THE CHESTER B. DIAMOND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Encouraging Commitment to Jewish Life

The Chester B. Diamond Religious School
Mission Statement 

Our learning community strives to create a caring atmosphere of friendship while encouraging meaningful understanding and a dedicated commitment to Jewish life – in school and at home.  The wonderful teaching faculty is diligent that all classroom experiences are valuable and nurture a positive Jewish identity.  In addition, our goal is for each student to participate in enjoyable experiences that are part of Temple life, be exposed to and internalize our biblical stories, and to embrace Jewish culture as well as Reform ethical beliefs and values.

The Religious School curriculum encourages the understanding of:

  • Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Jewish symbols
  • Blessings, customs, and life cycle events
  • Torah stories and their relevance in our lives today
  • Mitzvot (commandments, values, and good deeds)
  • Connections between Torah, worship, and our lives
  • An appreciation for the people and State of Israel
  • The history of the Jewish people
  • The Holocaust and  anti-Semitism
  • Jewish music, arts & crafts, and children’s literature
  • Tzedakah projects and social action

Components of our Hebrew curriculum:

  • Kindergarten through 3rd grade: reading readiness, basic vocabulary and daily prayers
  • 4th through 7th grade: prayer-based Hebrew, reading fluency and comprehension of liturgy
  • Meets Sunday and Wednesday (4th-7th grade) Weekly student-led services with music

Special Religious School Programming:

  • Rosh Hashanah / Yom Kippur
  • Simchat Torah Consecration Service
  • Families Love Hebrew! – Parent / Student Learning
  • Parent and Grandparent Open House
  • Hanukkah Parties
  • Tu B’Shvat Seder
  • Purim – Megillah Reading and Celebration
  • Passover Experience and Model Seders
  • Open House for new students

Family Programming

  • Monthly student-led Friday evening Shabbat Services followed by an Oneg Shabbat.
  • Each grade leads a Shabbat or other holiday Service on a specific month to enhance the student service-leading experience.
  • “Judaica to the Home” project honors participating students with a Jewish gift at the end of their service. These gifts include: Jewish star necklace, mezuzah, prayer book, Shabbat candlesticks, yad, and other Judaica items.
  • A traditional Jewish dinner and activities are offered each month prior to the Family Service.
  • The Blue Jean Family Shabbat (May and August) is an informal service and dinner that includes a Tot Shabbat for our pre-school age children.

Sunday Jewish Studies & Hebrew
9:30 am to noon

Wednesday Hebrew School
4:30 to 6:00 pm

Wed Pizza, Homework, & Sports
3:30 to 4:30 pm
Membership