In Dutchess
County the Community Hebrew School is the central location
for the teaching of Hebrew. Support for the school is
generated from a broad spectrum of area agencies, including:
the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation, Temple
Beth-El, Cong. Schomre Israel and Vassar Temple. The school
is located in the JCC of Dutchess County.
The Community Hebrew School was established in 1919 and
since then has helped over 2000 children to learn about
their Jewish heritage through the study of modern and
Biblical Hebrew. The Hebrew language has been a mainstay in
the life of our People throughout our history; Hebrew has
been the language of our tradition, of our Law, of our
prayers.
As a community school in the 21' century, our role has
become more vital than at almost any other time in our
history. Today, when knowledge is so elusive to many, it is
our responsibility to meet the needs of the community.
Our effectiveness now requires a modification in the
elementary-level curriculum.
The expressed needs of our affiliated congregations require
a curriculum that includes:
• Hebrew as a living language.
• A strong foundation in the Hebrew of the Siddur,.
• The ability to understand selective Torah verses, and
prayers of the Siddur, Machzor and Hagaddah.
• Hebrew language study beyond the elementary level.
In contrast to the school's early years, our students now
enter later and may remain within the school longer.
Children enter at age 8, or when entering third grade of
elementary school. They progress through a well-planned
eight year program. The three upper grades of the school
emphasize Hebrew language instruction, leading to graduation
and preparation for the New York Comprehensive Hebrew
Regents exam.
The Community Hebrew School serves 140 students, ages 8 to
15. It has an office and classrooms in the Jewish Community
Center, an Educational Director, experienced teachers and
aides. Students attend afternoon classes for two hours,
twice a week, on Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday. Other
options are available in addition for members of Reform
congregations. Currently, the school also operates a
satellite branch located in Rhinebeck.
Enrollment and class placement information may be obtained
by calling the school at 471-7715.
