Congregation Shearith Israel

 The Polonies Talmud Torah
School

Religious School at
The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue

8 West 70th Street
New York, N.Y. 10023

 

Educational Philosophy and Mission
Shearith Israel's religious school (The Polonies Talmud Torah School) aims to foster a love of learning and a deep sense of connection to our children's Jewish heritage. In our warm and supportive learning environment, we emphasize Hebrew reading, Jewish literacy and the continued relevance of Judaism at every stage of life. Our enthusiastic teaching staff and small class sizes allow individualized attention and encourage close teacher-student relationships.

Schedule
Our school meets twice a week, Sundays from 10am-12pm and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm. Our calendar mainly follows that of the New York City public schools. Students are also invited and welcome to participate in the synagogue's Junior Congregation every other Shabbat to supplement their studies. Many also get involved in Community Service.

Curriculum
Lessons cover a variety of topics, including Hebrew reading, prayer, Bible, the Jewish canon, Jewish law and practice, ethics, history and culture, depending on the age of the children. We teach Hebrew with the goal of facilitating the child's participation in synagogue services and comfort within the Jewish tradition. Our emphasis is on a deep understanding of our traditions, critical thinking, and the continuing relevance of the Judaism's teachings to contemporary life. Children are encouraged to remain in the school beyond their Bar and Bat Mitzvah, to further develop their religious identities. Our dynamic teenage class allows high school students to grapple honestly with issues close to their hearts and engage in dialogue with the Jewish tradition as young adults.

Application and School Fees
Our students are aged 5-16 years old. To apply, call Rabbi Shalom Morris (212-873-0300 x218) or email him at Rabbi.SMorris@shearithisrael.org. Fees are $1250 per child per year and $650 per child per year for Shearith Israel members. Membership at the synagogue has a variety of benefits, including the opportunity for bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies. If you are interested in becoming a member, please ask us about the many levels of membership available.

School History
In 1802, Meir Polonies donated $900 to fund our Religious School. Over two hundred years later, the school still carries his name (the Polonies Talmud Torah School), a dedication to the continuity of the educational programs at Shearith Israel. Today, our students come from families with a wide range of religious observances, countries of origin and Jewish traditions, reflecting the diverse character of the Shearith Israel community. Shearith Israel is America's first Jewish Congregation, founded in 1654.

Ten Commandments in Small Synagogue of Congregation Shearith Israel, from 1730

Polonies Talmud Torah School
Attn. Rabbi Shalom Morris
8 West 70th Street
New York, NY 10023
or fax 212-724-6165