Cranford's Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim Welcomes New Religious School Director

Cranford, NJ: As Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim enters its centennial year, we welcome Cantor Frank
Lanzkron-Tamarazo back as our cantor and education director. Cantor Frank led our Religious School
from 1999-2005, during which time it became one of the top three United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism’s ͞Framework for Excellence͟ schools in New Jersey, and one of the top 50 Conservative
religious schools in the country. Cantor Frank is beloved by students for making Jewish education fun
and interesting, and for encouraging the youth to learn more than they ever thought possible. One of his
strengths is forming strong bonds with the kids, inspiring them to become more involved in synagogue
life. Many students who graduated under his leadership stayed in touch with him and are returning for
High Holiday services, from college or post-college life, to celebrate the holidays with him.
TBEMC’s Religious School welcomes children in preschool through 7th grade. School starts on Sunday,
September 11, and families will join together at 9 a.m. for a celebrational welcome to the school year.
Cantor Frank will also hold an open house for prospective families that morning, to learn about the
school. The annual back-to-school family picnic follows the end of school at noon, at Unami Park
(Lexington and South Union Avenue in Cranford, near the playground). TBEMC welcomes new and
returning Religious School families to the potluck dairy picnic, as well as prospective families.
Prospective families interested in attending the open house and/or picnic should contact Cantor Frank
at (908) 276-9231 or after September 2, at (908) 276-7351.
TBEMC’s Religious School includes:
Gan Katan – now in its third year, this popular program for 3-4 year olds meets twice a month on
Sunday mornings, and includes crafts, songs, stories and other creative learning activities.
Grades K-2 – our kindergarten through 2nd grade program meets every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. The
children learn about holidays, mitzvot, Hebrew letters and words, Israel and biblical stories,
differentiated by grade level.
Grades 3-7 – while adding to previous years’ knowledge, the children will also focus on learning prayers,
specific to their grade level. School meets Sunday mornings 9 a.m. to noon, as well as Tuesday
afternoons from 4-6 p.m. Cantor Frank will also tutor children for their bar or bat mitzvah.
A detailed curriculum is available from Cantor Frank. The Religious School can accommodate children
with special needs and all religious backgrounds, including those who might need additional help with
Hebrew. Please call Cantor Frank for more information about the curriculum, registration or the school.
Cantor Frank can be reached at (908) 276-9231 or after September 2, at (908) 276-7351.