Chaverim

Chaverim (Friends): (For students and their families entering K-1)   

Out of respect for the age of the children, and in deference to the desire expressed by parents to enjoy “family time” with their small children on the weekend, the school day for our chaverim  begins at 9:00am and conclude at 11:00am.  Moreover, sessions are to be held less often and only on those dates provided in our school calendar. Chaverim sessions take place at the synagogue, on site at a special event, or, when desired, in a nearby park and may be likened to Jewish play dates at which time our youngest students are greeted by their friendly teacher and friends. Children participate alongside older children at tefilah (opening prayers) before adjourning to their classroom to enjoy Bible stories, music, crafts and games and an introduction to basic Hebrew vocabulary. They also enjoy supervised, outdoor sporting activities with the older children during hafsakah (recess). The morah (teacher), in addition to providing stimulating, active lessons provides take-home resources for families to enjoy together at home. Attendance at family and Birthday Blessing Services, Shabbat dinners, holiday programs, family education, and Shabbat Tot complement the regularly scheduled play dates. 

The school year for our chaverim students currently enrolled in Year K will be highlighted by our brand-new Noah’s Ark dress-up party and synagogue procession (October). Year 1 students should look forward to creating, with the assistance of parents and grandparents, a wimple (Torah sash), upon which will appear the child’s Hebrew name, colourful illustrations, Hebrew date of birth along with a traditional blessing.  Following a memorable ceremony (December) at which time the children will receive a special blessing under the wimples (sewn together for that purpose), the wimples will be separated and returned to the family to be held until the child’s b’mitzvah at which time it will be used to wrap the sefer Torah-an actual thread of continuity! At this time, each child will receive the date for his or her bar or bat mitzvah. Chaverim: what a great way to build lasting friendships among children and parents and an ideal first step into formal Jewish education!