Education
Gesher
Connecting school, community and Jewish learning in one engaging experience.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Gesher
Register now for our Gesher Program and secure your spot for the upcoming year! Take advantage of early-bird pricing through May 30 and enjoy a seamless blend of academics, fun and Jewish learning offered three or five days a week at the Broward Central Synagogue campus and the David Posnack JCC. Do not miss out, spaces fill quickly!
What is Gesher?
Gesher is an after-school program offered three or five days a week in place of our traditional religious school offered at the Broward Central Synagogue campus and at David Posnack JCC. Many of our Gesher students who attend at BCS are currently enrolled in the Imagine Charter School of Plantation, which is located on the Broward Central Synagogue campus, we also have students from throughout Broward County.
At the heart of Gesher
Culture is the center of a people and a nation and language is the necessary foundation to communicate that culture. Israeli culture and the national language, Hebrew, is at the center of Jewish culture. Therefore, the ability to understand and speak Hebrew helps people to fully embrace Jewish culture and identity.
Hebrew and Israel are the heart of Gesher. Through the Hebrew language, our students can be instilled with a love for Israel and an understanding of Judaism and the culture of our people. We provide a program of excellence for all of our students that incorporates technology, experiential learning, fieldtrips and many more vibrant ways to embrace the language of Am Israel.
Gesher Curriculum
There are different components to the program: Judaic studies, Torah, holidays, modern Hebrew, prayers and Israel. We have monthly themes that connect to the Jewish calendar and embrace each of these areas.
Days and Hours
- Three Day Program at the David Posnak JCC or Broward Central Synagogue
- Choose three days between Monday and Thursday - 2:30pm-4:00pm
- Four Day Program at the David Posnak JCC or Broward Central Synagogue
- Mondays through Thursdays - 2:30pm-4:00pm at the JCC Only or choose four days which could include Fridays - 2:30pm-3:30pm at BCS
- Five Day Program at Broward Central Synagogue
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Mondays and Wednesdays - 2:30pm-4:00pm
Fridays - 2:30pm-3:30pm
Curriculum
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students get to know all about our Gesher community while building lasting friendships. Over the year, students explore the many sounds of the Hebrew letters and vowels in a fun and interactive way. Every month we use Hebrew themes as a vehicle to teach the language. Some of these themes will include: my Hebrew name, the colors, the days of the week, who is in my family and much more! During the year, Hebrew will be understood through movement, art and music. Students learn all the rituals and traditions of Chaguei Israel and the mitzvot related to each chag.
First Grade
First graders build on the lessons of kindergarten, adding new concepts and information about the holidays of the Jewish calendar. Students continue their exposure to Hebrew, adding new words and developing writing and reading skills using block letters. Contemporary Israeli music and art are a central part of this class.
Second Grade
Students continue to improve their Hebrew reading and writing skills. We incorporate more Hebrew vocabulary into these lessons to provide students with the ability to build complete sentences in Hebrew. We intensify Hebrew reading comprehension and the correct use of verbs. Students explore their personal stories about Israel and their connection to the land. We introduce our students to the biblical stories of Genesis.
Third Grade
Students are introduced to formal modern Hebrew lessons. Classes include reading dialogues, acting them out, reading and singing Israeli songs and more. Students are also introduced to Hebrew script. During the year, students learn to read Shabbat blessings and Holiday blessings. Biblical stories are part of their Friday Shabbat celebrations. Together, students discover the many lessons of each parashah.
Fourth Grade
Fourth-grade students strengthen their reading and writing skills using script. Students will transition from reading sentences to reading short stories. Students will be introduced to morning prayers. The intention and meaning of the prayer are part of their learning journey.
Fifth Grade
Students explore the many ways they use the Hebrew skills they have learned over the years in Gesher. From sending Hebrew texts to their families, to decoding Hebrew recipes, we explore them all. Students will understand the importance of learning the Hebrew language as the fundamental milestone that connects the Jewish people to their past, present and future. We expect that students who transitioned through Gesher during these years gain familiarity and knowledge in Hebrew, Israel, Jewish holidays, traditions, prayers and culture as the legacy of the Jewish people.
