Today’s parents — and their children — juggle endless responsibilities. With the constant buzz of activities, technology and distractions, it can be challenging to focus on what really matters. That’s why religious school — where kids build their lifelong Jewish identities, learn values and form community — is such a meaningful investment. For families seeking to instill Jewish identity that withstands the tests of time, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s celebrated Religious School at 30 West 68th Street provides a strong foundation for the next generation.
“I want our students to appreciate what a gift it is to be Jewish,” said Rabbi Rena Rifkin, director of youth education at Stephen Wise, who calls the Religious School “a Jewish learning lab” where students uncover, examine and explore. “For those who are struggling — with your connections to Judaism, with what you believe about Israel, with prayer or whether God is real or not real — here, you’ll find a place where people understand you.”
While New York City has no shortage of options for religious education, Stephen Wise stands out for its dynamic, hands-on curriculum and commitment to engaging the entire family. Year-round opportunities include Family Shabbat Experiences, social justice initiatives like the Emergency Food Program, and so much more.
Upper West Side mom Tori Eisenberg, whose three boys play travel sports, said religious education has always been a priority. “We’re all busy, but it’s really important to carve out time for something that stays with you for your entire life, right? Travel hockey will come and go, but Jewish identity, values and traditions are a big part of who we are as a family and as a people.”
With flexible scheduling on Sundays and weekdays, Stephen Wise helped work around her family’s packed calendar. “Stephen Wise gave us so many options, including Portals,” Tori said, referring to the at-home learning option for children in grades 3–5 that her oldest son participated in during a particularly hectic year.
Despite a packed schedule of school and sports, fifth-grader Michael* prioritizes his weekly Jewish learning: “I told myself I had to make room for Religious School because I look forward to it every week and don’t want to lose something I treasure so much.”
Michael also appreciates the value of starting his Jewish education early. “My mom always says it’s better to learn more languages when you’re young. It’s the same with Jewish culture — it’ll help you later in life. If you don’t learn how to ride a bike when you’re young, isn’t it gonna be harder to learn when you’re older?”
Stephen Wise welcomes students at any stage (even sixth or seventh graders in the throes of b’nai mitzvah prep!) but does encourage starting early. The formative years are key for shaping identity and values, making early Jewish education especially impactful.
“Jewish identity building is cumulative,” said Rabbi Rifkin. “Starting early is helpful — but continuing to learn is even more important.” It breaks her heart to see Jewish education stop at age 13 — and at Stephen Wise, b’nai mitzvah aren’t seen as the finish line: with a robust Early Childhood Center and a Religious School curriculum spanning ages five to 18, the synagogue supports students through every stage of growth.
To keep teens engaged, it offers year-round opportunities –– from Shabbat schmoozes and madrichim (teaching assistant) roles to transformative domestic and international trips to places like Arizona, Alabama, Prague, Spain, Israel and beyond.
“I’m still really close with people from that trip,” said Emma*, who traveled to Prague with Stephen Wise when she was a high school senior in 2024. “Knowing everyone was Jewish and my age made me feel more comfortable being open about my Judaism and my experiences. It pushed me to examine my Jewish identity and decide how I want it to develop.”
“It’s exciting to watch these kids bring their Jewish values out into the world,” said Rabbi Rifkin. “And even more exciting for them to come back over the years and see how the seeds we planted have bloomed.”
Learn more about Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s Religious School curriculum by each grade level here, and set up a time to visit and learn more here.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of Stephen Wise students.
