Dear Kehilat,

Seekers is coming to Shabbat!

The Romemu Seeker’s Holistic Hebrew School is moving to Shabbat. Having Seekers on Saturday mornings will enrich and enhance the community atmosphere for both our Seekers families and the full community.

While children are davening (praying), singing, learning, and having fun in the Seekers program, their families are free to join with the rest of the Romemu community for Open Book Torah learning and Shabbat morning services or to take some well-earned Shabbat rest. 

On one Shabbat each month, all members of the family are invited to join our Seekers students for a special Family Shabbat which will include a celebratory Shabbat breakfast and adult learning for the parents. 

Seekers Holistic Hebrew School provides children from Kindergarten through B Mitzvah (7th/8th grade) and their families the Jewish education needed to develop meaningful connections to Jewish life and practice. 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. 

Enroll Today

If you have a child or grandchild who is of eligible age, and want to learn more about Seekers, we would love to talk with you. Please email seekers@romemu.org to arrange a time to meet. 

Ready to enroll?

Enrollment in Seekers is open for all Romemu Family members. 

Early bird tuition (by August 1): $1,800 per annum ($2,000 after August 1)

Romemu members, enroll here. (Please note, you must log into the Romemu Member Portal to enroll. Need help logging in? Contact seekers@romemu.org).

Not yet a member? Learn about membership here and complete this form to join today. Once you join, connect with us at seekers@romemu.org for next steps to enroll your child(ren) in Seekers.

No family will be turned away for financial reasons. Please contact Noa Gendler if you would like to discuss Ez’rah (with help) tuition options.

Join us for Seekers Open House

Shabbat (Saturday), September 9th at 8:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Your child(ren) will experience all the learning and fun of a typical Seekers morning and we will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Seekers will begin after the Chagim, on Saturday, October 14.

Sample Schedule

8:45 AM Drop-Off 

Bagels and drinks are served, with coffee available for the adults. Parents are invited to enjoy a coffee and bagel and head to Open Book or take some free time.

9 - 9:45 AM Tefillah

Seekers Shabbat morning tefillah will be led by Romemu’s Musical Director Shimon Smith and our other talented staff members. The Seekers will learn songs in the Romemu tunes. 

9:45 - 10 AM Snack and Social Time

All classes will gather for a snack break to transition to the next session. 

10 - 10:45 AM Judaics 1

Shabbat-friendly Judaics activities will include story books, drama, music, debate, discussions and games, enhancing Seekers’ core value that learning should not feel like a chore. Hebrew language learning using the curriculum Hebrew Through Movement will be integrated throughout class content. 

10:45 - 11:15 AM Break

When weather permits we will head up to the roof for some play time. At other times, break time will be in the classrooms.

11:15 AM - 12 PM Judaics 2

The second Judaics lesson of the morning will focus on the weekly parsha (Torah portion), or will relate to an upcoming holiday or event. Several times a year we will invite guest speakers to teach this session on a range of topics: for example, to discuss a non-Ashkenazi Jewish culture, an exciting event in the Jewish world or to teach some music.

12 - 12:15 PM Pickup 

If the Seekers’ grown-ups are still at the adult services, the Seekers can hang out with our Shinshinim - our young Israeli shalichim (leaders).

Sample Schedule for Family Shabbatot

8:45 AM Arrival 

Grab a coffee and grab a seat with the whole family.  

9 - 9:45 AM Family Service

We will begin the morning with a fun, thoughtful and musical service. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins all welcome! The service will be led by Romemu’s Music Director Shimon Smith and our other talented staff members.

9:45 - 10:30 AM Breakfast

Families will enjoy a delicious breakfast and have time to socialize and catch up with each other. Seekers teachers will join giving parents and students the opportunity to get to know them informally. 

10:30 - 11:15 AM Judaics 1/Parents’ Learning Group

There will be special activities for each age group of children. Parents will have a 45 minute study session with one of Romemu’s many talented educators, allowing parents to grow in their own Jewish leanring and develop as students of Torah. 

11:15 AM - 12 PM Judaics 2

Seekers students will head to their regular classes to continue their progress in our curriculum. Parents are invited to join the adult service for an uplifting, spiritual moment of quiet.

Hebrew Language Classes

Beginning in fourth grade, students will also participate in small group online learning sessions during the week to develop their Hebrew language skills. We will work with you to find times that fit your child for these sessions.

B Mitzvah Preparation

When your child is in sixth or seventh grade, they are ready to join our B Mitzvah cohort. While participation in Seekers is not required to join our B Mitzvah program, Seekers students have a strong foundation that will help them as they prepare to become a B Mitzvah. Students and their families learn together and through this learning experience reflect on what it means to live a joyous mitzvah-filled life. Learn more about our B Mitzvah program here.

We look forward to meeting you and your children or grandchildren and embarking on this spiritual journey with your family. If you have any questions, please email us at seekers@romemu.org.

B’shalom

Shimon Smith

Director of Music and Family Education

Noa Gendler

Youth & Family Manager

Romemu | (212) 580-4294 | romemu.org

The Romemu Campus | Corner of 105 St. & Amsterdam Ave.

Romemu Center | 176 West 105 Street

Romemu @ West End Presbyterian Church | 165 West 105 Street