CKids Hebrew School is “Bringing it Home”

As a school year full of uncertainty begins, Ckids Headquarters launches a comprehensive curriculum to fill the gap for virtual and in-person, socially-distanced education, with emphasis on a home-based Judaism.  

When schools started closing in March, most Hebrew school directors thought they’d be back up and running in a few weeks. Weeks turned to months, and now, as a new school year begins, many shluchim find themselves gearing up for a year of virtual or socially distant Hebrew school.

“Unprecedented times call for a radically different approach to our Hebrew School learning,” says Rabbi Zalman Loewenthal, director of CKids. 

It is this environment that CKids headquarters has pulled together all their resources, working with a talented team of shluchim and educators, to develop a curriculum that will mitigate the current situation. The CKids team has been working around the clock to prepare the new CKids Hebrew School curriculum which includes over 30 one-hour classes developed for 3 different age levels.

CKids is designing a learning program, based on current research, that will ensure the children’s participation, grow their knowledge, and allow them to experience Judaism in a way that’s never been done before—from their homes. “This is more than just a curriculum; it’s a solution,” explains Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum, dean of CKids Hebrew School. Lesson plans and activities are specifically written for virtual or in-person instruction.

Shluchim will receive a complete curriculum with all related resources: branded materials, supply lists, and purchasing links. Each class includes a lesson plan, an accompanying presentation, visual aids, activities, learning resources, and take-home exercises. “All that’s needed is a teacher to bring these lessons to life,” says Chaya Zirkind, project director. 

Shluchim are also provided with a complete marketing package—including customizable flyers, web banners, and social media materials. Additional items that will set shluchim up for success are a parent handbook and communication strategies to parents.

“It’s a great opportunity to partner with the Shluchim to bring high-quality Chinuch to children all over the world,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of Merkos Suite 302.

CKids is providing a one-day training program on Tuesday September 1st, 12 Elul, for all Hebrew School teachers on how to best use technology to engage students on online platforms. Experienced Hebrew School directors will introduce engagement strategies for a socially-distant or virtual learning and techniques for successfully implementing the lesson plans. 

Special thanks to the team of Hebrew School Directors for guiding the curriculum:
Mrs. Sarah Alevsky
Mrs. Chavie Ash
Mrs. Sara Bluming
Mrs. Chana Gansburg 
Mrs. Baila Goodman