Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
Religious School
Edythe Stein, Beverly Boxer, Susan Levine, Co-Directors
The Commack Jewish Center Religious School is foremost, a “Beit Midrash”, a home for Jewish study and cultural participation within our community. Through our enthusiastic and capable faculty and with the involvement of our dynamic Rabbi, students in Primary through 7th grade and their families are immersed in an innovative and motivational approach toward learning Torah, Hebrew reading, traditions, ritual observances and the history of our people and of Israel. An experiential approach that supports learning has our students cooking hamantashen, baking matzah, planting seeds, collecting clothes and non-perishable foods for local food banks and needy families, and participating in and leading services in our beautiful synagogue. The classes meet on Sunday mornings from 9-11 and on Thursday afternoons from 4:45-6:45. Family activities provide many opportunities for our religious school families to socialize and learn together.
Commack Jewish Center is unique in offering an option for Jewish learning for those students with special needs. The B’darkeinu (“on our way”) class was established in 2001 and is taught by an experienced special education teacher who is a long-time member of our faculty. The program is specifically designed to accommodate students who have an IEP in public school or who require special assistance in learning. The class meets on Sunday mornings from 9-10:30.
We are very excited to announce our newest program—On the first Sunday morning of each month, we are now offering a Primary class for students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. This fun-filled introduction to Jewish learning includes Jewish music, dance, crafts, prayers, and Torah stories and is FREE of charge. The K,1 students will meet from 10:30-11:20 and the 2nd graders will meet from 11:30-12:20 on the following dates: October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3 and May 5.
The goal of the religious school program is to instill, within each child, a wonderful feeling about their Jewish heritage and culture in a stimulating manner. Computers, films, trips and special programs enhance our comprehensive curriculum.
Following B’nai Mitzvah, graduates and students of all ages are afforded a variety of opportunities to continue learning and to improve their involvement in religious services and synagogue life.
Junior Congregation, a vital component in the religious school, is held on many Saturday mornings (see CJC calendar) and the service ends in the main sanctuary. Children are brought to the Bimah and lead the congregation in the singing of Adon Olam. There are attendance requirements specific to each grade level and this ensures that our students are comfortable with and proficient in prayers and rituals of the Jewish service.
We are also proud to announce that Commack Jewish Center is the recipient of an Express Innovation grant which will allow for stimulating new programs for our families. The committee is hard at work planning family-centered programs to enhance our religious school and congregation. Read more in an article by Sue Levine!
Our religious school follows the Commack School District calendar. School closings due to inclement weather will be announced on News 12 and on this website. Information concerning cancellation of classes will also be available by calling the synagogue (543-3311).
Classes will meet on Sunday mornings, 9-11 am, and on Thursday afternoons, 4:45-6:45 PM.
We will do our very best to ensure that classes start and end at the designated times, unless a change is announced through supplemental email updates, flyers, or other communications.Textbooks and workbooks will be distributed to students in their classes. If any additional supplies are needed, you will receive a specific request from your child’s teacher. Please check your inbox for our supplemental update e-mails to help keep you informed about all of our events and activities, especially if circumstances warrant any schedule changes. This has proven to be the most effective way we can communicate will all of our school families. Additional calendars and religious school info are available at the religious school office. Please stop by the religious school office and leave a message and phone number with Gerri if you need to speak to one of us about any questions or concerns you may have.
Working and studying together, the possibility of accomplishment and achieving our Jewish educational goals is beyond measure.“L’Shana Tovah Ti’ka’tayvu- May you and your families be inscribed in Sefer HaChayim, the Book of Life, for good health, prosperity, joy and contentment. “Bruchim Ha’ba’im!-Welcome back to another wonderful year of Jewish learning and Jewish living! And welcome back Morah Miriam Fisher as our Aleph teacher on Sundays!
We will do our very best to ensure that classes start and end at the designated times, unless a change is announced through supplemental email updates, flyers, or other communications.Textbooks and workbooks will be distributed to students in their classes. If any additional supplies are needed, you will receive a specific request from your child’s teacher. Please check your inbox for our supplemental update e-mails to help keep you informed about all of our events and activities, especially if circumstances warrant any schedule changes. This has proven to be the most effective way we can communicate will all of our school families. Additional calendars and religious school info are available at the religious school office. Please stop by the religious school office and leave a message and phone number with Gerri if you need to speak to one of us about any questions or concerns you may have.
Working and studying together, the possibility of accomplishment and achieving our Jewish educational goals is beyond measure.“L’Shana Tovah Ti’ka’tayvu- May you and your families be inscribed in Sefer HaChayim, the Book of Life, for good health, prosperity, joy and contentment. “Bruchim Ha’ba’im!-Welcome back to another wonderful year of Jewish learning and Jewish living! And welcome back Morah Miriam Fisher as our Aleph teacher on Sundays!
B’Shalom…..
CJC Religious School co-Directors
Morah Levine
Morah Stein
Morah Boxer
