CHEDER
Our cheder meets monthly during the school year. We offer cheder for school age children where at least one parent is a Member of the community. It is an opportunity for children in Norfolk to learn about Jewish life, traditions, history, practices and basic Hebrew. They can meet and get to know other Jewish children and families in a location where it is not easy to do so.
We think it is necessary for children to enjoy a positive Jewish learning experience to create a foundation for their Jewish identity, future Jewish learning and life. Cheder or religion school is a great way for young people to learn more about their Jewish people.
Cheder meets at 10 am in the Peill Room each Saturday when there is a Shabbat service (normally the second Saturday of the month). Cheder is taught by Julia Ward and Rabbi Leah Jordan. There are two groups in the cheder: one group for younger children and one for older children because their needs are quite different. Julia teaches the younger children and Rabbi Leah young people nearing their b’nei mitzvah. Young people are also supported in their Hebrew by community members and Rabbi Leah for their b’nei mitzvah. She also works individually via Skype with some of these children who are preparing for bar/bat mitzvah and/or for Kabbalat Torah.
KABBALAT TORAH
Although we are not large congregation we are also able to offer Kabbalat Torah. This gives Rabbi Leah a chance to work in more depth with young people following their b’nei mitzvah. “Kabbalat Torah encourages students to think about issues in their lives and in society as a whole, through the lens of Jewish tradition and Liberal Jewish values.” (Liberal Judaism). For Kabbalat Torah Rabbi Leah and students discuss and agree the topics they want to look into in more depth.
Please contact Annie through our Contact Us page if you’re interested or have any questions.