The Garden City Jewish Center Religious School has begun its new year.  The students and families of the GCJC are once again learning all about Hebrew, Jewish History, prayers, rituals and holidays. These fortunate children are also immersed in creative art activities led by Margie Edelman, and music that includes beautiful, sometimes funny and catchy songs led by Cantor Sarah and her guitar!

By actually running their own services on Sunday mornings, even the youngest children, (assisted by Rabbi Stephen Goodman and Principal Carolyn Hoera) get comfortable up in front of the "congregation"; speaking into a microphone, leading the readings, and chanting in Hebrew. By the time their Bar or Bat Mitzvah rolls around, confidence abounds and nervousness is nowhere to be found! As an added bonus, students have been known to become leaders and debate-club-regulars in their respective schools and High Schools.

The Religious School students are exposed to the rich cultural history of Judaism during the final period of their 3-hour (Sundays-only) program; a multi-age group effort that requires cooperation, patience, and sharing. Projects are planned and designed by Margie Edelman, a Sculptress who also happens to have a MS in Special Ed. from Adelphi. The children’s efforts are not simply to produce "crafts" that all look the same, but to actually enjoy the sensory process, and develop skills in painting, drawing and sculpting …all while gaining a deeper insight into that week’s lesson from Jewish history or culture.

The families of the Garden City Jewish Center come from many surrounding towns and villages, and the majority of them are from mixed or dual-faith backgrounds. People of all faiths are very comfortable with Rabbi Goodman’s ability to reach every child and guide them to a higher level of understanding about Judaism and it’s teachings. Individualized instruction techniques are used (three of the teachers have MS degrees in Special Education) to teach students with Learning Disabilities. By Confirmation age (9th grade and 10th grade), most students opt to continue studying with Rabbi Goodman, and are taught Comparative Religions and Ethics.

The Religious School calendar follows the Garden City Public School calendar year, ending in mid-May. The Sundays-only schedule of 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, offers a way for busy families to meet their children’s many sports, academics, and social obligations, while gaining all the necessary skills and information to meet the goal of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, AND having an enriching experience with other children of Jewish or similar background.

For more information, call 516-248-9180, or e-mail info@gardencityjewishcenter.org. Please leave your home number and email address and someone will get back to you ASAP.

The Garden City Jewish Center is a thriving Reform congregation in which Jews of all denominations, dual-faith families, singles, and students are welcome.

Members from all over Long Island celebrate Regular Shabbat services on Friday evenings.

"Sundays-Only" Religious School for Pre-K through Bar/Bat Mitzvah students. Active Sisterhood. Adult Education.

Modest membership dues and no building fund. Call for Membership and Religious School registration information.

The GCJC has member families from Garden City and many surrounding towns, including New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre, Mineola, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Malverne, Lynbrook, Floral Park, Baldwin, Great Neck, Westbury, Garden City Park, Elmont, East Hills, East Meadow, Hempstead, Albertson, Valley Stream, Merrick, Manhasset, Williston Park, Bayside, and more. For information, e-mail info@gardencityjewishcenter.org, or call 516 248-9180.

Friday April 5

• 7:00 p.m. POTLUCK SUPPER
• 8:00 p.m. Parashat Shmini (Lev. 9:1-11:47), BLESSING CEREMONY FOR INTERFAITH CLERGY TRIP TO ISRAEL

Saturday April 6

• 11:00 a.m. Torah Study

Friday April 12

• 8:00 p.m. Parashat Tazria-Metzora (Lev. 12:1-15:33)

Saturday April 13

• NO TORAH STUDY

Friday April 19

• 8:00 p.m. Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim (Lev. 16:1-20:27)

Saturday April 20

• 11:00 a.m. BAT MITZVAH OF SYDNEY HOFFMAN

Friday April 26

• 8:00 p.m. Parashat Emor (Lev. 21:1-24:23)

Saturday April 27

• 11:00 a.m. Torah Study

Friday May 3

• 7:00 p.m. POTLUCK SUPPER
• 8:00 p.m. Parashat Behar-Bechukotai (Lev. 25:1-27:34)

Saturday May 4

• 11:00 a.m. Torah Study