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Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Fast of the First Born Shacharit and Siyyum Bechorim

  • 📅Wednesday, April 1, 2026
  • 🕐7:30 am – 9:00 am
  • 📍Congregation Shaarey Zedek
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Sponsor

Today's Minyan and Breakfast is sponsored by Faye and Steven Adelson marking the yahrzeit of Faye’s mother Sookie Edelstein Ordower and by Ronna Ross marking the yahrzeiten of her parents Jean Ross and Norman L Ross, and her husband Steven J Schwartz

We will start with our traditional minyan service at 7:30 a.m. in the Bernstein Chapel and on Zoom.

In recognition of the rescue of the Israeli firstborn from the 10th Plague, firstborn Jews observe the Fast of the Firstborn on the morning of the First Seder.

However, if the firstborn engages in the completion of learning, s/he is exempt from the fast because of the obligation to participate in a festive meal after finishing a major piece of learning. Come eat with us!

Join in as Rabbi Aaron Starr concludes some learning and thereby “obligates” all firstborns (and all in attendance) to celebrate with food and with drink.  Rabbi Starr will then offer a brief learning session, followed by an extended breakfast.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.