Simcha = Joy
We focus on the Joy
The Talmud tells us that “the Holy Spirit rests only on one who has a joyous heart.”
We want the experience of learning our tradition to be a joyous one, with students who enjoy coming and being here. To achieve this positive experience, we work to provide an innovative curriculum, incorporating rich materials for each grade. Our curriculum is based on a combination of workbooks, hands-on activities, visuals, and our own blend of resources that make learning a fun, positive and productive experience. This diverse curriculum includes learning to read and write Hebrew, introduction to holidays and customs with events and celebrations.
We encourage our students to practice and model Jewish values and traditions through Tikkun Olam, Tzedakah, and Hakarat Ha Tov projects.
Mission Statement
The MVHC Religious School is an integral part of our synagogue, where all students and families develop and enhance their positive Jewish identity based on Reform Jewish principles through relevant experiences in a supportive, creative, inspiring educational environment.
Core Values
Our goal is for all students to:
- Feel a sense of pride in being Jewish, while understanding what it means to BE Jewish
- Want to participate in our religious school by having a positive experience
- Understand the values upon which we build our Jewish lives
- Develop and nurture personal and respectful relationships with peers, teachers, and Rabbi
- Begin to develop a lifelong love and knowledge of Torah, Jewish holidays, and rituals
- Possses a familiarity and comfort with prayer and worship
- Have a rich Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience
- Make a lifelong connectioon to MVHC
MVHC Religious School provides:
- A positive student-centered environment where students see and understand Jewish values, develop a Jewish identity, and connect with others
- A healthy balance of academic and experiential learning of Jewish tradition, values, and holidays
- Knowledge and teaching of the Hebrew language, as it is used in prayer and in every day settings
- Knowledge and experience of Tefillah appropriately, as it relates to each student
- Activites that promote informed Jewish decision making for every day life
- Ongoing group opportunities for Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah
- Opportunities for families and students to come together to work, pray, and celebrate
- Opportunities for families to participate in synagogue life, through Shabbat services, holiday gatherings, celebrations, classes, and social action projects
Meet Our Religious School Director
Anita Smith
Education Director
A professional educator and school administrator, Anitan maintains a high standard of Jewish education. We look forward to a year filled with collaborative learning in the classrroom, in the synagogue, and in our homes.
email: arsmvhc@gmail.com
Office Hours
Mon – Thurs: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Fri: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Sat – Sun: closed
