Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue
Our Cheder
Our Cheder is a strong part of our community, and we are committed to supporting children to flourish as young adults of the future. Engaging with the local community and being comfortable in, and familiar with, the synagogue building andthe Shabbat services is a key part of a child’s wider Jewish education. This is why our cheder takes place on a Saturday from 9am.
When I joined, I had no experience and now I’ve learnt more in a half term than I thought possible and I really enjoy coming to Cheder.
Zach, age 12
We teach the children Hebrew, learn about Jewish customs, celebrate the festivals together and also consider the ethics of the faith against a backdrop of modern life. Our Cheder is a great place for our students to learn how to develop their Jewish identity, and children often go on to form lifelong relationships with their Cheder friends.
We joined Sukkat Shalom about 1 year ago and enrolled our children in the cheder. They had previously attended a different cheder and we were disappointed in particular, at how little Hebrew they could read. In the last year, both have come on leaps and bounds in their Hebrew reading, with our oldest now in a position to progress with his bar mitzvah preparation with confidence. The cheder teachers are amazing, supportive and encouraging.
Mark, Cheder Parent
Many of our parents offer their support, perhaps by sharing their lived experiences or expertise in lessons, or in running special sessions, finding contacts and other resources – all of which helps bring our children’s learning to life! We run a regular coffee morning for informal chats, updates about the Cheder, and to provide additional information – including invitations to trips and days out.
Get in touch to find out more.
Adult Education
For those who are nervous about diving straight in, we offer an opportunity to dip your toes into the pool of Judaism.
Our Adult Education is led by Sukkat Shalom member David Goldman, father of Gavriella, a student Rabbi, and Ortal, who is the head teacher of the Cheder. David grew up in a traditional Jewish family and lived in Israel where he married a musician from South Africa, who had also come on Aliya. The family joined the Reform movement so that each daughter could have an individual Bat Mitzvah. He is passionate about Jewish education for all.
Our vibrant Adult Education programme caters to all levels and interests. Whether you are exploring Judaism for the first time, or your knowledge is deeper, we have something to suit you. We have sessions on “Access to Judaism” catering to those on the conversion pathway as well as “How to Live Jewish” for those who have passed the Beth Din and for those who wish to simply live more Jewish. We run “Lunch and Learn” after Shabbat services to deepen understanding. In the future we will be running sessions devised by our “Almost Rabbi”.
Conversion
We have session on "Access to Judaism", catering to those on the coversion pathway. For more information, please contact us.
I walked into the shul not knowing what to expect, and from the moment I came in, Rabbi Tali and the whole community welcomed me with open arms. I started the Access to Judaism classes to learn what I'd never been taught. I'll be honest, there were many times I felt behind or out of place, not knowing what things were or how they worked. But I was never left to figure it out alone. Rabbi Tali, Andrew, Nat and other community members explained, answered every question, and helped me every step of the way. Three years on, I've received my certificate from the Beit Din, a milestone I'm really proud of. More than anything, though, the community has given me friendships I'll have for life.
Levi