Young Families

At Shearith Israel, we emphasize experiential education, personal religious development, and whole-family learning. 

Young families

Join us on Saturday mornings at 10:30 am for our weekly Tot Shabbat service. Perfect for families with kids 0 to 4 years old! 

religious school

Machaneh Shai (3 years old - 7th Grade)

Machaneh Shai (Hebrew for Camp Shearith Israel"), is Shearith Israel's religious school, serving kids from 3* years old through 7^th grade. We emphasize experiential education, personal religious development, and whole-family learning. Machaneh Shai provides fun, hands-on, and engaging ways to learn about Jewish traditions, prayers, Torah, Israel, and Jewish history.

Synagogue Membership is not Required for kids 3 years old through 3^rd grade. Some families may not be ready to commit joining a synagogue, so we offer the option for parents to enroll their children at Machaneh Shai and pay for only their Jewish education while receiving some of the perks of synagogue membership.

For details, please contact Sharon Graetz at sharon.graetz@shearithisrael.com. 

*Must be 3 years old by September 1st and toilet trained.

Read More About Our Machaneh Shai program!

TEEN EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Through the values learned in K-7 Machaneh Shai, students explored Jewish text, history, tefillah (prayer), and holidays. By the time they become teens, they start thinking not just about their own lives, but also more about how the world around them works. It’s important for teenagers to see real-world examples of Jews who have the same values we’ve been teaching them, and how they can use these values to do good in their own daily lives. 

Gesher (8TH GRADE)

The class is a bridge (Gesher in Hebrew) between the end of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year and Shai High. This class meets monthly on Sundays at 4 - 5:30 pm at the home of Lance and Erin Chernow, and is taught by Lance Chernow. The curriculum is titled "Talmud on Training Wheels". The class is a socratic, discussion-based class introducing teens to some basic concepts and Halacha (Jewish law), as well as Aggadah (stories from the Talmud). Students will also enjoy group rec time and snacks.

Learn About Gesher & Enroll

shai High (9TH - 11th Grade)

Shai High is the next stage of learning for our high schoolers. This interactive series guides teens through the oftentimes arduous process of being a young Jewish adult. Through on-site learning, guest speakers, and local field trips, students in Shai High will explore the complexity of Jewish life through two distinct units.

Learn About Shai High & Enroll

life yeshiva (12TH grade)

Now Seniors, the teens are ready to apply what they’ve learned into their daily lives! Taught by Joey Heyman, the class meets every other Shabbat. The curriculum is based on Jewish texts and discussion with a focus on leadership.

Learn more about Life Yeshiva & Enroll

Jewish Youth Groups

KADIMA

As part of the national Kadima movement in Conservative Judaism, our 6th through 8th graders have a Kadima group that meets monthly for activities and learning. Usually based around a social function, programming includes religious, educational, and social-action activities. Programs include movies, ice skating, pool parties, rock climbing, and other social, engaging events.

Kadima - Learn More & Register

USY

United Synagogue Youth (USY) is Conservative Judaism’s premier youth group, run by its parent organization, USCJ, for teenagers in 9th through 12th grades. Through year-round programming and domestic and international travel opportunities, USY provides meaningful, immersive Jewish experiences, helping teens integrate Jewish rituals and values into their everyday lives. Past programming has included social justice initiatives, challah baking for charity, an overnight “lock-in” at the shul, Israel-focused events, teen Shabbat, conventions, and more. For info and to register, visit our USY page.

USY - Learn More & Register