Hebrew school expands program
By Shani McManus Journal Staff Writer
With
activities ranging from oceanography, music lessons and computers to
drama, culinary arts and karate, the Jewish School of the Arts, located
at Chabad of Palm Beach, is expanding its after-school program to three
days a week. Combining a plethora of activities for children at all
levels, the school makes going to Hebrew school a lot more interesting
and fun, says Chanie Ezagui, director of the school. The program will
now increase to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
"If
your child is not receiving a Jewish education, they can get it here,
and, at the same time, have loads of fun doing all kinds of creative
activities," she says. "For those already getting a religious education,
the activities at our school are amazing, all with a professional staff
in a wonderful Jewish atmosphere. Parents don't have to exhaust
themselves traveling from one after-school activity to the next. They
can get it all in one place."
With training from the Bank Street
College in New York City, and more than 20 years experience in the
field of education, Ezagui says she has helped create a quality,
well-rounded progressive program that caters to the needs of each
individual child.
"Besides the regular learning skills taught
through hands-on experience, we incorporate modern technology for
children in this fast-paced world," she says. "Our 13 staff members are
well trained and certified in their field of technology, and understand
the developmental issues applicable to age level of the child. Sending
your child to the Jewish School of the Arts ensures your child will have
the best of both worlds - a love of Judaism, in addition to being
well-equipped to flourish in today's world."
Parent Sandy
Morris, a skin specialist from Jupiter, has two children, Bennie, 5, and
Andrew, 4, in the preschool and says she is happy with the School of
the Arts.
"The school provides a solid education, with seasoned professionals in a genuinely warm and caring environment," she says.
In
addition, Morris says, she feels confident, when she leaves her
children in the morning, that she's leaving them in good hands.
"Aside
from learning their ABCs and numbers, they learn to be good people,
which is very much needed in today's world," she says. "This comes from
the individualized attention, and the emphasis on the importance of good
character."
Children don't have to be Orthodox to attend the
schools, she adds. "Even though the school is run by Chabad, it welcomes
everyone in a non-pressuring way. Those who attend the School of the
Arts are from various backgrounds, from unaffiliated to mixed marriages.
It's just a warm and comfortable Jewish atmosphere for children to
grow." Jason Frances, 11, from West Palm Beach, also attends the school
and enjoys going.
"This place was better than any other place
I've been to," he says. "The program is more fun. In other places, you
have to be a certain age to take part in certain activities. At the
School of the Arts and the camp, you're allowed to do any activity you
want to. It is never boring." Because of the success of the after-school
program, Ezagui says the school is now offering a full-time elementary
school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade 8. The
Jewish School of the Arts is a school worth considering, Rabbi Shlomo
Ezagui says.
"It is a school that has an established reputation
in the community. It's been 18 years since the inception of Chabad in
Palm Beach, and hundreds of children have received a high-quality Jewish
and secular education," he says. "Our program is known for its
high-tech, high quality education. In our beautiful, 11,000-square-foot
building, newly renovated with a brand new playground and gymnasium, the
student thrives and loves coming to an environment that is warm, Jewish
and where all their educational needs are met."
For more information, call 561-624-7004.