Program
Name: Hebrew Wizards
City:
Greenwich, CT
Auspice:
Independent Religious School & Community
Contact
Info: Rabbi Deborah
Salomon, (203) 249-4036 or click here to request more info
Website: http://www.hebrewizards.com
Year
Established:
September 2005
Program Goals:
Maya Angelou wrote “More than remembering what people said, or what people did, is the way they make you feel.” The mission of the Hebrew Wizards program is to instill a love of Judaism so that our children feel proud to be Jews, and want to remain Jewish throughout their entire lives. Being a “Hebrew Wizard” means being the best you can be – both as an individual as well as working with others in making the world a better place to live.
Methodology:
Hebrew Wizards is a unique Religious school experience that intertwingles the fun spirit of summer camp with the solid training of a rigorous Judaica program. The core curriculum, known as the "Wizards Curriculum of Jewish Knowledge," contains over 60 exciting info-graphic boards (Wizard Boards) featuring Jewish concepts and values that inspire students to discover Judaism’s sacred wisdom. Board categories range from Bible, Torah and Prayer to Hebrew Language Skills, Jewish Ethics, and the land of Israel.
Students’ progress is carefully monitored in the "Official Wizards Log Book" which documents the completion of boards on a monthly basis. Students are expected to master a specific number of boards according to their age group and interest. After completing their goals students are invited to compete in a scholastic competition called "Who Wants to be a Wizard"? This exciting end-of-year contest rounds out the calendar year, as students compete for special recognition and trophies in each category, keeping the motivation for Jewish learning high. One lucky student honored by the judges is given the highly coveted “Wizard of the Year Award" based on their personal skills and achievement.
Pillars of Wizards
1. Hebrew Wizards intertwingles the RUACH of summer camp with the CONTENT of a stellar religious school. From canteen to color war, Hebrew Wizards has flipped the paradigm on supplemental Jewish education: a caring community of learners that has evolved into a spiritual congregation. Replacing books with inspiring learning boards, teachers with soulful musicians and mentors, fixed desks with cozy couches and soft rugs.
2. Uses a versatile WIZARDS POSTER BOARD CURRICULUM that enables each learner to master ideas and content at their own speed and according to their own learning style.
3. Cultivates a supportive community of TEEN WIZARDS who teach, nurture and lead the next generation.
4. Integrating inspiring MUSIC and SACRED SONG.
5. Hebrew Wizards explore, study, compose and sing traditional and contemporary prayers and songs. At Hebrew Wizards kids love “Tefillah Time - Praying with the Wizards.” It's a special part of their day when they can relax, be themselves, put their arms around their friends, sing and sway together.
Criteria for Participation: Families elect to join Hebrew Wizards School & Community at a designated membership fee which allows them to experience special Shabbatot and festivals throughout the year. Member families can also enroll their children in our Hebrew Wizard Religious school for an additional fee.
Location & space: During the week we rent classroom space from the First United Methodist Church in Greenwich. On Sunday mornings we use the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Ct.
*Teen Wizards are teenagers that work in the program as counselors.
