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OT Religious School

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About OTRS | Contact OTRS

About OTRS

Congregation Olam Tikvah Religious School (OTRS) encourages our children to identify their place in the story of the Jewish people and understand the sacred space of the synagogue and its inhabitants. Based on a strong foundation of core knowledge, we help them develop confidence in their beliefs and become life-long Jewish learners, with their time at OTRS signifying only one part of their Jewish journeys. We strive to make Jewish learning accessible and engaging for each student and teach them how to be Jewish at every age and stage of their lives. Our parents recognize the importance of their involvement in school and synagogue life, and our students commit to building an atmosphere based on respect.

Children growing up in our community will:
  • See themselves as part of the larger Jewish community;
  • Feel proud and confident in their beliefs;
  • Develop a respect for Judaism’s rich heritage;
  • Be knowledgeable enough to feel confident walking into any synagogue; and
  • Understand the fundamental practices and beliefs of Conservative Judaism.

Weather Cancellation Policy

Tuesdays

  • If FCPS announces an early dismissal, we will automatically cancel classes for that afternoon and that announcement will be sent by email, text alert, and will be listed on our website
  • If FCPS announces that all afternoon/evening programming is cancelled, we will make a decision about our program by 4pm and that announcement will be sent by email, text alert, and will be listed on our website. Please note that if that if FCPS announces cancellation of evening programming after 4:00pm, OTRS classes WILL continue under our normal schedule.
  • If FCPS announces that school is cancelled, we will make a decision about our program by 10am and that announcement will be sent by email, text alert, and will be listed on our website. Because there are circumstances where schools are closed that don't apply to our program (like days when it is too cold to wait at the bus stop), we do not automatically follow the school closing decisions.

Sundays

  • If FCPS announces that all Sunday programming is cancelled, we will make a decision about our program by 7:30am and that announcement will be sent by email, text alert, and will be listed on our website.

  • If we determine that the area immediately surrounding OT presents weather-related safety concerns or if there are nonweather reasons why we cannot open school (like a power outage), we will make the decision to close school by 7:30am and that announcement will be sent by email, text alert, and will be listed on our website.

Contact

Abby Kerbel, OTRS Principal

Debra Ackerman, Director of Congregational Education & Programming

Wed, March 19 2025 19 Adar 5785