Religious Education Program

Click here for this year's school registration packet.

Religious/Hebrew/High School Education is offered FREE OF CHARGE to current members of Congregation Hakafa as we believe that the education of our children is an integral part of who we are as a community.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL (Grades PreK-8):
Our Religious School Program takes place in Glencoe on Sunday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - and we take off one Sunday per month.  It is an experienced-based and age-appropriate program that incorporates students’ interests, talents, and learning styles in order to positively engage them in Jewish life. 

Katan Club:
We are excited to introduce KATAN CLUB, a new Jewish learning experience for 4-year-olds and Kindergarteners! Katan Club students will meet for down-to-earth and creative Jewish education that will familiarize them with Jewish holidays, art, music, cooking, STEM, movement, and more.

Core Curriculum: 
Students will be grouped into mixed-grade classes for weekly core curriculum delivered through hands-on lessons that inspire deeper thinking and discussion. In addition, all students will learn and experience cultural aspects of Judaism through art, dance, cooking, music, social action, and other special activities throughout the year.

Hebrew Education:
Students in Grades 3-7 will also participate in our Hebrew School Program on Tuesday afternoons. Our Hebrew curriculum focuses on language acquisition with emphasis on reading fluency, basic conversation, and applications to Torah study and Jewish life. (See Hebrew Program details below.)

Tikkun Olam Activities:
All students will periodically come together to learn about the Jewish perspective on current issues and actively engage in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) as a united school community.

Special Off-Site Family Programs:
Five times during the year, our students and parents will join us for fun, educational outings during Religious School hours at different sites throughout Chicago. These programs will also be open to families with school-aged children from the greater Jewish community. 

HEBREW SCHOOL (Grades 3-7):
Our Hebrew School Program takes place in Glencoe on Tuesday afternoons. Hakafa’s Hebrew curriculum focuses on language acquisition with emphasis on reading fluency, basic conversation, prayer mastery, and applications to Torah study and Jewish life.

NEW THIS YEAR – Staggered Schedule:
In order to offer more individualized Hebrew instruction, we have adjusted our schedule to maximize attention from the teacher while still offering our weekly worship service for all students together.

Bet (2nd Year Hebrew) and Gimmel (5th Grade) students will attend from 4:15 to 5:15 PM.

Alef (Beginning Hebrew) and Dalet (6th Grade) students will attend from 4:45 to 6:00 PM.

Weekly Worship Service:
In order to build our Hebrew School community and practice all that that they are learning, all students will participate in our Hebrew School worship service with Rabbi Elder and Rabbi Calamaro from 4:45 to 5:15 PM. 

Class Time:
In addition to the weekly worship service, students will be grouped by level and will be taught by our staff of expert Hebrew teachers.

B’nai Mitzvah Preparation:
In addition to Hebrew School, students preparing for b’nai mitzvah (6th and/or 7th graders) will work with a private tutor. Please speak with Bibi Patt or Rabbi Elder for information about selecting a tutor and when to begin. 

B’nai mitzvah tutoring fees are paid directly to the b’nai mitzvah tutor by the student’s family.

An informational meeting about becoming a b’nai mitzvah at Hakafa has been scheduled for September 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM.

Rabbi Elder offers a series of 4 workshops and a Saturday Shabbat service for families to learn about the rubrics of Jewish prayer in preparation for the b’nai mitzvah.
 

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM (Grades 9-12):
Our High School Program is coordinated in partnership with Emanuel Congregation and Temple Beth Israel. It is taught by the clergy and professional staff of all three congregations and is designed to help our 9th-12th graders gain knowledge and skills as community leaders while they grow into Jewish adulthood and become active, voting members of our congregation while having fun along the way. Click here for details and dates for this year’s High School program. 

• We will kick off our program with an all-day retreat on August 24 for all 9th-12th graders.
• Students in 9th through 12th grades will meet four times a year on Sunday late afternoons (4:00-6:15 PM). These four sessions incorporate educational/cultural programming and dinner with all 9th-12th grade students together. 
• All high school students (grades 9-12) will meet three times during the year to do social action and/or community projects/outings.
• All high school students (grades 9-12) have the opportunity to participate in an educational out-of-town trip (this year’s location TBD) each year.
• In addition to all of the above, our 12th grade program varies slightly as they prepare for Confirmation/ Graduation at the end of the year..
• Confirmation/Graduation students will have extended class time until 6:30 PM (during the four class times) to focus on issues specific to becoming an independent Jewish adult. 
• Confirmation/Graduation students will also participate in two senior-specific workshops and two Confirmation/Graduation service prep sessions toward the end of the year. 

Parent involvement is welcome and encouraged through a variety of programs and projects. We have a Religious Education Committee made up of any parents who are interested in participating. In addition, teacher/parent communication is ongoing throughout the year. 

If you would like to speak with Bibi Patt, our Director of Education, please feel free to contact her at education@hakafa.org.