Cheder

Belsize Square Synagogue (BSS) Cheder takes place every Sunday morning, during term time, from 9:45am to 12pm and is open to children in school Years 1 to 6.  In addition, the Beit Mitzvah Sunday morning sessions take place at the Synagogue on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12pm and we are also delighted to be able to offer an iGCSE in Religious Studies for pupils in school Years 9 & 10.  Ideally, pupils in this class will go on to take the exam a year early and get a (i)GCSE “under their belt”, ahead of taking the rest of their GCSEs which we hope will also provide our pupisl with a bit of a confidence boost!

Jewish Studies is an integral part of the learning process and our Head of Cheder and Youth, Caroline Loison, has written our own BSS Jewish Studies Curriculum which covers the main Jewish Chagim/festivals as well as several projects which are studied by classes over several sessions with a view to introducing them to some of the main topics and/or themes of Judaism. We also strive to ensure that children learn to read Hebrew in preparation for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Hebrew is taught using the “Aleph Champ” reading scheme, which has proven to be highly successful in getting pupils to read Hebrew fluently as early as possible.

We also believe our Cheder should provide pupils with opportunities to experience Judaism, socialise with Jewish friends and become familiar with the ethos of BSS.

6 Candles decorated by Cheder classes for Yom HaShoah day

In addition to our formal Cheder classes, we supplement our programme with trips that are linked to Judaism in and around London. We also invite outside speakers to visit and talk to our pupils about a wide variety of topics and projects, as well as sharing their own experiences.

Finally, children also have the opportunity to join our Youth Choir, which plays a pivotal role in our Community, taking part in Synagogue services and performing at outside functions.

Cheder is open to members and non-members and we welcome visits to see our Cheder in practice and experience the buzz of a Sunday morning. 

For more information and/or to book a visit, please contact Caroline on 020 7794 3949 or email her on caroline@synagogue.org.uk

“The best thing about BSS Cheder is that we get to learn Hebrew and do fun activities. My favourite club is Yoga club. I also like learning about Kashrut. It is important to me.” Sonny, 8 years old