Temple Emanuel’s Religious School meets on Sundays, 9:30 am - 12 pm, September through April. Students begin with 30 minutes of Tefillah with Rabbi Ari, and then break into their class, differentiated by age group. In a new component this year, the school will meet on five Saturdays in lieu of Sundays. The Saturday component is a teacher-led family Shabbat service where students will participate in kid friendly services and join the community service for part of the morning. Parents are encouraged to attend Shabbat services on those Saturdays.

The student body consists of classes from Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten through post B’nei Mitzvah. The curriculum includes reading and writing Hebrew, learning Judaic history, and developing a strong connection to Israel and Jewish holidays. Through interactive lessons, meaningful rituals, and hands-on experiences, the school aims to instill a strong sense of Jewish identity, values, and community in students. It is committed to empowering students to become compassionate leaders, critical thinkers, and active participants in shaping a better world guided by Jewish principles.

Third graders and up have individual, online Hebrew classes once a week, which focus on reading, writing, and brachot.  Post B’Nei Mitzvah students meet every other Sunday at Temple Emanuel to engage instimulating, teacher-led discussions on Jewish morals and ethics. Teenagers have opportunities for open minded discussion in a safe and welcoming space.

Follow the school on Instagram @templemanuelvirginiabeach or on Facebook to see bios of the faculty.