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FAQs

Q: Who are your teachers?

A: 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.


Q: Will there be homework?

A: 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.


Q: Do I have to be a Chizuk Amuno member to enroll my child in the Religious School?

A: Not initially, although we do ask that our religious school families become members six years before their child would become Bar or Bat Mitzvah.


Q: Can my child shadow in the year before they enroll?

A: Yes. Call Rabbi Stuart Seltzer at 410/486-8641, ext. 234 to make arrangements.


Q: Do I need to know Hebrew? What if I don't know any Hebrew?

A: 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.


Q: What if my child plays a sport or does other extracurricular activities?

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.


Q: My child learns differently. How does the RRS address the learning needs of all children in the program?

A: 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.


Q: Is attending the Religious School required if I want my child to have a B'nei Mitzvah at Chizuk Amuno?

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.


Q: What are the class names at Rosenbloom Religious School?

  • Balashim –  Kindergarten
  • Giborim – First Grade
  • Kochavim – Second Grade
  • Halutzim– Third Grade
  • Solelim– Fourth Grade
  • Nachshonim– Fifth Grade
  • SPARKS– Sixth Grade
  • Atid– Seventh Grade

Q: What are the hours of Rosenbloom Religious School?

Balashim (Kindergarten) and Giborim (Grade 1)
Sundays   9:15 – 12:00 p.m.

Kochavim through SPARKS (Grades 2-6):
Sundays   9:15 a.m. – noon
Wednesdays  4 – 6 p.m.

Atid (Grade 7):
Wednesdays 4-6 p.m.
Periodic special programs and experiences


Q: What are the procedures for arrival and dismissal throughout the year?

  • All students should be dropped off by bus or carpools at the Esterson entrance only (the entrance near the administrative offices of the synagogue).
  • All students will be dismissed to carpools at the Esterson Entrance only.
  • On Wednesdays, students who come before 4 p.m. (on buses or carpools) should go to the Youth Lounge. Students who arrive at 4 p.m. should walk directly to their classrooms. At 6 p.m., teachers will escort their students to the Esterson entrance and remain with them until their carpool family names are called.
  • On Sundays, at 9:15 a.m., parents of Balashim (Kindergarten) and Giborim (Grade 1) students should continue to walk their children to the classrooms (located in the Kindergarten/First grade hallway, on the first floor, to the left of the gym) until they feel comfortable arriving by themselves. If your child arrives late, please bring them directly to the classroom. If the classroom is empty, walk to the office to learn the room of your child’s special activity. The teacher will escort the children back to the Esterson Entrance  for dismissal. Teachers will remain with their students until their family carpool name is called and students are dismissed.
  • On Sundays, at 9:15 a.m., Kochavim through SPARKS (Grades 2-6) students should walk directly to their classrooms. The teacher will escort the students back to the Esterson entrance for dismissal at 12 p.m. SPARKS (Grade 6) students who leave at 11:15 a.m. should meet their parents at the Security Guard.

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.


Q: How does the carpool line work during dismissal?

  • For dismissal a carpool line is formed in front of the school entrance. Teachers are assigned to monitor the carpool traffic and will assist you in this area.
  • To help the teachers efficiently dismiss the students to their carpools, please put the family-carpool name on your front windshielf. Please make letters large and dark so that they can be seen clearly at a distance.
  • Cars cannot park and be left unattended in front of the building – even for a second. This will block the carpool lane and slow down dismissal.
  • Teachers will note your carpool name and inform students when their carpool has arrived.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Religious School office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.


Q: Can I bring a friend to Rosenbloom Religious School?

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.


Q: What should I bring to Rosenbloom Religious School?

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.

  • Make good choices over bad
  • Extend respect to everyone
  • Never speak badly about anyone
  • See what should be done, and do it
  • Consider the ideas and feelings of others
  • Have a heart and good humor for all
Mon, March 18 2024 8 Adar II 5784