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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When and where are the Friday School classes held?
Classes and most activities are held at the JCC on Elmgrove Avenue on Providence’s East Side.
Most weeks our schedule is:
3:45-4:30: Hebrew class
4:35-4:50: Shabbat blessings
4:55-5:40: Culture class
5:45-6:00: Community time
See our calendar for a complete schedule.
2. What grades do you support?
K-8, ages 5-13.
3. Do you teach Hebrew?
Yes. We teach Hebrew for an hour each week. Hebrew learning begins with reading readiness as part of the K/1 curriculum. Students may enter the elective Hebrew program at any time after 1st grade, though it is recommended that they begin in 2nd or 3rd grade. The Hebrew curriculum begins with phonics. After mastering Hebrew-reading skills, students are introduced to Hebrew both as the language of prayer for the Jewish people and also as a modern language.
4. With so little Hebrew each week how will my child be prepared to do a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
Many of our students complete a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Even with the short time they study each week, it's still enough for them to master basic prayers and reading of the Torah. Most families also engage a tutor to help the child prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and help the family design the ceremony.
5. Does my child have to take Hebrew?
No. You can elect to have your child take Hebrew and Culture, or just one of the classes. Since most of the holiday celebrations and other community activities happen in conjunction with the Culture classes, many of our families tend to choose Hebrew and Culture or just Culture. However, there are those that simply choose Hebrew only. It’s all up to you!
6. How do I hold a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
Since The Friday School is not a synagogue, and is not affiliated with a synagogue, many of our families create their own Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. They create meaningful services that are unique to their family traditions. We have an archive of these ceremonies for families to use or modify. We also maintain a Bar and Bat Mitzvah Resource area for finding tutors, locations, caterers and DJs. Some families whose child(ren) have not taken Hebrew have designed Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in English.
7. What if my spouse/partner isn't Jewish, can I still join?
Absolutely! All are welcome no matter what background you are from. Many of our families have mixed backgrounds.
8. Are you a temple? Do you hold High Holiday services?
No. We do not have a Rabbi or hold services. Our curriculum does celebrate many of the important Jewish holidays throughout the year so your child will be exposed to many of the wonderful Jewish traditions, including sharing of traditional foods. For the high holidays, many families attend reform or conservative services at Brown/RISD Hillel.
9. What are the fees?
Our onetime per year Basic Family fee is $300. Culture Class fee is $225 for the year ($195 tuition & $30 materials fee). Hebrew Class fee is $225 for the year ($195 tuition & $30 materials fee). However, no family is ever turned away due to financial hardship. Family situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
10. Since The Friday School is a cooperative, what do I have to do?
We ask that you join at least one committee and become an active member of the community.
11. How long has The Friday School been around?
The Friday School has been around for over 30 years. We've been at our current location at the JCC for 10 years.
12. Are you insured?
We carry full liability insurance.
13. Why do you hire college students to be teachers?
College students bring an energy and enthusiasm that makes The Friday School a special place for kids to learn and look forward to coming each week. We find that kids relate to college students in a way that fosters a positive learning experience. The students we employ come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and choose The Friday School because they love kids and want to be part of our unique community.
Our Education Director, Avis Gunther-Rosenberg, who was recently awarded the "Jenny Klein Memorial Teacher Award" by the Jewish Federation of RI, works with the teachers every week to help them plan lessons, and to ensure they are meeting their class objectives. Many of our teachers stay with us for their full 4 years of college.
14. How are parents and other family members involved in The Friday School activities?
We like to think of The Friday School as more than a school – as an inclusive community that welcomes families interested in an alternative Jewish experience. As such, most of our activities outside of formal classroom time are designed to incorporate parents, older and younger siblings, and extended family of The Friday School students. These activities include holiday celebrations, mitzvah projects, pot lucks, challah baking, and more. Since many families travel to Providence for The Friday School, some parents and siblings gather in the JCC lobby to chat while the children are in class. However, it is not required that you stay. In addition, every week we conduct Shabbat blessings and community time activities for the entire family between the Hebrew and Culture classes, and after the Culture class.
15. Who should I contact if I have more questions, or I’d like to speak with someone about the curriculum, learning experience, or The Friday School community?
We’d love to talk with you about how the Friday School might suit the needs of your family. Please email info@thefridayschool.org or call Debbie Flitman (401)965-2025.