Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford is welcoming back its Religious School after three years of participation at B’nai Abraham in Meriden. “Our school is still in partnership with B’nai Abraham,” says Alida Cella, President of Beth Israel, “But the enrollment numbers have shifted, and it now makes more sense for the school sessions to happen at Beth Israel.”

The Sunday sessions will be taught by a husband and wife team: Deborah Lurie Edery, a long time New Haven area resident, and Jacob Edery, who grew up in Israel and served in the IDF. The couple co-taught Hebrew school in western Connecticut for 20 years. “We have complementary skills,” says Deborah Lurie Edery, “Jacky can teach advanced prayers, reading and Israeli history first hand, in addition to Hebrew vocabulary, music, dance, and drama. I can teach beginning reading as well as crafts, storytelling, and I find fun relevant videos to show and teach holiday traditions and Bible.” Edery has been with Beth Israel since 2009. “We are pleased that Deborah is staying on with us,” says Cella. “We have so enjoyed the energy and creativity she brings into the classroom.”

Midweek sessions for students in 3rd grade and up will be led by the synagogue’s rabbi, Rabbi Bruce Alpert. Each week he will be leading a Torah Talk followed by a relevant Topic Discussion. “Rabbi Alpert is beloved by our synagogue because he is so insightful, and so intellectual,” says Cella. “He has a gift for being able to engage his audience. I am excited that he will be working directly with the students. I think they are going to benefit tremendously from this experience as it’s a rare opportunity to be taught by such a gifted teacher.”

For anyone interested in enrolling their children, the school starts at age 4. All are welcome to a Parents Informational Meeting on Sunday, June 7th at 10am, at Beth Israel, 22 N. Orchard St, Wallingford. Synagogue membership is not required for the first year students are enrolled in the school; it is required thereafter. Please visit www.bethisraelwallingford.org for more information or contact Alida Cella at s_alida@hotmail.com or 203-949-8656.