RABBI JACOB M. OTT
Hebrew School
Implanting the foundations of Judaism while integrating Sephardic customs, traditions, and prayers.
Our students develop Hebrew literacy, Jewish pride, and strong connection to Israel.
Now Offering Classes:
9:30am Sundays
or
4:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays
If you are not a Sephardic Temple member, and would like to be, click here to email the office.
About the Rabbi Jacob M. Ott
Hebrew School
We believe that Judaism should be educational, joyous, and filled with fun in order to encourage the formation of great new friendships. Through our energetic teachers, cutting edge educational practices, engaging family activities and heartfelt social justice projects, your child will discover the deep meaning of Sephardic customs and practices. We aspire to create and develop in our children a lifelong love for our Sephardic traditions.
Our goal is to inspire and empower our students to become knowledgeable about our Jewish heritage and help them become great problem solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators so that they can make improvements in our community, nation and world. We also seek to cultivate a connection to our Homeland, Israel. All students, grades K-8, learn aspects of Israel’s people, history, geography, heroes, culture, art, and delicious food.
Our success relies on parents as our partners in living meaningful Jewish lives and being greatly involved in our Hebrew School. Our school is built upon the strength of the partnership among our administration, teachers, parents and students. We look forward to meeting you and your children. Together we will start the journey of becoming life-long learners of our unique Jewish tradition.
Educational Goals
Our academic and religious focus is to teach our students how to live their lives as Sephardic Jews. We want our children to experience the joys and meaning of our Jewish values and Sephardic culture. The study of Torah, a love for the Jewish people and a belief in the importance of the land of Israel are all central to our educational aspirations. Our educational goals are embodied in the following steps:
Hebrew Reading
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
Sephardic Culture
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
Shabbat
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
Shabbat Services
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
Jewish Holidays
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
Israel Education
To provide an environment that facilitates the development of active enthusiastic learners and self-thinkers.
School Standards
PRIORITIES
We understand that students are engaged in many different activities during the week. Secular education, extracurricular activities, family time and a time for play are all important. We also believe that a formal Jewish education is critical to the moral character and spiritual growth of students. We ask our students and their families to make Jewish education a priority in their lives.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to attend at least 80% of Hebrew school classes and programs. We have a great deal to teach our students in a limited amount of time. Students whose absences exceed 20% of their scheduled classes and programs will be required to make up work in order to matriculate to the next grade level.
TIMELINESS
In order for our students to learn effectively, it is imperative that students arrive on time. Tardiness disrupts the entire class and limits the learning potential of the student who is late. We kindly request that all students arrive 5 minutes before Hebrew School begins. K through 7 classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 6:30 P.M., Maccabim and High School classes are held twice a month on selected Tuesdays only from 4:00 to 6:30 P.M. Students in younger grades must be accompanied to class by a parent or guardian.
KASHRUT POLICY
We respectfully request that students and their parents observe the Kashrut policies of the temple. No outside food is allowed in the classroom or on the premises. Students are given a break during class and a healthy snack is provided by the Hebrew School. Please do not send food with your student to class. If you would like to celebrate a student’s birthday, please contact the Hebrew School office.
SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS
Students’ academic performance will be evaluated throughout the year. Academic challenges will be reported to the Director of Education and communicated to parents. Students will receive report cards in January and late June. Students who do not meet academic standards will be given the opportunity to improve their performance in order to matriculate to the next grade level.
DERECH ERETZ (BEHAVIOR)
Students need to be well-behaved for the entire class to learn and reap the most benefit from their Jewish education. Students who choose to repeatedly disrupt the class will be removed from the classroom. The Director of Education and parents will be notified if a student is continually disruptive and remedial action will be taken as needed.
GUESTS
Guests are discouraged from visiting the classrooms as it is disruptive to the other students. Guests must receive prior written approval from the Hebrew School Office before entering a classroom.