Learning

We have learning opportunities for all ages.

Cheder
 

Cheder is the Sunday school for children. Our cheder is a community, a place where children and their careers can make friends with other Jewish families and experience Judaism in a positive light. What better way to ensure that our children will want to pass Judaism on to their children?

Teachers are well versed in Judaism and/or the Hebrew language and teach according to their own strengths. 

We follow a set curriculum driven largely by the Jewish calendar so that pupils gain an understanding of Hebrew, Jewish culture, our stories and our traditions in the context of each festival. Jewish music is incorporated into our weekly assemblies, in which parents participate so that cheder is a family-oriented experience. 

Extra activities include a cheder seder for Pesach, hamentaschen-baking at Purim, cheesecake-making at Shavuot and our annual Chanukah party, to which all synagogue members are invited. 

Cheder term dates are sent to parents at the beginning of each school year and printed in HighLight magazine. 

Gan (nursery)

Gan is free of charge for the children aged 1 – 5 of synagogue members and non-members alike. You may bring your child as frequently or infrequently as you like. Cheder staff and helpers are on hand to organise lots of fun activities. It is held in a large, toy filled room with access to the garden. The children play, enjoy stories, sing songs and have their own Shabbat services as well as partaking in crafts and games. Tea and coffee are on tap for parents and carers. 

It’s a great place to meet other parents and make friends. Adults must stay with their children during the gan. 

Cheder and gan run every Sunday during term time between 10am and 12.30pm. New pupils are welcome. For details, please contact cheder@bromleyshul.org.uk 

Adult Learning

Teaching and learning for adults takes many forms. It is led by our rabbi and by lay readers with special knowledge or qualifications. All the following take place primarily online but include in-person sessions at the synagogue from time to time, either after Shabbat services or as free-standing sessions.

Essentials of Judaism is for anyone seeking to increase their knowledge, whether born Jewish or looking to convert. Classes are mainly online but sometimes in person at the synagogue.

Tantalising Texts – a topic is pursued in depth over several sessions, led by Rabbi Laura.

Israel Lounge – depending on circumstances may be about the history and politics of the modern State of Israel or may be a discussion about current events.

Sunday morning sessions for parents – in-person sessions covering festivals and Jewish practice or providing the opportunity to discuss issues of particular concern to the parents of school-age children.

Visiting speakers – either on Shabbat or during the week (in person, online or hybrid) on topics of Jewish interest.

For information on adult learning please contact the rabbi on rabbilaura@bromleyshul.org.uk