Congregational School

Updated 5785 (2024-25) registration

As we lay the foundation for future generations, we know that the Congregational Hebrew School is one of the most significant expressions of Mishkan Shalom's values. Knowing this, it is important that we communicate our love for the diversity expressed in our members and their children.

Our community includes Jews married to non-Jews, Jews of color, those who are differently abled, LGBTQ+ and even non-Jews who are moved by our commitment to social justice. Our children might have two Jewish parents, or one. They may be Jews of color, nonbinary, gay, straight or searching. The school is a place where kids — and their families — show up as who they are in order to learn and live a Jewish life. It is extraordinary.

The education program serves youth from preschool through high school and aims to develop a growing knowledge of the breadth and depth of Jewish religion, civilization and culture. It does so through a dynamic and interactive curriculum featuring the study of Hebrew, Torah, rituals, holidays, history and ethics. We pay particular attention to textual and liturgical traditions as tools for living with Jewish social, spiritual and political consciousness.

We are very excited to continue our Shabbat School for grades K-6. Every Saturday, students will experience the beauty of Shabbat in community as they experience a dynamic morning of Judaic studies class time, opportunities for joining in services, delicious healthy snacks, and Hebrew through movement, games and yoga.

Our students in Grades 3-6 will learn Hebrew on Wednesday nights with their teachers over Zoom. They will be matched in groups of three to four students at a similar Hebrew level to maximize learning.

Our seventh-grade students have the opportunity to come together online biweekly on Wednesday evenings for learning and social time, and once a month in person for special experiences.

Quality Education

The school’s faculty is composed of experienced educators with a profound love and knowledge of Judaism and the desire and skill to nurture their students’ intellectual, spiritual and social growth through a rigorous and creative curriculum. The curriculum is age appropriate and sequentially linked, building on students’ learning from one year to the next.

Our approach is project-based, combining formal and informal learning. We weave current events into our days, always ensuring that our students integrate the synagogue's core spiritual values. In line with Jewish Reconstructionist teachings, we balance ancient tradition and contemporary life. 

Parent Engagement

The school welcomes and encourages parent involvement through class celebrations, service days and family events. Adult classes regularly supplement and support the topics and themes the children are learning.

Mishkan Shalom’s School Co-Op uses our communal resources to share the responsibilities and tasks needed to implement our ambitious educational program.  It is as integral — and as much a commitment — as the tuition and membership dues paid to Mishkan Shalom. We depend on everyone to honor this responsibility and believe that adult participation benefits us all.

Every family who registers a child in the school automatically becomes a School Co-Op member. Members must sign up for co-op duty when registering their children for the coming school year. The only exceptions are that teachers. Board members and Education Committee members fulfill their co-op responsibilities through that service.

Commitment to Community

The school encourages students to see themselves as part of the Mishkan Shalom community as a whole and the broader Jewish community, locally, nationally and internationally. Through its curriculum and activities, the school aims to foster in students a strong, positive Jewish identity as well as a commitment to living the values of love, kindness, respect, justice and integrity.

Come for a Visit

This year, our school will be led by Holli Goldenberg. They would be delighted to answer your questions and/or arrange for you to visit. Contact Holli at holligoldenberg@gmail.com.

Ready to Register? 

Religious school students must be members of Mishkan Shalom. Find all school forms and payment links for the 5785 (2024-25) school year.