and conversations beyond high school.
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Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey thrives on building community.
This agency/organization is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.
How to reach us:
Shana Lee, Director of Education email: [email protected]
Rhonda Strosberg, Program Manager email: [email protected]
United Synagogue of Hoboken
115 Park Avenue I Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-659-4000
Shana Lee, Director of Education email: [email protected]
Rhonda Strosberg, Program Manager email: [email protected]
United Synagogue of Hoboken
115 Park Avenue I Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-659-4000
