Chabad of Contra Costa Hebrew School

Parent Handbook

2022 - 2023

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Chabad of Contra Costa Hebrew School.  Our Hebrew School offers a warm and lively Jewish atmosphere where children attain a unique and exciting awareness of their Jewish identity and heritage. 

A child equipped with a Jewish education and a feeling for Judaism’s beautiful teachings, traditions and historical lessons, is a child better equipped to face the awesome moral challenges of today’s society.

Our school’s most underlying approach is for the children to enjoy the time spent at Hebrew School so that they are left with positive feelings and fond memories of their Jewish education.  Our program is thus carefully blended with songs, games, incentives, arts and crafts, dramatics, holiday family celebrations and other exciting activities.

We encourage you, as a parent to get involved with our school. You may very well discover that your child’s Hebrew School education at Chabad of Contra Costa will add an enriching spiritual dimension to the lives of your entire family. 

Looking forward to an enriching school year. 

Rabbi Boruch & Mushka Hecht

Hebrew School Directors

 

The Goals of our Program 

  •         To attain a strong feeling of identity with their heritage and to develop a sense of Love and Pride in being Jewish.
  • ·         Gain Knowledge and Understanding of the Mitzvot, traditions and practices that Judaism stands for, study the morals, values and ethical behavior mandated by the Torah, and develop an appreciation and experience a hands-on approach to all holidays.
  • ·        Master the skills of Hebrew reading and to gradually develop the ability to understand basic Hebrew words, emphasizing prayers so that the students will feel comfortable when attending services.
  • ·        Identify with the Land of Israel as their own land and develop an interest in issues relating to Israel and its inhabitants.
  • ·        Discover and explore the incredible history of the Jewish people and its relevance for all times.
  • ·        Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G‑d, Torah and religion and to have them understand the importance and relevance of Torah in today’s day and age.
  • ·        Attain a “Jewish” perspective on life and maintain Jewish feelings and involvement beyond the years at Hebrew School and ultimately perpetuate this onto future generations.

Program Information 

Location:  Our Hebrew School is located at Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA, 94595

Program Dates:  School hours are Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Aside for the Sundays marked “no school”, on our calendar, Hebrew School will take place every Sunday for the duration of our scholastic year.

Ages:  Our program is for children entering Kindergarten - 5th Grade. We encourage students to continue as teacher’s aides after they complete our program.

First Taste Program: Grades K and 1st:  First Taste is designed to capture a child's attention with song, art, drama, and games. By exposure to the Aleph-Bet, Torah tales, prayer through song and holiday studies, a child gains a sense of pride and love for Judaism.

Tier II, III: Grades 2nd-3rd, Grades 4th-5th:  These programs offer a more advanced Hebrew and Jewish studies curriculum. Students learn to read Hebrew and gain an appreciation for the Who, What, and Why of Jewish Life and tradition. Students focus on the Mitzvot, Jewish History, Torah Study, and in-depth exploration of the Jewish Holidays and Traditions.

Registration:  To register, complete our online application form.

Tuition:   The tuition fee is $800.00 including books and school supplies.  Our school’s tuition is not based upon a monthly fee. A $100.00 deposit is  due with registration. Tuition fees are due in full by Sep 11, 2023. If you need an extended payment plan, please contact our office. 

Scholarships:  Limited scholarships are available for needy families. A scholarship committee will evaluate requests, please call our office for scholarship requests.

Communication:  We look forward to discussing your child’s progress with you. Please contact Rabbi Hecht at  (562) 844 9961 or email [email protected], to discuss any issues or concerns.

Attendance: Parents and children must realize that consistent attendance is one of the keys to a successful school year. 

Punctuality: Children are not to be dropped off more than 10 minutes before school. Be sure your child arrives to school on time. Children who arrive late miss the daily prayers. Please see to it that your child is picked up at dismissal time.

Dress Code: All boys are required to wear a Kippah for all classes. Although we prefer a Kippah, we do allow baseball caps.

Books and Supplies: All books, workbooks and school supplies will be provided by Chabad of Contra Costa Hebrew School to be used throughout the school year. 

Tzedakah:  Tzedakah (charity) is a concept, which is basic to Judaism.  Our school attempts to develop a commitment among our students to share with others less fortunate than themselves by donating a few pennies a day to charity. Students are encouraged to bring a coin for Tzedakah each Sunday. 

Mitzvah Note: A Mitzvah note is a note that tells something special that the child has done.  Children really look forward to hearing what their parents have to say. So please be sure to send in Mitzvah notes for our youngest class (K and 1st Graders).

 Chabad Hebrew School Enhancements

Bar and Bat Mitzvah

As the students near the age of Bar / Bat Mitzvah, they will be given special training to prepare them for the special event.  The training for the Bar / Bat Mitzvah is not identical. For more information please call Mrs. Chaya Berkowitz @ (925) 351-3875. There are additional fees for Bar / Bat Mitzvah lessons. 

Shabbat Services

To further enrich our students and Jewish identity, we strongly encourage attendance at our Shabbat Morning Services. The school newsletter will keep you up to date on the special children’s programs.