Aleph Learning Centre at HGSS: It's not Cheder as we used to know it

The Aleph Learning Centre aims to ensure that every child gains a strong sense of Jewish identity, a high level of Jewish Education and enjoys a positive experience in building the foundation for Jewish learning.

To achieve these aims, the Aleph Learning Centre uses an innovative and engaging curriculum, making use of the latest educational programmes, interactive study methods and extra curricular activities. This includes ‘Funday Sunday’ hands on workshops to prepare children for the upcoming Jewish festivals and musical tefillah assemblies to familiarise them with prayers so they can enjoy and understand Shabbat services.

An exciting part of the new curriculum is ‘Aleph Champ’, a popular Hebrew reading programme developed in the United States and adapted by Tribe for use in US Chedarim. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of colour-coded levels and testing, it encourages pupils to rise to the challenge of Hebrew reading by awarding them with coloured wristbands and certificates as they progress up each level. The Aleph Learning Centre also introduced a new multisensory Aleph Bet Programme for 4-5 year olds which together with Aleph Champ will provide a strong foundation in Hebrew reading ensuring that students will be able to read Hebrew fluently and eventually acquire a basic understanding of the prayers.

As one of the largest Hebrew Schools in Europe, Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue is proud to be transforming the cheder system and looks forward to developing the programme together with the US Centre for use in other US Chedarim.

Chayli Fehler - Aleph Learning Centre Director commented:

“It’s essential that from an early age children enjoy a positive Jewish Learning experience and gain practical knowledge and skills related to living a Jewish life. We place an emphasis on developing our student’s appreciation of their Jewish heritage and traditions focusing on its relevance today. “

One of the parents who attended the launch, Claire Leek was delighted with the new look Aleph Learning Centre. She said:

“I am very excited about the new programmes at the Aleph learning Centre which has changed the perception of Hebrew classes. I feel lucky our children are young enough to benefit from the huge improvements to traditional Sunday morning classes.”

Neil Levinson, HGSS Vice Chairman added:

“We are delighted that HGSS have pioneered a new vision of the Cheder system and we look forward to developing our centre for the 250 children we have enrolled.”