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Frequently Asked Questions
The I. L.
Peretz Community Jewish School is a nonprofit, educational institution for children
ages 5-13 that meets Sunday mornings at Rutgers Prep on Easton
Ave. in Somerset
, from September through May. It is not affiliated with a
synagogue. The school is run by a
governing board composed of school parents and a principal and classes are
taught by a professional staff of teachers. We are the proud descendant of
a secular Jewish school in Central Jersey
started by the Arbeter Ring, or Workmen’s Circle, more than 85 years ago. Peretz is more than just a school, we are a welcoming, inclusive and diverse
community committed to cultivating Jewish identity and culture and standing
up for social justice.
What is a Secular Jewish School?
As a secular school,
our curriculum emphasizes historical and cultural approaches to the study
of Judaism. An examination of
religious perspectives is included, but we do not prescribe religious
interpretations or practices for our children and prayers are not
taught. The weekly program includes
the study of our traditions, history, literature (including bible stories)
with a focus on struggles for civil rights and social justice as well as
music, folkdancing, drama, art and Hebrew. Students develop a strong Jewish
identity, learn the meaning, spirit and joy of the Jewish holidays and
explore what it means to live a moral and ethical life- to be a “mentsh.” We have a strong
emphasis on tikkun olam, Hebrew
for “repairing the world.”
Are there Shabbat and holiday services?
Is there a Rabbi?
There are no Friday
night or Saturday morning Shabbat ser
vices and no Rabbi. Holiday
ceremonies are lead by our President and school Principal. The unique ceremonies
are not prayer-based, they are in English and
focus on connecting the traditional holiday with current social issues.
They often include lively group discussions, singing songs in English,
Hebrew and Yiddish, Israeli folk dancing, skits and of course food, when
appropriate. We begin each year with humanistic Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur ceremonies in a beautiful outdoor setting, followed by building a sukkah for Sukkot.
Chanukah is celebrated with latke-making and a party and Purim with a
carnival. Yom Hashoah is commemorated and Tu B’shevat
and Passover are observed by feasting at community seders.
Do children have Bar and Bat Mitzvahs?
The student’s education culminates with a graduation ceremony requiring
students
to research and present a topic on a Jewish theme. Parents may choose to do
a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony outside of the school. Because there is no set formula to
follow, creating a unique ceremony becomes part of each family's ongoing
process of exploring how to make their Jewishness
relevant and rich. Consultation is offered to assist families through this
special time.
Are there educational Programs for
Adults?
While the
children are in class, parents and other community members can attend
Sunday morning discussions over bagels, on Jewish-themed topics. A Yiddish class is also offered on Sunday
mornings as well as periodic Israeli folk dance workshops. Peretz also offers monthly Friday evening
cultural, educational and social programs.
Are there opportunities for Community
Service and Social Action?
There is a
strong emphasis on “mitzvah” activities for
the children and families. Sing-alongs at a senior center, decorating a Spring banner
with children at a family shelter, collection for tzedakah
charity, food drives, “pet supply” drive and a tour of an animal shelter to name a
few. Speakers are also brought in to discuss
social justice issues such as Darfur and
immigration and our role in addressing them. The graduating class is required to do a “mitzvah/community ser
vice” project over the course of the
year.
What does it cost?
School
membership including tuition and books ranges from $705 for one child
(grade K-1) in the school to $1560 for 2 children in (grades 2-7). A family
membership for those with no children in the school is $120. A single
community membership is $85.
What is expected of parents to help run
the school?
The
minimal expectation for parents is to provide refreshments for two Sunday
morning programs, to help clean up the classrooms on those days, and to ser
ve on one holiday committee (generally setting up
and cleaning up food.) Heading up a committee or participation on the board
is encouraged.
Can you still be part of Peretz if you don’t have
children in the school?
Peretz has
an active “non-school” community. Members attend the holiday celebrations
and Sunday morning adult educational programs at the school, run a monthly
Friday night education ser ies, enjoy a Jewish book group, and attend semiannual
weekend retreats at Stokes
State Forest
along with the school families. An adult-only Chanukah party
and annual summer picnic bring school and community families together for
socializing. There is also a teen
group where teens meet monthly and plan their own educational, cultural and
social activities under the guidance of a dynamic teen advisor.
Who was I.L. Peretz?
Our school
was named after the great Yiddish
writer I.
L. Peretz. He was born in 1852 in Zamosc , Poland
. Though raised in the orthodox tradition, he also absorbed
worldly knowledge. He is one of the most influential figures of modern
Jewish culture. Dedicated to Yiddish culture, he recognized that Jews
needed to adapt to their times while pre ser
ving their cultural heritage, and his captivating
and beautiful writings explore the complexities inherent in the struggle
between tradition and the desire for progress.
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