Sha’are Tikvah Classes

About

Sha’are Tikva – The Sephardi Talmud Torah (formerly the S&P Heder) – has been educating the youth of our historic community since the 17th Century, making it the oldest and longest running institution of Jewish learning in the UK.

The Sunday Talmud Torah is an integral part of our community. It is where we engage our youngest, educating them in the values of Judaism and the traditions of the Sephardic community. It is based at Lauderdale Road Synagogue, Maida Vale which enables our school to use all of the facilities on-site including the synagogues, library, halls, outdoor courtyard.

We are open for all Jewish children aged 3 – 13. Classes meet from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on most Sunday mornings from September to June.

For more information contact Headteacher Orah Soller on [email protected] or call 020 7481 7821.

TUITION AND REGISTRATION

All Jewish children are welcome to attend our classes. Membership at the S&P is not required to enroll, although there is a tuition reduction for those who are. Please note that membership is required to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitsvah at one of our synagogues.

Annual Tuition

£500 – Members
£750 – Non-Members

To register for the classes for 2023/2024 please fill out our online form available here.

For any inquiries please contact Orah at [email protected].

Additional information…

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 

The day begins with a school-wide assembly in the main Synagogue that is followed by two halves to each morning, separated by break and a snack.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Assembly in Main Synagogue

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM – First Half of Morning

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM – Break and Snack

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Second Half of Morning

PHILOSOPHY

Judaism is core to our identity as Jewish people. When properly understood it informs and inspires the choices we make and how we conduct our lives. We believe Judaism calls on us to participate in and contribute to larger society, strengthening the brotherhood of man. We inspire learning through our unique Sephardi traditions and melodies to reach for and connect to something higher, always leading us upwards to continually improve ourselves.

Our school believes in the capacity of our students to excel. We encourage children to challenge their perceived limits, to make the most of their Sunday mornings with us. We believe that children prefer attending Heder when they are challenged, not just entertained. We create a warm and encouraging environment where children feel safe to explore, question, and aspire. With us they can connect with their faith, friends, teachers, and traditions.

CURRICULUM

 Years 1 – 7: Primary Education

Our curriculum is structured to ensure that children progress in their studies from year to year and are challenged to excel in our warm and friendly environment.

Our studies include the traditional focus on the weekly Torah portion and Jewish festivals, ensuring our children are familiar with their rituals and meaning. Hebrew reading is considered essential and so we employ extra reading instructors to work alongside our classroom teachers. Together, children learn the words to our prayers and their accompanying melodies.

We are committed to providing our students with rich content and professional materials. Each year students’ progress through materials prepared by Behrman House Publishers. From years 2-7 students work incrementally through ‘The Explorer’s Bible’ Volumes 1 and 2 and ‘The History of the Jewish People’ Volumes 1 and 2, supplemented with an in-depth focus on the history of Anglo-Jewry. Collectively, these texts provide our children with a rich study of our people’s story from Genesis through to the founding of the State of Israel.

Our school day consists of a variety of learning methods including formal modes of learning and informal educational experiences such as group prayer with music and discussion, and holiday events and parties for Rosh Hashanah, Succot, Hanukkah, Purim and Pesah.

Computers in each room encourage students to explore their Judaism on the web, to develop Hebrew reading skills and to gain competence in creating presentations on various Jewish themes using PowerPoint.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the synagogue youth programme on Shabbat mornings and at special events, culminating in an annual Shabbaton run by the children of the Heder.

The academic year reaches its climax with an annual Prize Day, where students present aspects of their year’s study to the entire school and their families, and receive a gift marking their achievement.

BAR AND BAT MITSVAH

For Bar/Bat Mitsvah we have a joint programme with other local synagogues to provide a well-rounded Jewish education but also provide additional lessons through-out the year on Sephardi culture, values and Mitsvot.

Please note that membership is required to celebrate this milestone at one of our synagogues. In anticipation, parents are also expected to enroll their child at our Heder at an early stage, unless they attend a Jewish school.

For more information about celebrating a life cycle event with us or becoming a member contact Diana Zelouf at [email protected].