CRS is committed to creating a strong family connection, where the synagogue and the Cohen Religious School are an extension of your home. CRS is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of Judaism and to develop their Jewish identity through the study of Jewish liturgy, rituals, customs, Hebrew language, life-cycle events, Jewish holidays, and Jewish history.
Sunday morning sessions focus on building a sense of excitement and pride in being Jewish. Our goal is to inspire our children with the richness and beauty of Jewish traditions and history. Through age-appropriate activities relating to Hebrew, Torah, Mitzvot, and Holiday observances, students learn what it means to be a Jew through the lens of the home, the family and the synagogue.
Our educational model responds to the needs of 21st century families by offering alternatives in classroom instructional time. Children and their parents have a choice of Tuesday OR Wednesday afternoons, which allows for more flexibility with today’s busy schedules. We also offer a Thursday afternoon Enrichment/Tutoring program for those students who need extra support.
This approach provides optimal opportunities for learning and community connectedness within a flexible framework. Most importantly, it maintains the high standards and strong core curriculum for which the Cohen Religious School is known.
Tefillah (prayer life) is emphasized for all ages in the Cohen Religious School, and all students learn the prayers of the Shabbat morning service. During the school year, each grade will lead a Junior Congregation service showcasing what they have learned. Our older students are strongly encouraged to read Torah during Junior Congregation services.
All CRS families are urged to attend several Shabbat services during the year as a way to build comfort and familiarity with NSS Beth El’s Shabbat services. This allows students to gain important synagogue skills that will enhance their b’nai mitzvah experience.
Educational technology is a key component in student-centered education and an integral part of addressing our students’ 21st century skills. At CRS, our collaborative learning environments balance pedagogic needs with the utilization of technology. Technology platforms and tools enhance our teaching, blended learning models, and assessments. Smart TVs, Chromebooks, iRovers, and iPads, help us meet the needs of teachers and students alike by creating a unique technological and traditional learning environment.