Religious School

Welcome

Welcome to the Temple Ner Tamid Religious School!

We strive to help students love being Jewish. Our teachers are role models who show our students what it means to feel special and valued in our community. We believe that children who feel loved at synagogue will grow up to be adults who are drawn to places where Jewish learning and living happen, that they will find joy in the ebb and flow of Jewish holidays, comfort in Jewish spaces when they are in need, and will approach the possibility of raising a Jewish family with intentionality and excitement.

To learn more about our Religious School and other learning opportunities, please explore our website or contact the religious school with with any questions:

Rabbi Sharon Litwin, Director of Youth and Family Education: RabbiSLitwin@nertamid.org
Wendy Starr, Assistant Director for Youth and Family Education: WStarr@nertamid.org
Allison Ochiltree, Religious School Administrator: AOchiltree@nertamid.org

Our Mission

We understand that Religious School is a long term investment in the legacy of your Jewish family. This cannot be measured in charts and tables, or prayers memorized and recited, but rather, in the hearts of our students and in the Jewish life of their families.

Belonging

We aim to use the rich and beautiful history and culture of our people to foster a sense of community and belonging.

Learning Excitement

We strive to raise young Jewish students who are excited to keep learning and who can’t fathom their lives separately from their Jewish identity.

Living Jewishly

We hope to instill an understanding that kindness, patience, grace, and service to others is living Jewishly and that they will lead the next era of synagogue life in America.

Safe place

We work tirelessly to ensure that our school is a safe place for our children, so that when they are in need they will find meaning, hope, trust and love in our holy community.

Program Info

Curriculum – Grades K-6

Kindergarten (with Jewish Family Journeys)
Students learn about holidays, Torah stories, and Hebrew through movement. The curriculum will incorporate storytelling, dramatic play, art projects, music and more! Our Kindergarten students also have regular combined family programming that brings students and parents together to form a unique community experience. All Kindergarten parents are invited to attend 6 learning sessions with Rabbi Katz during the school year and then join with their children for a project that is related to the parent learning topic of that session.

First Grade
Students begin their ethical journeys by exploring and practicing the Mitzvot (Commandments) and Middot (Jewish Values) that form the core of Jewish living. The classes will be enhanced with games, stories, projects, Hebrew through movement and more!

Second Grade
The 2nd grade curriculum is built around 5 big Jewish ideas. Through project based learning, these big ideas help to develop resilience and strength in the students and help them to see that when things are hard, they have the tools to overcome challenges. Second grade students will also begin exploring the Hebrew alphabet and learning to recognize Hebrew letters and vowels.

Third Grade
The 3rd grade curriculum introduces the Torah stories of Genesis and Exodus. It also incorporates the values and characteristics of our early Jewish role models using drama, art and games. Students experience Jewish holidays through projects during the year. Students also begin Hebrew reading skill development in small group Hebrew sessions.

Fourth Grade
Students explore the land, people and modern State of Israel. They build their own personal relationship with Israel through biblical, geographical, and historical connections. Classes will be paired with an Israeli classroom for project exchanges and online interactive dialogues with Israeli students. Students continue to build Hebrew prayer reading skills in small group Hebrew sessions.

Fifth Grade
Students develop a deeper understanding of Jewish holidays and the Jewish calendar. They will explore the Jewish lifecycle, from birth to death and in between, through project based learning including a mock wedding, and possibly a visit to a Mikvah and a funeral home. Students continue to build their Hebrew reading and prayer skills in small group Hebrew sessions.

Sixth Grade
Students will explore Torah stories and the character traits of our biblical ancestors to respond to their own questions about what being Jewish means to them today. They will also engage with the story of TNT and the people who made that story happen and continue to make the story happen today. Additionally, they will participate in the B’nei Mitzvah program of Moving Traditions. Our sixth grade students will work in small groups to hone their Hebrew, prayer, and chanting skills in preparation for b’nei mitzvah and will be expected to do 15 minutes of Hebrew homework each week in 5 minute increments 3 times each week. Students will focus on prayer leadership skills gaining the confidence to lead worship.

Curriculum – Grades 7-12

Seventh Grade
How did we get from here to there? Seventh grade will explore modern Jewish history from the late 19th century to today. We will understand the context for how European Jewry of the 1800s shifted because of a rise in Antisemitism and a trend toward Jewish immigration to the US and Israel. We will delve into the history of the Holocaust, early Zionism, The founding of Israel and Modern Israel and it’s context.

Eighth Grade
Eighth grade is divide into 2 parts:
1. How to be a Jew on the Street (not just in synagogue or at home): How do we navigate a Jewish calendar vs. a secular one? What questions are there about what it means to be a Jewish minority in a vastly Christian or Secular country? Eighth grade will read articles and have discussions about what it means to think Jewish about issues in politics and other current events
2. Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Jewish perspectives on topics pertaining to teens such as modesty, vegetarianism/veganism, drugs, alcohol, eating issues, piercing, dating, goodness of character traits and more. The Eighth grade will benefit from having an opportunity to have discussions on these relevant issues in a safe and welcoming environment.

Ninth Grade
Ninth graders focus on the ideas in Judaism about Social Action and Social Justice. Why should Jews care about taking action in the world? What issues in today’s society help us to define what we believe and how we can make a difference? 9th grade travels to Washington DC for the Religious Action Center L’taken seminar in February which is a highlight of the year.

Tenth Grade
Tenth grade is the year of Confirmation. Rabbi Marc Katz teaches each session with an eye on really making Judaism relevant and meaningful to the students. Students will wrestle with big existential questions, like “Is there a God?” “What happens after I die?” “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and much more. 10th grade travels to Amsterdam with Rabbi Katz to learn about the progressive Jewish community there and to look back at European Jewish history.

Eleventh Grade
Eleventh graders guide their year of learning by setting an agenda of important topics with their teacher who creates discussion based lessons with thought provoking questions and strategies for finding common ground in contentious situations.

Twelfth Grade
Twelfth grade spends the year with a focus on how issues in Jewish life will be relevant as they embark on their campus life. Through discussions, films, articles and guest presenters, the students will explore global current events, ethical dilemmas, political controversies, and much more.

Tuition (2025-2026)

Religious School participation requires Temple Ner Tamid membership. For more information please visit our Membership page. Financial assistance for dues is available.

Pre-K (2.5 hours 1x/month): Free for Shoresh 3s graduates; $650 for new to TNT students

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade (2.5 hours of Judaic education on Sunday mornings): $1,300

3rd Grade – 6th Grade (2.5 hours of Judaic education on Sunday mornings and about 1 hour of Hebrew instruction on Wednesday afternoons): $1,725

7th Grade (2 hours of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings and family programming): $1,725

8th Grade – 9th Grade (2 hours of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings): $1,300

10th Grade – 12th Grade (90 minutes of Judaic education on Wednesday evenings and group trip options): $1,300

Dinner is available for Grades 7-12 at a cost on Wednesday evenings.

Discover Jewish Family Journeys (JFJ)!

Jewish Family Journeys (JFJ) is a unique way to experience a Jewish education journey, learning and growing together with a cohort of your peers.

It is an enriching family program designed to bring parents/guardians together for meaningful discussions on Judaism, Israel, Jewish family life, traditions, and more. Held on select Sundays, JFJ offers an opportunity to explore dynamic topics—sometimes even paralleling what students are learning in religious school—helping families deepen their connection to Jewish values and traditions.

Since its creation in 2012, JFJ has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Led by clergy or discussion group leaders, sessions provide an engaging space to learn, share, and connect.

Kindergarten JFJ offers a special bonding experience, bringing students and parents together for shared learning.

Grades 1-6 JFJ creates a welcoming space for parents across grade levels, making it easy to meet other families and build lasting connections.

Whether you’re looking to connect with other TNT families, never attended religious school yourself, are a non-Jewish parent/guardian, or simply want a refresher, JFJ is the perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together!

Youth Social Programming – Grades 3-6

Temple Ner Tamid offers a variety of fun filled social programs for our 3rd-6th grade students.

Friday Night Social Programs: Students are invited to join us on Friday evenings after Shabbat Dinner and Service for a fun camp style evening program that ranges from a sweet treat, interactive project, and recess style games!

Saturday Socials: The 3rd-6th graders are invited for Saturday Social programs ranging from tie-dye, gaga, bowling, cookie baking and more!

Youth Social Programming – Grades 7-12

TNT Teens
Temple Ner Tamid offers a vibrant and diverse program for 7th to 12th graders through TNT Teens. With activities ranging from cultural events and social action initiatives to Israel-focused programming and more, TNT Teens provides a well-rounded and engaging experience for participants regardless of Religious School enrollment.

Subscribe to or download the Upper School/TNT Teens calendar for all the up to date, school, and event information listed on this page:
– Subscribe to TNT TEENS EVENTS
– Download a year long calendar HERE
*note that events are subject to change

TNT Teen Leadership Council
The Teen Leadership Council offers an incredible opportunity for 8th to 12th graders to develop leadership skills while working with peers to create, plan, and lead TNT Teens events. Members collaborate to brainstorm innovative ways to engage peers in Jewish programs and shape the future of youth activities. Leadership training sessions provide a chance to gain valuable experience that enhances college applications. Positions are filled annually through a reflective questionnaire and brief interview, with a nomination committee matching applicants to roles that align with their strengths. Information available in April for students to apply for the school year starting in September.

Madrichim (mentors)
Each school year, 8th–12th grade religious school students are invited to apply for Madrichim positions. Madrichim serve as guides, role models, and classroom helpers for K–6th grade religious school students, assisting teachers and inspiring younger students through learning, play, and support.

Madrichim are REQUIRED to be enrolled in our Upper Religious School Program. Mandatory Madrichim training takes place 3-5 times per school year.

Sunday Madrichim assist K- 6th grade teachers and earn community service hours. Madrichim may choose one or both time slots:
Sun. Early session 8:45am- 11:15am
Sun. Late session 10:45 – 1:15pm

Monday and Wednesday Madrichim will assist 3rd – 6th grade teachers and must be comfortable reading Hebrew, teaching letters, vowels, and prayers. Madrichim may choose between community service hours or a paid-hourly rate. There are two weekly time slots:
Monday session 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday session 4:00pm – 6:00pm

All 8th – 12th graders are encoraged to sign up to be a Madrich/Madricha/Madrichol.

What is a Madrich? The Hebrew word Madrich means guide or counselor. A male is a Madrich, a female is a Madricha, a group of males are Madrichim, and a group of females are Madrichot. For those who are non-binary, the Hebrew language has created a new word, Madrichol. The plural for Madrichol and for a group of mixed gender is Madrichim.

Social Media: Make sure to check out our social media to see all of the amazing programs, initiatives and more our teens are up to!
Follow TNT Teens on instagram @nertamidyouth
Interested in being spot-lighted on TNT Teens Instagram? Reach out to Wendy (wstarr@nertamid.org) or DM us on instagram.

North Essex Jewish Teen Collaborative: Throughout the school year, this TNT initiative is in collaboration with Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Temple Sholom of West Essex, and Bnai Keshet. The program offers innovative teen experiences centered on education, social justice, and community building for 8th to 12th graders. Past events included guest speakers, Broadway trips, bowling and axe throwing.

Teen Trips
Check the Calendar for updated events and information regarding teen trips:

8th Grade Shabbat Getaway: Each year 8th grade is invited to join us for a Shabbat Getaway in the Poconos.

9th Grade: All TNT 9th Graders (regardless of Religious School enrollment) are invited to join our congregational trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s L’Taken Social Justice Seminar – a four-day event designed to help Jewish teens discover their power to be effective advocates and a voice for justice in the nation’s capital. It’s informative, educational, and so much fun, with lots of time to explore D.C. and make friends from across North America!

10th Grade: The 10th grade travels to Amsterdam with Rabbi Katz to learn about the progressive Jewish community there and to look back at European Jewish history. **Must be enrolled in Religious School to attend**

11th Grade & 12th Grade: Trips for the 11th & 12th grade rotate with focus on social justice and Jewish communities abroad. Previous trips include partnering with Etgar 36 to learn about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and going to Prague to learn about Jewish life past and present.