Our teachers and administrators greet the students each day as they arrive, teaching the Jewish values of Kabbalat Panim (greeting with a cheerful disposition) and Hakhnasat Orhim (hospitality), reflecting our philosophy of teaching values through action. When our parents and other special guests visit, our students take the opportunity to do these mitzvot themselves! Jewish values are integrated into and evident in all that we do. With this in mind, we encourage the members of our community to talk and act toward each other as mensches, a Yiddish word for people of integrity and honor. As our students will tell you, a mensch does the following:
The gym is full of shouts, energy and fun. At Rosenbloom Religious School, our students build life-long friendships. Shabbatonim (overnights) for elementary school students and school trips combine community building and learning with active play.
The arts are a key to unlocking the meaning and beauty of our holidays, texts, stories, rituals, and prayers. Our integrated arts curriculum and teaching artists create activities and projects to inspire the imaginations of our students.
At Rosenbloom Religious School, each class is part of a larger grade community, the entire school, and the synagogue. In our various auditoriums we gather together for many special events: speakers, tzedakah and gemilut hasadim projects, plays, music, holiday celebrations, and milestones. For example, in past years we gathered for the premiere showing of the “Israel Shake,” our original rap video celebrating Israel’s 65th birthday. In addition, the school came together as one to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We are a community that shares our joys and sorrows, and deals with real life issues.
Our teachers are the key to the success of Rosenbloom Religious School. They create the nurturing, educational environment that defines our school. Their lessons strive to engage the whole person – the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual side of every individual. Our classrooms bubble with spontaneity, lively open discussions, hands-on learning, creative activities, and the joy of learning to read Hebrew. At Rosenbloom Religious School our teens also become madrikhim (classroom aides) and accessible role models, helping in our classrooms and tutoring our younger students.
Rosenbloom Religious School is not just located within Chizuk Amuno, it is integrally connected to the congregation. “Chizuk Amuno” means “strong faith,” and strong faith is what we hope will take root in the children who come to our school. Strong faith comes through learning and living, repetition and familiarity. We teach our children to become confident and comfortable in synagogue prayer and home ritual and to feel at home in the special spaces of the synagogue. Many of our students also join us on Saturday mornings and take leadership roles in the Family Service. Many of our parents attend our Sunday family programs to connect to the curriculum and bring home activities to do with their kids.
Learning at Rosenbloom Religious School is engaging and immersive, with a curriculum that focuses on Jewish holidays, Hebrew reading, prayer, Biblical stories, and Jewish values. While each year is different, the sequence of the curriculum also builds upon itself, allowing the students to simultaneously review their learning, delve deeper, and explore new material.
The Balashim and Giborim program is the entry point for the Rosenbloom Religious School. Through music, art, drama, dance and other special activities, our students explore their connection to our community, to the synagogue, and to Shabbat. The stories of the tradition come alive as the students enter the world of the Torah and discover the values and traditions that have become the foundation of our practices today. Highlights of this two-year program include the Hebrew Name Carnival and the “Two by Two” Noah’s ark family morning at Kayam Farm.
Kochavim (Grade 2)
The Kochavim year is an adventure in Hebrew reading. Our students begin the year not knowing how to write or read Hebrew. By year’s end, students’ reading and writing ability is strong – and a whole new world of learning is opened to our students! The Kochavim students also explore the cycle of the moon and its impact on the Jewish calendar, culminating with a family trip to the Baltimore Science Center Planetarium.
Halutzim (Grade 3)
Our students in the Halutzim class focus on learning Havdalah. This beautiful service that is said on Saturday night to separate Shabbat from the rest of the week is their first in-depth prayer study. Our students learn how to sing the beautiful melodies, create all of the ritual objects and then lead our families in a fun Havdalah service. In addition to havdalah, our students explore the prayers of the morning service, Jewish holidays, and the culture and places of the Land of Israel.
Solelim (Grade 4)
Solelim students celebrate receiving their Hebrew bible (TaNaKh) as they begin their first in-depth study of a biblical text. The curriculum focuses on the life of Abraham and Sarah, which the students explore through art, discussions, and text-study. The study of Shabbat is also an important part of the Solelim year, and the students spend time learning the Kiddush and other key Friday night prayers. Additionally, the exploration of the Hebrew language continues with the introduction of Hebrew script.
Nachshonim (Grade 5)
In Nachshonim, students delve into our pivotal Jewish narrative: the exodus from Egypt. Their biblical exploration goes hand in hand with an in-depth study of the Hagaddah and the Passover seder. As students begin to look towards bnei mitzvah they continue to strengthen their prayer and Hebrew skills, and their studies are enriched by special sessions with Chizuk Amuno clergy and staff. Several times during the year the Nachshonim class visits Pearlstone farm for hands-on learning about Jewish holidays and practices.
Sparks (Grade 6)
The sixth grade year helps students develop their understanding of the Shabbat morning service, including how to read and chant key prayers. On Sunday mornings, the students learn how to lead a minyan, explore Jewish rituals, and study Jewish texts.
Atid (Grade 7)
During their final RRS year the Atid students explore the connections between their Jewish and American identities. The Atid curriculum uses three key points in American history – the founding of the country, immigration at the turn of the century, and the civil rights movement – to push the students to think about their place in the American-Jewish community and their role in the larger Jewish narrative. In lieu of a regular Sunday schedule, our oldest students participate in a “classroom without walls” that features field trips and joint learning opportunities with our partner synagogues, Beth El and Beth Am. A special thanks to the Blaustein Foundation for their help in creating and supporting this program.
Our teaching staff is a diverse group of full-time professional educators, most of whom have advanced degrees in education. All of our teachers are passionate, caring and dedicated role models and work to create inspired, engaging and fun experiences for our students.
Our focus is on creating meaning in the lives of our families through hands-on projects that are exciting and concept-driven. We take those moments and give families the opportunity to explore them during safe, fun events at the synagogue. We also model ritual practice for families to bring into their homes. But we wouldn’t call any of this homework.
Not initially, although we do ask that our religious school families become members six years before their child would become Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Yes. Call Rabbi Stuart Seltzer at 410/486-8641, ext. 234 to make arrangements.
Your knowledge of Hebrew, or lack thereof, has no bearing on your child’s success. Through 5th Grade our students learn Hebrew largely through prayer. We introduce conversational Hebrew in 6th Grade. More important than your ability to read or translate Hebrew is your show of support and encouragement.
The most powerful thing our kids can learn is how to balance being a Jewish person with other valuable interests and pursuits. Coming to RRS shouldn’t be a forced choice. It’s an important component of the full life of a child, which may also include sports, dance classes, music lessons, or other after-school activities and enrichment programs.
We focus on inclusive learning environments where each child’s learning style is assessed and engaged. We work with each family to create the most effective learning environment for their child and then work with the student to ensure success.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah students must have completed at least six years of religious education and currently be enrolled in a formal program of religious instruction in one of our schools – either the Rosenbloom Religious School or Krieger Schechter Day School. The family’s membership at Chizuk Amuno is also required, and must begin at least three years in advance of the big day. For further details, consult our, Bar/Bat Mitzvah coordinator, Archer Davis.
Balashim (Kindergarten) and Giborim (Grade 1): Sundays, 9:15 am – 12:00 pm
Kochavim through SPARKS (Grades 2-6): Sundays, 9:15 am – 12:00 pm and Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm
Atid (Grade 7): Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm; Periodic special programs and experiences
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING REGULAR DISMISSAL: Should you choose to walk into the Esterson entrance/Garden Lounge to pick up your child, it is imperative that you notify an RRS Faculty or Staff member of their departure for the day.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Religious School office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
If you want to bring a friend to Religious School, please consult with Rabbi Seltzer and/or Erica Allen ahead of time so the teacher may be informed in a timely manner. Guests who arrive without permission from the office will be asked to go home or wait in the office. Parents are also invited to visit the classroom. Out of consideration for the academic program, please contact the office ahead of time.
Please see a list of supplies your child will need to bring from home in their backpack. Textbooks will be distributed in class.
Caring for others is an important aspect of Judaism. One way in which we show that we are concerned about others is giving tzedakah. Tzedakah in the form of small change is collected each class day.
If you wish to bring in food for classroom parties or holiday celebrations, please remember that we maintain the rules of KASHRUT. Only baked goods purchased from a kosher bakery, or packaged foods clearly marked as kosher may be used. For early arrival, all snacks need to be dairy or pareve.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Chizuk Amuno strives to maintain a nut-free environment. Please do not bring any food into the facility which contains peanuts or tree nuts.
We also encourage everybody to bring something intangible: Menschlichkeit.
