Not often will a child list an educational program as the highlight of their week. But that’s exactly what Myriam Slattery says. For years, Myriam’s mother would drive her from Colchester to Glastonbury for afternoon lessons at the Glastonbury Jewish Academy (GJA), an afternoon religious school for Jewish children ages 4-12.

“It was the highlight of my week,” says Myriam, now an GJA alum. “I was able to connect with my tradition and meet many other Jewish children right here in our community.”

And that’s the point, says GJA Director Yehudis Wolvovsky.

“Our primary goal is to bring out a love for Judaism in our students. We want them to enjoy their Jewish experience and connect to their heritage with a sense of pride. We accomplish this by making every lesson fun, stimulating and meaningful,” Wolvovsky explains. “We love kids! When they feel that, they connect to what they are learning.”

The GJA curriculum explores Jewish history and tradition using hands-on activities such as art projects, cooking activity and dramatic plays. The school also specializes in teaching students to read Hebrew, using games, crafts and manipulatives that help students remember their new skills.

For information or to register for the September term, contact ChabadER.com/GJA, call (860) 833-6451 or email Yehudis@ChabadER.com.