The Portsmouth United Religious School (PURS) is a successful experiment in community Jewish education. For many years, Temple Sinai has been operating a joint religious school with a local Conservative congregation. The school meets for thirtysome Sunday sessions each year. PURS offers classes from the pre-school level through the Ninth Grade. Students then are attached to their respective congregations for the Tenth Grade, Confirmation year.Two decades ago, a group of dedicated visionaries from each congregation held a series of meetings to iron out the ground rules and goals for this venture. Their efforts led to the formation of a pedagogic experience which has gladdened the hearts of the entire Portsmouth Jewish community by bringing a solid Jewish education to hundreds of our students.Led by the indefatigable Kitty Wolf-Steinberg as Principal, dozens of volunteer teachers, specialty instructors, and high school aides have brought a high degree of commitment to their various tasks of providing students with the beauties and challenges of our heritage.
A Unique Family Education Supplement
For the past several years, PURS has introduced a highly innovative element to its educational accomplishments. A Family Education Program has been designed for bringing family units together to share in the joys of learning. Five times each year, in place of a regular Sunday session, the school presents instructional sessions in which all of our students’ family members (whether or not congregationally affiliated) are invited to attend as a family where they learn, sing, eat, create, and share together in family groupings.These special sessions are devoted to helping families experience their Judaism in ways that can easily be transorted back to their individual homes and translated into more enhanced Jewish living. Each session is developed around a broad theme for the fullest expression of comprehensive coverage. Our educational specialists have helped develop Family Education themes such as: Tikun Olam, Jewish Names, Mitzvot & The Environment, Family Traditions, The Jewish Home, A Trip to Israel, Shabbat Observances, Life Cycle Events, Tsedakah, The Calendar, Service to the Community, as well as a number of remarkable holiday celebrations.
Truly Exceptional Benefits
This total religious school experience has served many purposes. It has brought a significant level of Jewish learning to our children. It has aided in bringing Jewish practice and knowledge into the home. It has infused parents with the spirit to carry on where the school programs leave off. Perhaps most importantly of all, it has brought the two congregations closer together. Because of it, we all feel a greater sense of Jewish community cohesiveness as we face the future.If you would like more information, please call the temple office.
