The Lev Shalem School 2026-27

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At the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, our Lev Shalem School offers a warm, inclusive, and vibrant environment where children of all ages can embark on a joyful journey of Jewish exploration together. Our name, Lev Shalem (whole heart) reflects our commitment to being a full, open hearted space for learning, growing, and supporting one another. We are a spiritual community for young people to explore spiritual practice, commune with nature and song, wrestle with Torah, and build their own relationship to Jewish identity and values. Throughout the academic year, from September 2026 through May 2027, students will gather for an enriching experience with Judaism, and to learn and grow as a community. 

The Lev Shalem School is divided into: the Lev Shalem Learners (ages 7-12), and the Lev Shalem Youngsters (ages 3-6), and the Be-a-Mitzvah class. Programs are described in detail below, and the full school calendar can be found at the bottom of the page.

Lev Shalem Learners (ages 7-12):

The Lev Shalem Learners class meets once a week on Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with exceptions for holidays, and our special Saturday Shabbat Chevruta classes. 

Lev Shalem Learners Standard Schedule (Tuesdays):

• • 4-4:30pm – Arrival time with snacks, outdoor play, and a nature walk / activity when weather permits
  • 4:35-5:15pm – Hebrew Learning (Group A with Elissa, Group B with Bonnie)*
  • 5:15pm- 10 minute break
  • 5:25-5:55pm – Torah Study (Group A with Elissa, Group B with Rabbi Karen)*
  • 5:55pm- 10 minute break
  • 6:05pm – Ma’ariv Service with Hazzan Raechel
  • 6:30pm – Dismissal

*The Lev Shalem Learners class will spend half of their time together as one learning community, and half the time into two focused study groups based on age and learning preferences.

Shabbat Chevruta, First Fridays, and Holidays:

On Shabbat Chevruta days, the Lev Shalem Learners class will gather on Saturday morning from 10 AM to 12:30 PM for a Shabbat experience. Students will be integrated within the full community service, as well as engage in their own Torah study, prayer, and movement inside and outside of the classroom. There will also be time spent communing with the beautiful nature trails that surround our sanctuary. We are excited for students to develop their own relationship with study and spiritual practice on Shabbat. Parents are encouraged to participate in services on Shabbat Chevruta mornings as well. 2026-27 Shabbat Chevruta dates: Saturday, November 14th, 2026, Saturday, January 23rd, 2027 (Tu Bishvat), and Saturday, May 15th, 2027.

Lev Shalem Learners students are also encouraged to attend First Friday Family services, at 6pm on the First Friday of every month.

Other Lev Shalem Learners Holiday Gatherings:

• • Simchat Torah celebration (Saturday, October 3rd, 7-9pm)
  • Hanukkah party (Tuesday, December 8th, 6-7:30pm – class starts as usual at 4pm, families invited to join at 6pm)
  • Purim Carnival (Sunday, March 21st, 12-3pm) 

Lev Shalem School Youngsters (ages 3-6):

Lev Shalem Youngsters is our weekly programming for students ages 3-6. The Youngsters group meets on Wednesdays from 3:45-5 PM, with the exception of the first week of the month, when students have a special class at 5pm before First Friday family services. The central theme of the program is chesed: loving-kindness. Youngsters will engage with Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and Jewish values through nature, play, art, and song.

Lev Shalem Youngsters Standard Schedule (Wednesdays):

• • 3:45-4:00pm – Arrival time with snacks, outdoor play, and a nature walk / activity when weather permits
  • 4:00pm – Mincha service with Elissa
  • 4:15pm – Jewish storytime
  • 4:30pm – Daily craft / activity
  • 5pm – Dismissal

Elements of the Lev Shalem School Curriculum:

• Snack and Outdoor Play: Our sessions kick off with a nutritious snack, outdoor playtime, and a walk or activity in the woods on our WJC Peace Trail (weather permitting). We cherish this time each week, understanding the importance of physical and creative activity in nurturing your child’s learning journey. 
• Jewish Values & Identity: Our weekly classes are designed as an immersion to expose students to various ways of embodying Judaism: through practices, values, spirituality, mitzvot, and Jewish time. Student will have a chance to develop their own sense of Jewish identity, while engaging in communal practices.
• Hebrew Learning: Hebrew language literacy is a weekly focus in our Tuesday Learners class. Group A, led by Elissa, will focus on the Aleph Bet and the basic blessings. Group B, led by Bonnie, will practice more advanced Hebrew reading and fluency. (The Youngsters Wednesday program includes a basic introduction to Jewish symbols & letters.) If students are interested in additional Hebrew study, they are encouraged to enroll in private Hebrew reading and writing lessons, which take place in biweekly 30 minute sessions on Zoom. Zoom Hebrew reading classes are recommended for students age 11 and older, especially if preparing to join the Be-a-Mitzvah class, and are offered for an additional cost of $300 per year. 
• Torah study: The cycle of the Torah will guide us through the year together. During Tuesday Learners class, Group A, led by Elissa, will focus on creativity, story-telling, and listening and questioning. Group B, led by Rabbi Karen. will focus on wrestling with the Torah and healthy discourse. 
• Tefillah Time: Each week, the entire class will come together to finish the day in prayer with Hazzan Raechel, for Ma’ariv evening service. (Youngsters practice afternoon Mincha with Elissa). We will spend time singing, moving, and learning the prayers of our Siddur. Davenning practice is an important part of the learning and connecting we do together.
• Stories from larger community: This year, we are beginning a monthly initiative to invite members of the WJC community to come speak to our Tuesday Learners students about their memories of Hebrew School, the development of their Jewish identity, and how they practice Judaism as an adult. (Please let us know if you are interested in being a guest in this special program.)

The teachers:

Elissa Maas Weinzimmer – Elissa has been an educator for more than two decades, and is delighted to step into the role of School Coordinator and Lead Teacher of the Lev Shalem School. Elissa will lead the Learners class on Tuesdays, focusing on the Aleph Bet, basic prayers, and developing spirituality and Jewish identity. She will also lead the Youngsters class on Wednesdays, focused on play, ritual, and chesed, loving-kindness.

Rabbi Karen Levine – Rabbi Karen has been the congregation’s Rabbi since 2024, and is a longtime member of the WJC community. We are so lucky to have her imparting her wisdom to our students … she will lead Lev Shalem Learners in Torah study, exploring the cycle of the Jewish year, and is also the lead teacher of the Be-a-Mitzvah class.

Hazzan Raechel Rosen – Hazzan Raechel is the Hazzan (Cantor) of the WJC, and has been serving in this capacity since 2023. She helped to found the Lev Shalem School, and is here to collaborate on vision and support our students and families. She will be focusing on tefillah (prayer), music, and spirituality with the Lev Shalem Learners, and will lead a weekly service at the end of the Tuesday school day.

Bonnie Meadow – Bonnie is better known at WJC for her musical and service leading contributions, but she has been teaching Hebrew and Judaic exploration for many years. She delights in breaking down the words of our prayers and blessings for greater understanding and inspiring a love of Hebrew. She will be working with the Lev Shalem Learners on Tuesdays, in addition to her ongoing role as a Be-a-Mitzvah tutor.

Tuition: 

The 2026-2027 tuition for the Lev Shalem School is as follows:

Lev Shalem Learners (ages 7-12): $800 per student

Lev Shalem Youngsters (ages 3-6): $550 per student

A deposit of $100 is due upon registration ($50 for Lev Shalem Youngsters). For families with multiple children the Lev Shalem Learners or Youngsters group, each additional child enrolled receives a tuition discount of 25% (does not apply to the B a Mitzvah program). 

All Lev Shalem Learners families are expected to be or become members in good standing to participate in the Lev Shalem School. (Membership is encouraged but not required for Lev Shalem Youngsters families.)

For students who would like more Hebrew study time, we offer bi-weekly private Hebrew tutoring for an additional payment of $300.*

The WJC is committed to cost not being an obstacle to Jewish engagement. If your family would like to participate in the school, and tuition is a barrier, please reach out to Tara at admin@wjcshul.org. 

*This option was previously required for students over 11. In the 2026-2027 calendar, we have now added Hebrew reading comprehension to our weekly curriculum. 

Questions? Want to have a conversation?

Contact Elissa Maas Weinzimmer with your questions, ideas, or thoughts at elissa@wjcshul.org. 

For more information about the Be-a-Mitzvah program, please contact Rabbi Karen at rabbi.karen@wjcshul.org.

For all financial concerns, reach out to our administrator Tara at admin@wjcshul.org. 

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you into our Community of a Full Heart, Kehillat Lev Shalem. 

—

Lev Shalem School Calendar, 2026-2027:

 

Lev Shalem Learners Class Calendar (ages 7-12)

Regular classes are held on Tuesdays from 4-6:30pm. Special sessions are in bold, families are invited & encouraged to participate. Time off is in italics.

September 2026:

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 4-6:30pm 

October 2026:

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7-9pm, Simchat Torah Celebration

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 4-6:30pm

November 2026: 

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 4-6:30pm

No class, November 10th

Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 10:00am-12:30pm, Shabbat Chevruta

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 4-6:30pm 

No class, November 24th, Thanksgiving Week

December 2026:

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 4-6:30pm 

Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 4-6pm class, followed by 6-7:30pm Hanukkah Party

Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 4-6:30pm 

No classes, December 22nd or 29th, Winter Break

January 2027:

Tuesday, January 5, 2027 | 4-6:30pm 

Tuesday, January 12, 2027 | 4-6:30pm 

Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | 4-6:30pm 

Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 10am-12:30pm, Shabbat Chevruta (Tu BiShvat)

No class, January 26th

February 2027:

Tuesday, February 2, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, February 9, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

No class, February 16, Spring Break

Tuesday, February 23, 2027 | 4-6:30pm 

March 2027:

Tuesday, March 2, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, March 9, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, March 16, 2027 | 4-6:30pm 

Sunday, March 21, 2027 | 12-3pm, Purim Carnival (class at 12pm, Carnival starts at 1pm)

No class, March 23rd

Tuesday, March 30, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

 April 2027:

Tuesday, April 6, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, April 13, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

No classes, April 20th or 27th, Passover

May 2027:

Tuesday, May 4, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Tuesday, May 11, 2027 | 4-6:30pm

Saturday, May 15, 2027 | 10am-12:30pm, Shabbat Chevruta

No class, May 18th

Tuesday, May 25, 2027 | 4-6:30pm (last class of the year)

First Friday Family Services:

Lev Shalem Learners Families are also encouraged to attend our monthly First Friday Intergenerational Shabbat Community Service and Dinner. First Friday services are followed by a community dinner; bring your favorite vegetarian dish to share:

Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

No First Friday Service on January 1st, 2027

Friday, February 5, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, March 5, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, April 2, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, May 7, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Friday, June 4, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

 

Lev Shalem Youngsters Class Calendar (ages 3-6)

Regular classes are held on Wednesday from 3:45-5pm. Special sessions are in bold, families are invited & encouraged to participate. Time off is in italics.

September 2026:

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

October 2026:

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

November 2026:

No class, November 4th

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

No class, November 25th, Thanksgiving Week

December 2026:

No class, December 2nd

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | 3:45-5pm, Hanukkah party

Wednesday, December 16, 2026 | 3:45-5pm

No classes, December 23rd or 30th, Winter Break

January 2027:

No First Friday, January 1st, New Years Day

Wednesday, January 6, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, January 13, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

February 2027:

No class, February 3rd

Friday, February 5, 2027 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, February 10, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

No class, February 17, Spring Break

Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

March 2027:

No class, March 3rd

Friday, March 5, 2027 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, March 10, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, March 17, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Sunday, March 21, 2027 | 12-3pm, Purim Carnival (class at 12pm, Carnival starts at 1pm)

No classes, March 24th or 31st

April 2027:

Friday, April 2, 2027 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, April 7, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, April 14, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

No classes, April 21st or 28th, Passover

May 2027:

No class, May 5th

Friday, May 7, 2027 | 5-6pm class, followed by optional First Friday Family Service

Wednesday, May 12, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, May 19, 2027 | 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, May 26, 2027 | 3:45-5pm (last class of the year)

 

Be-a-mitzvah Class Calendar

September 2026:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

October 2026:

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7–8:30pm, Simchat Torah Celebration and Hakafot

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10am–12pm, Sydney Roomberg B’mitzvah

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

November 2026:

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

December 2026:

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 6-7:30pm

January 2027:

Tuesday, January 12, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, January 26, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

February 2027:

Tuesday, February 9, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, February 23, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

March 2027:

Tuesday, March 9,  2027 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, March 30, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

April 2027:

Tuesday, April 13,  2027 | 6-7:30pm

May 2027:

Tuesday, May 4, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, May 18, 2027 | 6-7:30pm

In addition to these required attendances students must attend a total of 7 Shabbat morning services to be completed by May 22, 2027. Students must attend at least one service on each of the following holidays: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot.