Religious Education

The Union School for Interfaith Families focuses on Jewish and Catholic traditions, history, and beliefs for children in grades K-8. However, as an inclusive community, we welcome families of all faith backgrounds and traditions, and hope that our programs will equip all interfaith families to navigate their own religious journeys.

Classes are taught by parents and supplemented with a music program (grades K-2), speakers, and various educational opportunities.

Children are encouraged to partake in our First Communion Program for children in 2nd grade (although this program can be completed at any age) and Hebrew Classes (grades 3-8). Both programs are optional and meet before regular Sunday School hours.

Sunday school meets twice a month. During these sessions, we offer babysitting services for children not yet in kindergarten and foster dialogue through adult education.

Curriculum Overview

Educational topics are taught in an age-appropriate manner, expanding in scope as the children advance in age, and include:

Grades K-5

Holidays of both faiths
Basic elements and philosophies of Jewish and Christian worship and rituals
Who is God? How does God relate to our lives?
What is a spiritual journey?

Grades 6-8

What is morality and how do we make right choices in life?
How does God fit into our life choices?
Traditional stories from the Old and New Testament and how they relate to our lives today
Life passage rituals, sacraments and traditions of both religious traditions
Understanding Jesus and his teachings (this is taught through a historical perspective with a Jewish approach to learning)
The problems that have occurred and continue to occur between Christians and Jews
How to make ethical and moral choices

Adult Education

While the children are in class, we offer a robust adult education series for parents.