Machon Yehudis Pre-school of Bayonne has opened its doors to the Jewish community in Bayonne and Jersey City.
Rabbi Menachem Schtroks, of the Congregation Ohav Zedek and the director of the Machon Yehudis Bayonne Seminary for Girls, will also serve as the director the new pre-school.
“I see a growing need for a school like this in Jersey City and Bayonne,” said Rabbi Schtroks.
Rochel Schtroks, wife of the rabbi and principal of the pre-school, said that the institution is designed to help young Jewish children learn about their heritage, and that those already in the process will continue to “grow and flourish.”
“The kids arrive each morning with smiles on their faces,” said Henry Hoffinger, a teacher at the school. “The atmosphere is amazing.”
After years of a declining Jewish population in Bayonne and Jersey City, Rabbi Schtroks said he sees a new generation emerging here and that schools dedicated to instruction of the Jewish faith are once again needed. This pre-school is designed to fulfill that need.
Ruth Barlach, a long time resident of Bayonne and an active participant in the Jewish community, called this one of the best things that has happened in Bayonne in some time.
“I see a growing need for a school like this in Jersey City and Bayonne.” – Rabbi Menachem Schtroks
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Through these, he said, the children are instilled with knowledge of the Torah and work to strengthen their Jewish heritage.
He said the school is fully accredited and that the teachers are experienced. Yet, the idea is also to provide a warm and nurturing environment where children can learn.
Parents, he said, play a large role in this, and teachers seek to go beyond ordinary lessons that provide a sensory experience – which will help develop the children’s cognitive and motor skills, and emphasize problem solving and life skills as well.
The program includes music, exercise, drama, baking, art, indoor and outdoor play, story time and other activities. Two meals are included.
School hours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Friday is “Bade Day,” where children bake challah and hold a Shabbat party. There is an option for early morning and late evening working parents, as well as a provision for part time students. On Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m., mothers are invited to join children at the school for a special program.
The school also hosts a Jewish lending library, which has a collection of Jewish books on parenting, marriage, self help, spirituality, kosher cookbooks, novels and more. The facility has a lounge area where people can read.
For more information, call (201) 858-1664.