More About Us
The Released Time Jewish Hour Program offers fun and engaging Jewish classes for students in public schools across NYC. The weekly classes occur every Wednesday during the last hour of the school day, and operate within every NYC public school.
The weekly Jewish hour programs are led by dedicated rabbinical instructors who bring the children to synagogues and Jewish centers near the public schools. The programs are meaningful and educational filled with Torah learning and hands on exciting holiday projects.
Psychologists and educators agree that a sound religious education is the key to developing healthy long lasting character traits. Federal law protects the right of any recognized religious group to teach its principle's to public school students who elect to join.
The Jewish Released Time program is the flagship program of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE). Since its inception in 1941, the program has educated more than a quarter of a million Jewish boys and girls throughout New York with a fun and meaningful Torah education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my child learn at the classes?
- Your child will practice being grateful by learning and singing the Jewish prayers.
- Your child will appreciate their heritage by learning about the Torah with hands on weekly projects.
- Your child will develop a love for Jewish traditions by learning about the Jewish holidays and history.
- Most of all, your child will gain a strong Jewish pride that will remain with them forever.
Who are the teachers at the Jewish Released Time program?
- Our teachers are trained Rabbinical instructors. They are the most loving and energetic Rabbis!
Why Should I send my child to the program?
- To instill within them a Jewish pride and heritage and to enable them to learn the Jewish prayers and customs so that they can grow to be proud and educated Jews.
Can anyone join the Jewish Released Time program?
- Jewish Released Time is a program catered specifically for Jewish children. Jewish Law states that the mother of the child transmits the Jewish identity over to the children. There is no Religious obligation on the part of the child or parents when you register for the Jewish Released program.
When does the program take place?
- Every Wednesday during the last hour of the public school day. Children are returned to their respective schools before dismissal.
Where do the programs take place?
- At a synagogue or Jewish Center near your Childs school.
How are the children transported to the classes and then home?
- Our trained instructors accompany the children to their classes. Some schools by foot and some by vehicle. Jewish Released Time has van services and busses for this purpose. Each school has different dismissal arrangements.
Will my child be missing out on important school time?
- According to the NYC Board of Education children may not be missing out on important academics as a result of attending Released Time. Click here to read the Chancellor's Regulations.
I would really like my child to go to a full time Jewish School, does Jewish Released Time offer this service?
- At Jewish Released Time we have a full time office helping Public School parents finding the right Yeshiva and financial aid for their Child.
Even the New York Board of Education gives your child a chance to be exposed to their religion.
Click Here to see how your child is protected from missing out on vital academics while enhancing their Jewish Education.
