Programs
CSI offers many opportunities for people of all ages and with all types of prior Jewish experiences (or none at all!) to continue their Jewish education and deepen their understanding of our traditions.
Hebrew School
The Audrey Beth Lender Hebrew School at Congregation Sons of Israel offers a boutique Hebrew School experience. Classes are small; instruction is thoughtful and engaging. We believe in the inclusion model of education, and our excellent teacher-to-student ratio allows for the encouragement of all types of learners.
Our innovative scheduling offers students flexibility with their secular school extra-curricular and other interests. We are the only Hebrew School in the county to offer a Shabbat-centered Hebrew School; it meets on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Our learners participate in the service, making the bimah their second home.
Our school utilizes the arts and a multiple intelligences approach to education. Through discovery, play, discussion, activities, song, and storytelling, our children fall in love with Judaism. Our rabbi and cantor teach in the Hebrew School, role model Jewish practice, and help our students to connect to the prayer experience. We have five multi-age classrooms that promote collaboration and the development of social skills within the community. Our learners help each other as they explore the world of joyful Judaism.
Preschool/Hebrew School
Preschool/Hebrew School is a chance to introduce to 3-4 year olds to the joy of Shabbat; it meets on Saturdays only. We have fantastic educators who use art, song, stories, and play to ignite curiosity and a love of Judaism for our preschoolers.
We strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment where our students soar and our families feel supported.
For further information, contact Suzanne Strichartz, our Educational Director, at educationdirector@csinyack.org
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat at CSI is where families come to play and pray! Twice a month, we offer an interactive learning experience where little one’s ages 0-5 get exposure to basic prayers, Jewish symbols, stories and values all while playing with their friends and family. Activities are age-appropriate including baby signs for little eyes and movement activities that are so important to child development and the learning experience.
Imagine uninhibited dancing, clapping and laughter in this warm and wonderful family-catered service. All children are then welcomed to the Bima to join the Rabbi for juice and challah, followed by a beautiful kiddush lunch and socialization with the congregation.
Tot Shabbat meets twice monthly from September through June. Click here to see the Tot Shabbat Calendar.
Tot Shabbat starts at 11:00 am in the School Wing.
Adult Education
We offer adult education classes at all levels, from beginning Hebrew to courses in Torah reading. We have spiritual and philosophical classes as well as opportunities for weekly learning with our rabbi. Please see our Adult Education offerings in the “Learning” section of our website.
Special Interest groups
From Yiddish Club and the “Joie d’Juivre” book club to the “ROMEOs” (that’s “Retired Old Men Who Eat Out”), Men Who Cook and the ‘Giving Gardeners’, we have so many ways to connect with your fellow CSI’ers who share your special interests! Check our calendar or our weekly e-mailed Shabbat Announcements for upcoming events, or ask the membership committee about what groups are gathering these days! If you have a special interest you’d like to share with our community, let us know and we can help find a space for it and get the word out!