על שׁלשׁה דברים העולם עומד על התורה ועל העבודה ועל גמילות חסדים

Vassar Temple provides a program of Jewish education within the Reform Movement's guidelines which deepens the students’ Jewish experience and knowledge in a stimulating learning environment. Our philosophy of Jewish learning is based on the quotation from Pirke Avot: “The world depends on three things: on Torah, on worship, and on deeds of loving kindness.”

Torah
Students in kindergarten through 10th grade study Torah and the observance of Mitzvot (Commandments) within the context of their historic development and in contemporary thought. They also study our historic bond to the land of Israel and the value of Tefilah (Prayer).

Worship
Shabbat and holidays are celebrated, Tefilah and Avodah are experienced, and Jewish ceremonies marking significant occasions are observed in ways appropriate to each age level.

Deeds of Loving Kindness
Students are encouraged to put principles of Tzedakah (justice, philanthropy) and Gemilut Chasadim (deeds of loving kindness) into action through weekly contributions to worthy Jewish causes, as well as through kindness and consideration for each other. As they grow older, they are guided toward community service such as The CROP Walk for hunger, assisting at the local soup kitchen, and other community projects.

Hebrew
Hebrew education begins in kindergarten where children start learning the Hebrew alphabet. Their understanding of vocabulary, blessings and prayers grows each year as they study the Hebrew used in our prayerbook on Sunday mornings with our Hebrew teacher. Formal Hebrew education is provided by the Community Hebrew School of Dutchess County, housed in the Jewish Community Center, which our congregation and others co-sponsor. All children entering third grade are expected to begin their formal Hebrew studies at the Community Hebrew School or, after consultation with the Rabbi, through instruction provided by an approved tutor. The Hebrew School offers the opportunity to continue one's studies beyond Bar/Bat Mitzvah, culminating in the taking of the Hebrew Regents exam.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Vassar Temple requires that a child participate actively in our Religious School for the four years preceding Bar or Bat Mitzvah and meet Hebrew requirements. (Children new to the area may have met these requirement at their previous congregation.) In addition, the family must have been a continuous member of our congregation or of a congregation in their previous place of residence for four years immediately preceding Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah is understood to be a milestone, not the end point, on the path of a child's Jewish education.

Confirmation
Confirmation is celebrated at the end of 10th grade. Three years of post Bar/Bat Mitzvah study increase the level of religious sensitivity and maturity achieved by our students. The moving special service culminating the Confirmation year of study with the Rabbi helps crystallize individual commitment and a greater sense of identification with the Jewish community.

Dr. Joel M. Hoffman serves as the Director of the Vassar Temple Religious School.