Shoresh Shabbat School

“Shoresh” means “root,” symbolizing strong foundations in Jewish identity. Our engaging, experiential Friday-night school immerses children in Shabbat rituals — Torah study, blessings, communal meals, prayer, and family services — so they feel at home in Jewish life from an early age. By graduation, students are confident and comfortable participating in Jewish spaces wherever life leads.

Shoresh provides hands-on, project-based Jewish learning for Kindergarten through 10th grade learners. Kindergarten through 7th grade learners meet most Friday afternoons, culminating in our weekly family Shabbat service. Shoresh families love our focus on Shabbat — Judaism’s built-in break from the busy week — and coming together to welcome Shabbat with friends. Shoresh is an inclusive and diverse environment where interfaith families, Jews of color, Jews by choice, LGBTQ+ families and learners, and many others find a home for Jewish learning.

FAQs About Shoresh

Our Kindergarten-7th grade program meets most Fridays 4:00-6:30 PM, about 3x per month.

Tot Shabbat, Madrichim in Training, and Confirmation meet on Saturday mornings once a month.

Community Adventures meets on eight Sunday mornings throughout the school year.

Shoresh starts in September, after weekday schools commence, allowing time to adjust. Some Fridays may have Shoresh while your child’s school is off.

5:40pm – Community candle lighting.

5:45-6:25pm – Shabbat Service! Learners and families connect with prayers, songs, stories, and each other.

6:25pm – Kiddush and motzi.

Here is a link to the Shoresh Calendar 2026-2027

From time to time dates may change; watch this space to add the Shoresh calendar to your Google Calendar.

📅 Shoresh Tuition Includes:

  • Friday sessions (3x/month, Sept–May) taught by experienced educators

  • Holiday programs (including High Holy Days)

  • Snacks and materials

  • Administration including curriculum, staff professional development, grant management, communication, documentation, etc.

Non-Member Tuition (and true cost per child): $2,190

Possible Discounts:

  • Member Tuition: $1,095 (50% subsidized)

  • First-time Shoresh families: $250 discount

  • Families enrolled in both IJE and Shoresh: $100 discount per household

Contact shoresh@kamii.org to request these discounts.

Learners often carpool or use other transportation options. Contact Elisa at elisa@kamii.org to connect with families from the same school.

📘 Hebrew@Home (2nd–6th Grades)

Build Hebrew reading and prayer fluency for B’nai Mitzvah prep and Jewish life.

Hebrew@Home connects Shoresh learners with Hebrew tutors for one-on-one half-hour weekly sessions. During this time learners learn to decode Hebrew and study prayers. All learners need to learn these skills prior to their B’nai Mitzvah.

Tuition: $400 members (50% subsidized) / $800 non-members for 20 sessions of 30 minutes each.

Shoresh welcomes everyone. KAM Isaiah Israel members receive a Shoresh discount and additional benefits. Financial assistance is available.

Mixed-age groups foster community building. We aim to enhance relationships among learners and their connection to the congregation.

Content & Learning

At Shoresh, we prioritize connection and community-building. Learners feel supported and connected through tailored content and individualized attention. Our team includes specialists and Madrichim (teen assistants) to provide additional support when needed.

All children are welcome and included at Shoresh. We adapt our sessions to cater to diverse learning styles. Our relationship-focused approach ensures a welcoming environment. We closely communicate with families to address specific needs. Please contact the Director to talk about the specifics of how to help your child thrive at Shoresh.

Shoresh is a comprehensive program that begins in Kindergarten and extends through 10th grade. Starting early allows children to explore Jewish identity and rituals, providing essential learning and community-building opportunities. We encourage early registration to fully benefit from the foundation we provide for Jewish education.

Regular participation in Shabbat services aids in learning Hebrew prayers and how to pray.