3rd-5th Grade

Shaare Emeth Religious School’s 3rd-5th Grade Program

Bringing Judaism to Life in 3-D

Starting in 3rd grade, we move in a new direction that grows as our students mature and evolve.

One of our guiding principles is to be flexible and to meet students where they are as often as possible. We know that our lives are busy and that we share the same goal: to prepare our children to lead well-rounded lives as people and as Jews. We want their religious education to be deep and meaningful in content, as well as a realistic, thoughtful commitment of your time and energy.

Our 3rd-5th Grade Program provides multiple choices and options for each family. You have the opportunity to choose the one that makes the most sense for you!

  • To meet our educational goals, our standard expectation for all 3rd-5th Graders is that they meet twice a week, with a focus on community building time, deep study of Hebrew prayer, and the opportunity to explore a variety of Jewish content themes through interactive, rich learning experiences. You can attend our flagship Sunday & Midweek Program, choosing either Tuesday or Wednesday for your Midweek day for all 3rd-5th Graders.
  • Our 4th and 5th Graders are also invited, as needed, to participate in a Sunday-only option, where our students attend class from 9-11 a.m. and continue through the afternoon until 12:30 p.m. for their second round of Hebrew and Judaics.
  • We invite you to consider your options now as you plan for the next school year. Discuss them with your child, think about your other activities and commitments, and explore the possibilities. We recommend that you choose the track that maximizes the possibility of your child(ren) attending on-site as often as possible. This will allow them to get the most out of their learning and build their comfort and confidence.
 

What Happens in 3rd-5th Grade?

On Sunday mornings, learners attend every week as they begin a deeper study of Hebrew centered on the prayers of our prayerbook. Learners work in small groups to work together on Hebrew decoding skills and become familiar with the core prayers of our worship services. We also explore what these prayers mean and how we can find our own connections to prayer, which is in some ways even more crucial!
 
Each grade level also focuses on a curricular theme for the year that helps them explore new Jewish ideas and stories, including Israel, global Jewish history, biblical texts, and the holidays. Families are invited to join us throughout the year to learn alongside their children and participate in programs together.
 

During our Midweek/Extended Day Sunday sessions, we draw on the most exciting elements of contemporary Jewish educational experiences to integrate even more rich content and reinforce what they are learning on Sunday mornings.

  • Our students learn Hebrew in smaller groups based on their needs and abilities.
  • Learners participate in a t’filah prayer experience with our clergy and songleaders.
  • MIDWEEK ONLY – Our Judaics curriculum is taught through immersive experiences based on different Jewish themes in different modalities including art, music, cooking, play, and more! Our elective model encourages students to choose their own adventure.

Ready to Register?

Click Here for Registration Info

Questions?

Contact Rabbi Lori Levine

Schedules

Sunday Schedule

Sundays • 9–11 a.m.

Sunday Extended Day Schedule

Sundays • 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Midweek Schedule

Tuesdays or Wednesdays
4:15–6 p.m.

ABOUT

Leanne & Harvey Schneider

2026 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Harvey and Leanne Schneider have devoted their lives to strengthening both the Jewish and broader St. Louis communities through leadership, service, education, and a deep commitment to bringing people together.

A St. Louis native, Harvey Schneider attended local public schools before earning both his undergraduate business degree and law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Following graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After five years of federal service, he returned to St. Louis and became a partner in private law practice. Over a legal career spanning more than five decades, Harvey represented family-owned businesses and private individuals in a wide range of business matters.

Harvey’s commitment to civic and Jewish communal life has been equally extensive. He has served as President of Congregation Shaare Emeth, the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, the Central Agency for Jewish Education, the Little Symphony Concerts Association, and the Forever Young Club at the Missouri Athletic Club. In addition, he dedicated 26 years to public service on the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Town and Country, including three years as chairman.

After graduating from Washington University, Leanne Schneider spent a year studying in France. Upon her return to St. Louis, she became deeply involved in international student exchange programs, first with the Experiment in International Living and later with AFS, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections among people of different backgrounds. This commitment to building bridges naturally extended to her involvement with the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.

Leanne also taught French and Spanish at Brittany Junior High School before she and Harvey started their family. Throughout the years, she has shared her passion for education and community service by tutoring New Americans through the English Language School, serving on Congregation Shaare Emeth’s first Caring Committee, and volunteering as a reader with Ready Readers. Today, she continues to nurture her love of learning and literature through a book club that includes many members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Together, Harvey and Leanne have exemplified a lifetime of generosity, service, and leadership. Their dedication to education, interfaith understanding, civic engagement, and Jewish communal life has enriched countless lives throughout St. Louis. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of four, and their enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations.