Hebrew school expands program
 By Shani McManus Journal Staff Writer




With activities ranging from oceanography, music lessons and computers to drama, culinary arts and karate, the Jewish School of the Arts, located at Chabad of Palm Beach, is expanding its after-school program to three days a week. Combining a plethora of activities for children at all levels, the school makes going to Hebrew school a lot more interesting and fun, says Chanie Ezagui, director of the school. The program will now increase to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

"If your child is not receiving a Jewish education, they can get it here, and, at the same time, have loads of fun doing all kinds of creative activities," she says. "For those already getting a religious education, the activities at our school are amazing, all with a professional staff in a wonderful Jewish atmosphere. Parents don't have to exhaust themselves traveling from one after-school activity to the next. They can get it all in one place."

With training from the Bank Street College in New York City, and more than 20 years experience in the field of education, Ezagui says she has helped create a quality, well-rounded progressive program that caters to the needs of each individual child.

"Besides the regular learning skills taught through hands-on experience, we incorporate modern technology for children in this fast-paced world," she says. "Our 13 staff members are well trained and certified in their field of technology, and understand the developmental issues applicable to age level of the child. Sending your child to the Jewish School of the Arts ensures your child will have the best of both worlds - a love of Judaism, in addition to being well-equipped to flourish in today's world."

Parent Sandy Morris, a skin specialist from Jupiter, has two children, Bennie, 5, and Andrew, 4, in the preschool and says she is happy with the School of the Arts.

"The school provides a solid education, with seasoned professionals in a genuinely warm and caring environment," she says.

In addition, Morris says, she feels confident, when she leaves her children in the morning, that she's leaving them in good hands.

"Aside from learning their ABCs and numbers, they learn to be good people, which is very much needed in today's world," she says. "This comes from the individualized attention, and the emphasis on the importance of good character."

Children don't have to be Orthodox to attend the schools, she adds. "Even though the school is run by Chabad, it welcomes everyone in a non-pressuring way. Those who attend the School of the Arts are from various backgrounds, from unaffiliated to mixed marriages. It's just a warm and comfortable Jewish atmosphere for children to grow." Jason Frances, 11, from West Palm Beach, also attends the school and enjoys going.

"This place was better than any other place I've been to," he says. "The program is more fun. In other places, you have to be a certain age to take part in certain activities. At the School of the Arts and the camp, you're allowed to do any activity you want to. It is never boring." Because of the success of the after-school program, Ezagui says the school is now offering a full-time elementary school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade 8. The Jewish School of the Arts is a school worth considering, Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui says.

"It is a school that has an established reputation in the community. It's been 18 years since the inception of Chabad in Palm Beach, and hundreds of children have received a high-quality Jewish and secular education," he says. "Our program is known for its high-tech, high quality education. In our beautiful, 11,000-square-foot building, newly renovated with a brand new playground and gymnasium, the student thrives and loves coming to an environment that is warm, Jewish and where all their educational needs are met."

For more information, call 561-624-7004.