Grades 3-6
jen armus, Religious school principal
Jen Armus is a devoted leader within the Congregation L'Dor V'Dor community, serving as the principal of the Religious School.
Jen grew up in Canada and later spent nearly two formative years living in Jerusalem and on a kibbutz in Israel, where she deepened her connection to the land, people, and traditions of Judaism. This experience profoundly shaped her Jewish identity and reinforced her commitment to fostering inclusive and vibrant Jewish communities. After her time in Israel, Jen moved to Brooklyn Heights, where she lived and worked for 18 years with her two daughters Madison and Maya, fully embracing the vibrant cultural and Jewish life of the city.
Jen's passion for inclusive education stems from her background in special education, a field to which she is deeply committed. Her academic credentials include a Master's from the Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University. These qualifications have equipped her to be a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational settings, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported.
Thirteen years ago, Jen met Cliff, who was already living on Long Island. Eventually, she joined him there, and they built their life together. Their marriage in September 2020 was a special milestone, marking the first in-person ceremony during the pandemic at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. In Jen's spare time, you can find her kayaking with Cliff and hiking with their dog Wilson.
Grade 3-6 Classes
Our religious school program begins in third grade and meets one afternoon per week during the school year. Our first priority is to ensure that our students fall in love with the Jewish traditions and get excited learning about their heritage. We teach them about the Jewish holidays in the younger years and the Holocaust and State of Israel in older grades. Learning about the prayer service and becoming comfortable with praying in Hebrew is part of every grade’s program. It is a warm and caring environment in which not only are the teachers involved but also our rabbi and cantor.
THIRD GRADE - KITAH ALEF
Students are introduced to the Alef-Bet and vowels while learning basic Hebrew reading skills. They explore Shabbat blessings, the Sh’ma, and key prayers like Oseh Shalom. Holiday celebrations include creative activities for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat, Purim, Passover, and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Bible stories such as Jonah and the Whale and Noah’s Ark are taught, along with mitzvot (good deeds). The Grade Level Shabbat Hanukkah Service in December includes blessings, songs, and a reflection on what Hanukkah means to them.
FOURTH GRADE - KITAH BET
Building on Kitah Alef, students review Hebrew letters, prayers, and holidays while improving reading fluency. They strengthen their knowledge of Shabbat blessings, the Sh’ma, and Oseh Shalom and learn more of the Four Questions for Passover. Holidays are experienced through hands-on activities, such as a Tu B’Shvat seder and a Purim play. Bible stories and midrashim help connect Jewish teachings to mitzvot. Core Jewish values like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Bikkur Cholim (caring for the sick) are emphasized, along with learning about Israel’s geography. The Grade Level Siddur Shabbat Service in October/November includes prayers, blessings, and a personal reflection.
FIFTH GRADE - KITAH GIMMEL
Students deepen their Hebrew knowledge by studying Shabbat prayers and learning the meaning of the V’Ahavta. They begin singing the Kiddush, an important prayer for their future b’nai mitzvah. Bible study encourages critical thinking, questioning, and discussions on Jewish values. Israel’s history and geography are further explored, and students engage in Tikkun Olam through volunteer work at Helping Hand Rescue Mission. The Grade Level Shabbat Service in March features new prayers, reflections on the meaning of Shabbat, and Hebrew songs.
SIXTH GRADE - KITAH DALET
Students expand their prayer knowledge with Avot, Torah and Haftorah blessings, the V’Ahavta, and Friday night Kiddush. They study Israel’s pre-1948 history, geography, and culture while also learning about the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. Discussions, films, and a visit to the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove provide meaningful engagement. “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” is read and discussed. The Grade Level Bible Shabbat Service in May includes new prayers and a special Bible presentation.