Religious School
Jewish Education for the Next Generation
Temple Emanuel Religious School (TERS)
Our Religious School is a key reason new families are joining Temple Emanuel. Specifically, children love it, as they learn Hebrew, learn about our observances and traditions, and prepare for Bar and Bat Mitzvah and beyond. All this thanks to our wonderful Morah (Hebrew for teacher) Rochelle Wilensky, who leads this small but remarkable school.
Younger students learn their Aleph-Bet, vowels and the beginnings of Hebrew reading/writing fluency, while more advanced students increase confidence, fluency, and gain comfort with Hebrew reading/writing.
Our Mission
Provide an authentic and joyous atmosphere for students to discover their Jewish identity; feel inspired to learn Hebrew and Tefillah (prayers); and experience genuine love for Jewish traditions, customs, culture and holidays in a warm and supportive environment.
We welcome ALL Jewish families and their children, including interfaith families, newly Jewish families, neuro-diverse students, and children with a range of backgrounds and learning needs.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Morah Rochelle tutors all Bar/Bat Mitzvah students herself (before or after school) for a full year leading up to students’ B’nai Mitzvahs as part of their Religious School experience. Bar/Bat Mitzvah students learn both Torah and Haftorah Tropes to easily chant their parshas, any remaining Friday night/Saturday morning prayers they would like to lead, and receive guidance on writing their Bar/Bat Mitzvah speeches.
Events
Favorite school events have included a Sukkot family dinner under the sukkah, a Hanukkah party, Tu B’Shevat Seder, Purim Party at the JCC in Charlotte, Pesach Seder, and Shabbaton Weekend in Charlotte for older students.
