Mt. Freedom Jewish Center Holds Hebrew School Open House

by Anne Beacken

Warm. Engaging. Welcoming. For Rabbi Menashe East of the Mt. Freedom Jewish Center, Randolph, these words reflect an essence of the synagogue’s afternoon Hebrew School, adding, “I would say the MTFJC Hebrew school is special as a place that invites people into the Jewish experience.”

Anita Lieb, a teacher new to MTFJC, but one who has over 20 years teaching experience echoes the Rabbi’s thoughts, “I love teaching here because it fulfills all my personal feelings about open doors to Judaism for all who wish to enter and learn”.

The community will have an opportunity to enter and meet the Rabbi and devoted teachers as the Mt. Freedom Jewish Center is hosting a Hebrew School Open House on Tuesday, May 1from 5-6:30 pm at the synagogue, 1209 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. The Hebrew School has classes for grades K-8, with the K-2 class a new, successful group this past year.

The Hebrew School meets once a week on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 where the teachers lead a full schedule of interactive learning around Jewish Traditions, Customs, Holidays, Hebrew, Israel, Art and Music. There is also Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation available.

With an advantageous teacher/student ratio of one teacher for every seven students, there are endless opportunities for innovation and creativity.

One of the unique aspects of the Hebrew School, according to teacher Sharon Nessel is the warm, dynamic environment where teacher input can be incorporated into the curriculum, and “we can be as creative and innovative as we like”. She explains, by way of an example, “My personal favorite is in the month of Adar when the Rabbi encourages us to play pranks on the students’ teachers or even on him. The kids love it!”

Long-time MTFJC Hebrew School teacher Mimi Czeisler especially enjoys the holiday celebrations, such as the Succah Hop and Model Seder where the students celebrate along with their invited families and friends. Using crafts, games, cooking and music, the staff creates the warm environment where joy and the Jewish experience come together, and where, according to Czeisler, “all feel welcome and comfortable”.

For Rabbi East, it all comes down to that “welcome mat” of home. He adds, “All our staff and our leadership share the sense of mission that our synagogue can be a home, a bayit, to all types of Jews and all types of kids”. Another extension of the welcome is that while the synagogue encourages Hebrew School families to become members of this special MTFJC community, they do not require it.

To meet this dedicated staff and experience this unique curriculum and community, stop by the Open House this first Tuesday evening in May. If you’re very lucky, Rabbi East may be playing his guitar, and you can join in on a chorus or two.

For more information call David in the synagogue office at 973-895-2100 or email office@mtfjc.org or visit our facebook page.