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Gateways is proud to be a beneficiary
of Combined Jewish Philanthropies
and grateful to the Ruderman Family Foundation and the Slingshot Fund
for their generous support.
Jewish Education Programs
Sunday Program
The Sunday Program offers a multisensory, thematic curriculum that is taught through every modality and includes holidays, Bible study, Hebrew language, music therapy, creative arts, and Jewish culture. Classes are taught by special education teachers and all students receive one-to-one support from teen aides who receive weekly training in working with children with special needs. Classes for our younger students (ages 5-10) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and for our older students (ages 10-18) from noon to 1:30 p.m. Classes take place at 60 Stein Circle in Newton (Solomon Schechter Day School, Lower School).
Frank, father of Rachel, describes his daughter and
her experience at Gateways in this article. 
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation Program
The B'nei Mitzvah Program prepares students with special needs for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah with a combination of individual tutoring, classroom activities and a weekly prayer service. Students with a variety of special needs benefit from a small class size and an individualized B'nei Mitzvah learning plan. Our on-site reading specialist customizes lessons for each child and closely monitors their progress. Our experienced special education teacher plans lessons that teach specific B'nei Mitzvah and Synogogue skills. This class accepts students ages 11-13 and takes place on Thursday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Newton.
Mitzvah Mensches Teen Program
The Mitzvah Mensches Teen Program is a fully inclusive educational youth group in which students learn about mitzvot and social action while practicing social skills in a fun, relaxing, yet structured setting. Our uniquely trained special education teachers and program coordinator lead students and teen peer models in weekly activities that promote friendships, responsibility and Jewish values. We are expecting that the class will meet from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Thursday evenings at the Jewish Community Center in Newton.
Teen Volunteer Program
One of the unique aspects of the Jewish Education Program are the
young adults, aged 15 to 18, who volunteer each week to work one-on-one
with our students. They may volunteer to work in our Sunday Program or
in our Mitzvah Mensches Teen Program.
These teens come from throughout our community: from as close as
Newton and as far away as New Hampshire, from public, private and Jewish
day schools, from all levels of Jewish observance. This is a win-win
situation for both the teens and their students - the student has a
mentor and an advocate in class; the teen develops confidence, new
skills, and a deeper understanding of a world beyond themselves.
We are fortunate to have forged an important bond with Hebrew
College's Prozdor Hebrew High School. For more than seven years, many of
our volunteers have worked at Gateways with the wonderful support and
cooperation of the Prozdor staff and faculty. Prozdor students may elect
to take a training course in the 10th grade, volunteer in the 11th
grade, and can continue in their senior year. Dozens of Prozdor
graduates and their peers in other educational venues have been forever
changed by their service to Gateways. We salute their valuable
contribution to enhancing the lives of our students and their families.
Holiday Playgroup for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Offered five times a year, this monthly Sunday program is for 2, 3,
and 4 year olds with disabilities and their parents. The children are
introduced to Shabbat and Jewish holidays through music, movement,
crafts, and multi-sensory activities.
To learn about the Gateways Jewish Education Programs staff please click here.
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