Cheder
The aim of this web page is to provide parents
who wish to enrol their children with general information about who we are
and what we do at Cheder. The page provides answers to the most frequently
asked questions. Please read the joining instructions if you are
interested in sending your children to Cheder.
Who are we?
Cheder was established to provide quality
Jewish education and culture to children of the community.
What are our aims?
The main aims of Cheder are to:
- encourage children to explore their Jewish identity;
- make children aware of the principles of Progressive Judaism;
- help children to engage in social activity and make friends;
- encourage children to be involved in community activities;
- teach Jewish history, religion, culture and Hebrew;
- prepare children for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
What do we teach?
Cheder offers a variety of routine and special
teaching activities. Regular classes are carried out for two hours once a
week during school term time. Sessions are divided into one hour of Jewish
Studies and one hour of Hebrew.
Jewish studies cover subjects such as Jewish
history, Shabbat, holidays, Mitzvot, Jewish identity and Liberal Judaism.
Younger children explore Judaism via creative activities such as art, crafts
and cooking. The older children explore Judaism by discussion, reading of
Jewish texts.
Hebrew studies prepare children for reading,
writing and understanding both biblical and modern Hebrew. The younger classes
start by exploring the Hebrew Alphabet, vowels and basic Hebrew words. The
older children read and interpret Hebrew text from the prayer book and the
Torah.
In addition to routine classes we carry out
a range of special activities during the year. These include celebration of
religious festivals, visits to museums and other places of interest, preparation
of youth services for the community and day trips.
What do we expect from children?
We expect children to attend regularly during
term times, participate in special events and hope they will enjoy their studies,
and socialise with other children. We do not expect prior knowledge at early
ages. However we may ask older children to complete additional work so that
they can reach the knowledge level of their class.
We see class social activity as the most
important aspect of Cheder. We encourage children to get to know each other,
make friends, help each other with their work and play together at breaks.
This helps children to explore Judaism in a constructive and enjoyable manner.
What do we expect from parents?
It is important that children attend Cheder
on a regular basis. We expect parents to bring children to Cheder during term
times and allow them to participate in special activities.
Cheder teachers and helpers are not paid
for their work. We rely on volunteers from the community to teach, prepare
refreshments during breaks and arrange special events. We encourage parents
to help us in our work.
How can you join?
Cheder is provided free of charge for children
of members of Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation. If you are
not yet a member please write to our Rabbi to discuss membership.
The next step is the registration interview.
The Head Teacher will talk to you and your child in order to understand your
aims and expectations and to give you a further briefing about the way we
operate. Please complete the application
form and send to the Head Teacher
in advance of the interview.
Children can join a class immediately following
registration, they do not have to wait for a new term.
Contact details
If you need further information please call
or email the Head
Teacher (see our newsletter, Alonim
for details) or write to:
The Head of Cheder
Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation
43/47 Bannerman Road Bristol,
BS5 0RR
