Seekers Holistic Hebrew School
2023-24 Enrollment Now Open
Not Yet a Member? Join Today
Seekers is a bright spark for children and young adults that ignites curiosity, unleashes creativity, and grows communal consciousness.
Seekers Holistic Hebrew School provides children and families with the Jewish education they need to find meaningful connections to Jewish life and practice. At Romemu, all of us, including our children, are seekers. We encourage our Seekers families to find their own voices within the ancient and ongoing conversation of Judaism through contemplation, creativity, and community.
The Seekers program is run on Shabbat (Saturday) mornings (9 AM – noon) at the Romemu Center on the Upper West Side (176 W 105th Street) to allow the full family the opportunity to experience Shabbat together.
What do Students Learn at Seekers Holistic Hebrew School?
Seekers provides a holistic approach to prepare children and their families to have an elevated Jewish life. Our curriculum traverses the history and sacred narratives of the Jewish people, illuminates the Jewish calendar, and explores Jewish values. Our students learn to read and engage meaningfully with the Hebrew language, providing an essential foundation for their B Mitzvah process and lifelong involvement in Jewish life. Our Hebrew curriculum emphasizes small group instruction and individualized learning, allowing each student to progress at their own pace.
At Seekers, we are building an intergenerational, deeply connected community of learners. Seekers students and their grown-ups have a special family Shabbat morning service once a month at Romemu where we gather for prayers, music and learning.
Who is Seekers Holistic Hebrew School For?
Seekers is for students in kindergarten through B Mitzvah. Students of all backgrounds, cultures, and gender identities are welcome. Whether you have had any Jewish education previously or want to start, all are welcome.
Families need to be members of Romemu to register for Seekers. Already a member? Log into the Romemu Members Portal to register today. Not yet a member? Join today.
Once you join, you may log into the Romemu Members Portal to register for Seekers.
When does Seekers Holistic Hebrew School Happen?
Seekers is held on Shabbat (Saturday) mornings. We begin with Tefillah (prayer) at 9 AM, and classes start at 10 AM. During class time, parents and siblings are welcome to join the Romemu community for Open Book Torah learning and Shabbat morning services. Learn more about Romemu Shabbat services here.
Starting in fourth grade, students participate in small group Hebrew language classes during the week on Zoom. Each class is 30 minutes and students may participate in 1 or more classes per week depending on their individual learning needs.
Family Engagement in Seekers Holistic Hebrew School - Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations
Helping children develop meaningful connections to Judaism and Jewish practice involves the whole family. Adults and children family members of Seekers students are invited and encouraged to join Seekers and Romemu’s Youth and Family community for Shabbat and holiday programming throughout the year.
Family Shabbatot
Each month, we hold a special Family Shabbat as part of our Seekers curriculum. Family Shabbat begins and 9 AM and includes:
- A prayer service for the whole family
- Activities for Seekers students and non-student children
- A parent learning session
- A celebratory Shabbat breakfast
Dates for Family Shabbatot in 2023/24
Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4, & Jun. 1
Family Holiday Services and Celebrations
The Jewish calendar offers many opportunities for celebration. Seekers families are invited to join with others in Romemu’s Youth and Family community for special holiday celebrations. Timing and other details will be shared as each holiday approaches.
Rosh Hashanah Tot & Family Services: Sept. 16 & 17
Yom Kippur Tot & Family Services: Sept, 25
Simchat Torah Party: Oct. 7
Chanukah Party: Dec. 9
Purim Party: Mar. 23
Yom Haatzmaut Party: May 14
Lag B’Omer Party: May 25
Sample Shabbat Morning Schedule for Seekers Students
8:45 AM Drop off & Breakfast.
Bagels and drinks served, with coffee available for the adults. Parents are encouraged to enjoy a coffee and bagel and may choose to head to Open Book Torah Study in the Conference Room of the Romemu Center.
9 AM – 9:45 AM: Tefillah
Seekers gather for morning Tefillah together. Seekers sing songs, practice their leadership skills, and explore the spirituality and meaning of the prayers. This prayer space grounds our Seekers community and sets the tone for the morning’s study.
9:45 – 10 AM Snack and Social Time
All classes enjoy a snack and break before transitioning to the next block.
10 – 10:45 AM Judaics 1
In this slot, teachers run Shabbat-friendly activities for their classes. Story books, drama, music, debate, discussions and games all feature, enhancing Seekers’ core value that learning should not feel like a chore. The curriculum Hebrew Through Movement is used, and teachers incorporate the Hebrew learning throughout their lessons to complement the content of the class, rather than introducing it as a separate component. Older classes may study one prayer a week in greater detail, practicing reading the words and studying the meaning. 6-7th Grade will primarily work on their B Mitzvah tefillot and perhaps take on leadership roles on Family Shabbat.
Parents and Caretakers are invited starting at 10 AM to Romemu’s main Shabbat morning service.
10:45 – 11:15 AM Break
All classes have time to play on the roof in good weather and in the classrooms when it is wet.
11:15 AM – 12 Noon Judaics 2
The second Judaics lesson of the morning will sometimes follow on from the first lesson and will sometimes be on an entirely different subject. Younger children may study the weekly parsha (Torah portion) and older kids may have electives, and occasionally join the main service for the Torah reading or when their classmate has a B Mitzvah.
Seekers Blog
Subscribe to our blog to follow our students’ learning through regular posts and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seekers?
Seekers provides a holistic approach to prepare children and their families to have an elevated Jewish life. We help students ages 5 to 13 cultivate a deep love for Jewish tradition through building their skills, sparking their curiosity and engaging their spirit with experiential learning, prayer, music, and movement. Students of all backgrounds, cultures, and gender identities are welcome.
What do students learn/do?
Led by our clergy and faculty, our curriculum traverses the history and sacred narratives of the Jewish people, illuminates the Jewish calendar, and explores Jewish values. Our students learn to read and engage meaningfully with the Hebrew language, providing an essential foundation for their B Mitzvah process and lifelong involvement in Jewish life. Our Hebrew curriculum emphasizes small group instruction and individualized learning, allowing each student to progress at their own pace.
At Seekers, we are building an intergenerational, deeply connected community of learners. Seekers students and their grown-ups spend two special Shabbats a month at Romemu services, forming connections and deepening their roots in the community through Romemu’s powerful worship experience. Recognizing that parents are at the heart of a child’s spiritual journey, we foster parent involvement, connection, and mutual support through a variety of family education and worship opportunities.
I’m interested in sending my child(ren) to Romemu’s Seekers Holistic Hebrew School. Do I need to be a member?
Yes. In order to register a child in Seekers, the family must be Romemu members. Please note that Hebrew school registration fees are not included in membership fees
How much is Seekers Tuition?
Seekers tuition is $1800 per child per year for Romemu Family Members.
No one is ever turned away for financial reasons. If finances are a barrier to either Romemu membership or Seekers tuition, please contact seekers@romemu.org to discuss Ez’rah (with help) options.