Welcome to the Hillel
Children's School, an opportunity for children to
discover positive Jewish identities.
For brochure or further info, contact Elana Ponet,
Director.
You may reach Elana at Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish
Life at Yale at 203-432-1134 or via email at ep73@pantheon.yale.edu. Or you may
write the school c/o:
Joseph Slifka Center
80 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Philosophy
The Hillel Children's School at Yale helps children aged
7 to 13 discover positive Jewish identities. Our teachers
devote their time and creativity to the classroom
discussions of Jewish values, ideas and traditions, and
help our students understand the role that Judaism can
play in their lives. Our goal is to help children grow to
feel a part of the Jewish community at large through
their participation in the Hillel school community, and
to help them appreciate their heritage.
Parents
Hillel Children's School at Yale was founded in the
mid-1960s by a group of Yale parents. Parents continue to
play an integral role at the school.
Today the school is comprised of parents from throughout
the community and welcomes all families. All parents are
part of the Parent Council and parent committees for
planning school events, organizing Sunday morning
speakers and discussion groups, and curriculum
development.
Faculty
Yale students make up the Hillel Children's School
faculty and are its greatest strength. Our teachers are
positive Jewish role models for our children and are
loving, enthusiastic, dedicated, and equally committed to
Judaism and education. Faculty aim to help children
benefit from the rich sources available to them.
Program / Curriculum
Classes meet weekly on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30
a.m. and end at noon.
The Hillel Children's School is committed to teaching
Hebrew, prayers and blessings, Torah, Jewish holidays,
tzedakah, Jewish ethics, mitzvah projects and community
services. The curriculum also includes music, speakers,
and family outings. Our aim is to foster a Jewish
consciousness that can be formed by knowledge and
exploration.
B'nai Mitzvah
The culmination of the 7th grade is the B'nai Mitzvah
services at Yale's Battell Chapel. The children lead the
service as a group and each chants a portion of the Torah
reading.
The year leading up to this traditional passage into
Jewish adulthood is spent in preparation, including
regular Sunday mornings classes and weekly private
tutoring sessions. The planning of the ceremony is
undertaken by the parents of the B'nai Mitzvah class,
along with the Rabbi and the Director of Hillel
Children's School at Yale.
Children must attend Hillel Children's School for at
least two years prior to the B'nai Mitzvah year.
Tuition
Every effort is made to keep the Hillel Children's School
tuition affordable for the community. There is no
membership requirement and financial aid is available
where need is demonstrated. To receive a brochure or for
further information contact Elana Ponet, Director.