The purpose of our Religious School
is to provide dynamic, child-centred educational programming to our children
in order to inspire them with love and pride in Reform Judaism
and to develop a strong Jewish identity.

At Or Hadash, we believe that Religious School should be fun and stimulating. We provide a warm, lively environment so that children feel comfortable and take joy in learning about their Jewish heritage, culture and values.

We seek to ignite the curiosity of our children so that they are inspired to continue learning about Judaism long after classes are over.

We take pride in offering the CHAI curriculum, a leading edge program developed through a Reform collaboration among the Union for Reform Judaism, Hebrew-Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion, the National Association of Temple Educators, and the URJ Press. The lessons aim to nurture "enduring understandings," values that have lifetime meaning for all Jews. The curriculum core is designed around the fundamental lessons of Torah, avodah, and g'milut chasadim.

Torah: Torah is an ongoing dialogue between the text and its students. Torah is real in our daily lives; it is with us wherever we are. Developing the skills to study Torah is essential to integrating Torah into our lives.

Avodah: Avodah is the work we do to find sacred connections to God, community, and self. Engaging in the work of avodah can bring order, beauty, meaning and insight to our lives.

G'milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness): We have a responsibility to perform acts of g'milut chasadim to make the world a better place.

Additionally, during the school morning, children learn to read Hebrew and the key prayers and blessings of the Shabbat evening and morning services. Time is also spent each class on music- learning and singing the songs of festivals and services. The children also learn about Israel and the important role that she plays both globally and in the lives of every Jewish person.

Our students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 also have the opportunity to participate in an overnight at Camp George in Parry Sound with students from other Reform congregations. Grade 6 students will have an overnight at a nearby conservation area.

Our lively classes are held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from September to May.