Our cooperative Shabbat School is one component of the Havurah Shalom community and of Jewish living. Over time, our experiences in Shabbat School are complemented by celebrating holidays and life-cycle milestones, tikkun olam (repair of the world), tefillah (prayer/reflection), and by bringing Jewish values into our daily life.

Havurah Shalom Shabbat School is for member families with children in grades K-6 and meets approximately 17 Saturday afternoons throughout the school year from 3 to 5:15 pm. Learn more about the school's history and listen to testimonials below.

Family Cooperative Jewish Education Model

Our cooperative Shabbat School is one component of the Havurah Shalom community and of Jewish living. Over time, our experiences in Shabbat School are complemented by celebrating holidays and life-cycle milestones, tikkun olam (repair of the world), tefillah (prayer/reflection), and by bringing Jewish values into our daily life.

With the help of our education staff, parents work together in teams to plan and implement the curriculum and community-building activities for their child’s grade. Each teaching team is responsible for planning and implementing four sessions.

In addition to giving our children a basis for Jewish learning, Shabbat School fosters a strong sense of community among families. Many parents feel that they, too, enhance their knowledge about and connection to Judaism through the Shabbat School experience. All levels of experience and knowledge are welcome in our Shabbat School.

Please see the Havurah Shalom Shabbat School Parent Handbook and Curriculum Overview for detailed information about the Shabbat School structure, parent teaching and curriculum.

 

Goals of Shabbat School

The goals of the Havurah Shalom's Shabbat School are to:

• Develop and/or deepen our enthusiasm for Jewish learning and living.
• Embrace the Jewish values of study, social justice, celebration in home and synagogue, and participation in life cycle events.
• Appreciate and rely upon Jewish values as a guide to moral and responsible decision making for ourselves and our community.
• Engage substantively with Jewish tradition and deepen our attachment to our community.

It is our hope that the Shabbat School experience, in concert with home and community and Jewish involvement, will facilitate these long-term outcomes:

• Children will build the beginning of a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and engagement.
• Parents and children will be drawn into a warm and caring Jewish community that will enhance our Jewish living.

The two smaller photos above were taken at Shabbat School on March 12, 2022, by Talia Hack-Davie Stein. 

 

Enrollment Policies

In order for our family cooperative model of Grades K-6 Jewish education to continue to meet the diverse needs of families, their children and the larger Havurah community, we have the following policies for Shabbat School enrollment:

Timeline
All potential new families must be in touch with Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Education Director, to discuss the unique model of Shabbat School, a family cooperative, before enrolling. 

Families must be Havurah Shalom members by April 15 and enroll their children in Shabbat School by May 1 to ensure a spot for the upcoming year. From May 1 to August 1, enrollment in a particular grade is subject to space availability, at the discretion of the Education Director. 

Enrollment in Shabbat School is not available after August 1 for the upcoming year.

Families are always welcome to participate in Havurah Shalom holidays, Shabbat celebrations, and other family activities.

For tuition assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Shari Raider, Financial Manager.

Post-Enrollment
We kick off the 2025-26 (5786) school year with the Shabbat School Summit on May 17, 2025, 3-5 pm. At that point, the whole Shabbat School community of parent-teachers organize themselves to prepare for when classes officially begin in September.

Enrollment for the 2025-26 (5786) school year is closed.

Shabbat School Quick Links

Shabbat School Treasury
Shabbat School Parent Handbook 2025-26
DRAFT Family Calendar 2025-26 (5786)
Rainbow Curriculum Guide
2023-24 (5784) Shabbat School Program Evaluation Report
 

Shabbat School History

Learn more about the school's history and listen to testimonials below.

History of Shabbat School
40th Anniversary Shabbat School Video

Above photo of sixth graders at end of Shabbat School celebration in May 2022 was taken by Sandy Bacharach.