The Chabad Hebrew School (in Old Thornhill) is an innovative afternoon school formed with one goal: to provide a venue where the Jewish child can cultivate a broad knowledge of Judaism in a stimulating and challenging environment. We aim to bring the joys, values and traditions of our heritage vividly to life.

Our teachers are dynamic, experienced and in-touch with the culture of our youth today. They communicate in ways children can relate to and appreciate. By using the latest textbooks and a creative approach to the curriculum and teaching methods, they encourage our students to explore their Jewish identity in a meaningful and relevant way.

This program will stimulate your child's thirst for knowledge. Our fully developed curriculum is enhanced by varied programming that includes Jewish music, field trips, holiday arts and crafts workshops, and current events. Serious text study is mixed with classroom discussions on a myriad of subjects. Occasional guest speakers will give our students a more integrative, exciting and personalized experience as they study particular subjects.

The Hebrew School program has been remarkably effective in catering to families from all walks of Jewish fife. Indeed, everyone can feel comfortable with our style and approach - because Chabad is non-judgemental and welcomes every Jew, regardless of religious background or level of observance.

The Hebrew School seeks to involve the entire family in this learning experience. We have therefore established an Education Program for adults. This program will allow parents of our students to identify with the knowledge their children are gaining in our Hebrew School. Family holiday program, outings and family Shabbat Services will fill the calendar, as well, offering many opportunities to bring the entire family together to experience the beauty of our heritage.

As the boy or girl nears the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, preparation for the big day begins. The training for the event is accomplished with the student receiving home study coordinated with a private tutor. The school will help you select a suitable tutor for your child.

You may choose a location of your own choosing for the ceremony and celebration. If you wish to utilize a Chabad Synagogue, there are several Chabad locations to choose from. For information regarding celebrations at any of our centres, please contact our office. We also offer post Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes. These classes meet once a week to study, discuss current events and enjoy a full range of entertaining activities. See Discovery Class Below.

Our students learn to read and write Hebrew. They gain a solid foundation in Hebrew language through vocabulary development and basic grammar skills. This subject also includes familiarizing our students with the Siddur-Jewish Prayer book-which gives them a greater appreciation for the meaning of our traditional prayers.

A review of the weekly Torah portion. This subject provides our students with an overview of each portion, its highlights, practical lessons that apply to our daily life, as well as a "Parsha Sheet" to be brought home for Shabbat review for the family.

Geared to grade levels, the students will study a particular era of Jewish history. They will thereby gain an appreciation of our heritage and culture as it has been preserved to modern times.

Lessons on each Jewish holiday will fill the calendar as we proceed from Rosh Hashana and the High Holy Days through the holiday of Shavuot. The students will have a deeper understanding of each holiday and its traditions. The Hebrew School will also host holiday celebrations for our students and their families.

Perhaps the most important component of a Jewish education is the understanding that our religion based on a G-d given set of values and ethics. Our students not only learn what the Mitzvot are, but gain an appreciation and awareness of their purpose and benefit.

This subject, allows our students to understand many of the Mitzvot and Minhagim (commandments and customs) of the Jewish people. It gives them a chance to question their meaning and relevance.

Led by our music instructor, our students learn many Jewish songs, from the "oldies" to the songs of the 90's. A Hebrew School choir will also be formed and will perform at senior centres, nursing homes and at our holiday celebrations.

Our art projects have Jewish holiday and mitzvah themes and add a taste of Jewish decor to your home.

The students will follow any current news event concerning Jewish issues and Israel. Discussions, newspaper clippings and reports keep our students well informed of the world around us and its relationship to the Jewish people.

Our students will understand that Israel is not just another country but their own homeland. A land that is truly the "promised land" both spiritually and physically.

The Hebrew School will offer a variety of extra curricular and social activities such as guest speakers, Shabbatons, field trips, contests, etc. These events will allow our students to experience Judaism in its entirety, both in and out of the classroom in Thornhill.

The goal of the Hebrew School is to have our students continue their Jewish education beyond their Bar or Bat Mtzvah. To meet this goal, we have established the Discovery Class for all Jewish boys and girls in grades 7-9. The program meets once a week at the Hebrew School during Hebrew School hours. A special curriculum has been designed to stimulate their interest, challenge their minds and strengthen their Jewish pride.

A Sunday program is offered for children ages 5 and 6. In this class, students will be taught Bible and Holiday Stories, Hebrew Alphabet, an introduction to the Hebrew Language, Music and Arts and Crafts. This is a wonderful and warm program which prepares the children in a very postive and enjoyable fashion. Our teachers are loving and caring individuals who share their enthusiasm and love of Judaism with their younger students.

Our program is for boys and girls in grades Kindergarten - Grade 9.

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