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Hebrew School
The Shaar Shalom Hebrew School has a history as long as that of the synagogue itself. As the Shaar has changed and adapted to new times, so too has our school. Recent years have seen an amalgamation in classes and programming with the school at the Beth Israel. Grades Preschool/Primary through to 5/6 are taught on a joint basis. Our Grade 7 students receive their intensive Bar and Bat mitzvah training at the Shaar alone.
Our objectives, as put forth in our mission statement, include:
- Developing our children’s Hebrew reading/davening skills, so they may be comfortable wherever they worship;
- Developing our students into active members of the Shaar Shalom community, so they know that the Shaar is their home;
- Preparing each child for a Bar / Bat Mitzvah, and giving them the skills to lead the worship service;
- Creating in our children an understanding of where Conservative Judaism sits within the spectrum of Jewish religious practices, so they can appreciate the plural nature of Judaism;
- Providing our children with an introduction to a broad historical view of Jewish history, so they may understand where they come from, and where they are going;
- Fostering in the children a deep and abiding respect for and understanding of Jewish ethics and morals, so they may understand who they are; and
- Encouraging our students to become active members of the worldwide Jewish community.
To achieve these goals, we rely on a cadre of dedicated and accomplished teachers. Bracha Koren trained in education in Israel and has taught generations of Shaar students the intricacies of reading Hebrew. Gordon Danker teaches Tefillah, Parsha, and Davening, familiarizing students with the prayer service. Both Bracha and “Mr. D” have served the school with distinction for well over two decades. Marty Zelenietz instructs the students in Hebrew, history and ethics. All teachers provide education in Jewish ritual, holiday and lifecycle
events. This year, Jennie David and Samantha April are assistant
teachers with the Preschool/Primary class.
Bracha Koren and Gordon Dankner
We see the school as an important service to the Shaar Shalom, and the wider Halifax Jewish community. For further information about the school and its programs, contact the school administrator, Marty Zelenietz, at zelen@ns.sympatico.ca