Transmitting our rich heritage to our children
Jewish education at Oraynu Children’s School aims to develop a positive Jewish identity in our students and to help them become strong individuals, as well as responsible citizens of the world.
At Oraynu, we provide the opportunity for children to:
- Learn about Jewish history, culture and values within a secular, humanistic framework.
- Feel confident in asking questions and thinking for themselves.
- Understand the humanistic values in Judaism – especially the individual’s responsibility to oneself and to society; how these values were part of Jewish life in the past; and how they can guide us today.
- Emphasize the value of tikkun olam – making the world a better place – within their own lives, family, community and the world at large.
- Experience Jewish culture and community through activities such as tzedakah (charitable or community service projects), family education, field trips, music, extracurricular activities and the celebration of holiday and life cycle events.
Connecting our School families to Humanistic Judaism
Oraynu Children’s School provides an open, friendly environment where our student’s families will:
- Forge bonds of friendship and support which reinforce Jewish community.
- Experience the transforming power of Jewish culture and knowledge to create a sense of personal strength, and a core of personal ethics for daily living.
- Create a connection between our congregation, all Jewish people and the world at large.
- Explore issues in Jewish history and community life.
- Enjoy a space that welcomes cultural and intellectual diversity.
Teaching Methods
At Oraynu Children’s School, we promote experiential learning through the following approaches:
- Lessons are presented with a variety of age-appropriate stories and meaningful materials.
- Students engage in thoughtful research and discussion, as well as activities such as music, arts and crafts, drama, presentations, learning games and creative writing.
- Students in all grades are involved in the celebration of the major holidays and in meaningful class and/or community Tzedakah (acts of loving kindness) projects.
- Family Education programs provide opportunities for children and parents to learn together at school and at home.
Children come from a variety of backgrounds, learn at different rates and have distinct learning styles. With low teacher-student ratios, we are able to teach the individual student and accommodate for any child’s particular learning requirements.
