Kesher

Religious School

Kesher is Hebrew for "connection," and connection is at the center of everything we do. Kesher is Ahavath Achim Synagogue's creative education program for kids three years old through sixth grade. We nurture compassionate and curious Jewish learners who draw connections between themselves and to their Jewish values and rituals, to each other, to their community, and to their environment. Through hands on experiences, students learn to question, problem solve, and build a more just world.

Kesher students meet in-person from 9:30 am–12:30 p.m. on Sunday mornings. Students in second through sixth grade also meet remotely each week for small-group, focused Hebrew tutoring. Families join for an enriched Shabbat experience each month.

What a typical Sunday morning might look like:
9:30–9:45 a.m.: Z'man Kehillah (community time) in classrooms 
9:45–10:00 a.m.: Havdallah and announcements 
10:00–11:00 a.m.: Class time with grade-level cohort 
11:00–11:15 a.m.: Break and snack 
11:15–11:45 a.m.: Tefillah with Rabbi Sam Blustin
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Electives (choices may include art, cooking, nature, and more!)

Values

Ahavat Torah (Love of Torah)
We seek to inspire love and appreciation for the wisdom and guidance of our Jewish tradition. Students learn that it is their responsibility to add their voice to our collection of Jewish texts.

Kavod (Respect)
We teach and model honor and respect for all of God's creations, including ourselves.

Kehillah (Community)
We uphold that everyone has something unique to contribute. With every connection we develop, we strengthen the sacredness of our community.

Chaverut (Friendship)
We foster an environment of learning and celebration that helps create friendships that can last a lifetime.

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)
We believe that we are God's partners in perfecting the world by making it more peaceful, just, and compassionate.

Midweek Hebrew Groups

Together with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and ShalomLearning (a nationally renowned leader in Jewish Education), we bring you a program that provides top-quality teachers and excellent curriculum and instruction methods.
 
Families choose a convenient time for learners to meet with peers from the Greater Atlanta area in a small group setting. Teachers, synagogue education directors, and ShalomLearning staff work together to support student progress and maintain community connections.
  • Classes have 3–5 students
  • Up to twenty-eight 45-minute online classes
  • Flexibility and accessibility for families: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 6:30 p.m.

AHC is included in tuition for students enrolled in Kesher for grades 2–6. Additional information, including choosing your schedule, will be shared closer to the start of the school year.

Tuition

Early-bird discounts available through Thursday, June 30.  

Tuition Rates:
Gan@Kesher (3 Years Old–Pre-K): $795
Kesher (Grades K–1): $950
Kesher (Grades 2–6): $1390

We understand that joining a synagogue is a big commitment for families. Membership is not required to be part of Kesher, but non-members will be charged a fee of $100 per family. This can be applied towards membership if/when you are ready to join.

Questions? Please contact the Director of Education, Sharon Graetz (sgraetz@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5754).