Sylvia Rosenblatt Hebrew UnSchool
A Hebrew School at Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation in Baltimore, MD
Who We Are:
We call ourselves the “UnSchool” because we make learning about Judaism so exciting and fun, it doesn’t feel like “school” at all! We take pride in creating positive experiences for our youth that instill a love for Judaism. Classes take place on Sundays from September through June, from 9:30am to 12:00pm on our campus.
The Sylvia Rosenblatt Hebrew UnSchool is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and a love of Judaism in children of all ages and from all backgrounds. We create a nurturing and joyous environment where kids can learn about the Torah, grow in their faith, create new friendships, and build community. It is our philosophy that creating an open environment that invites engagement, friendship, and dialogue is the best way to create a loving and lasting connection to Judaism. We have succeeded when our Youth grow their love and knowledge of Judaism together as a community.
Our Programs
At The Sylvia Rosenblatt Hebrew UnSchool, we provide:
– Individual and tailored attention to each student
– Exciting and special activities each week
– Aleph Bet and Hebrew reading
– Focus on holidays, Torah, and Jewish concepts
– Learning through music, dance, art, and kinesthetic activities
– Great outdoor space for a breath of fresh air
– Community and friendship building
First Steps (Pre-K - 2nd Grade)
– Safe and caring environment
– Age-appropriate Torah stories and songs
– Learning made fun through songs, games, and crafts
T-Kids (3rd - 5th Grade)
– Interactive Judaism lessons
– Hands-on activities
– Introduction to prayer
Next Steps
– Interactive learning environment in which students are welcome to suggest areas of learning (i.e. Jewish History, Law, Philosophy)
– Group discussions and activities
– Service projects and community involvement
Our Staff
Mrs. Rochel Blasenstein (Lead Teacher, Pre-K - 5th Grade)
Mrs. Rochel Blasenstein, born in Brooklyn, NY, has dedicated her life to showcasing the beauty of Judaism. Starting her teaching career at 15, she obtained a teaching degree from Beth Rivka Seminary in 1982. From 1984 to 2019, Rochel taught various classes at Kesser Torah College in Sydney and coordinated Hebrew and After School Programs.
She and her husband, Avraham, served as Rabbi and Rebbetzin at Parramatta Hebrew Congregation, growing the Hebrew School significantly. After moving to Baltimore in 2019 to be closer to her family, she began teaching at Cheder Chabad Elementary and Middle School. In 2022, she founded the Hebrew Unschool at MMAE to educate Jewish public school children.
The Blasenstein family includes 8 children and several grandchildren living in Jerusalem, NY, and Baltimore.
Rochel, a beloved teacher, is known for her passionate and engaging teaching style. In her classroom, you’ll find children singing, acting, and doing various crafts, all while internalizing what it means to be a proud Jew.
Contact Information:
917-287-8293 | [email protected]
Rabbi Shimson Wach (Lead Teacher, 6th - 8th Grade)
Rabbi Shimshon Wach (Rabbi Sam) has been dedicated to Jewish education and youth work since the late 1970s, starting as a regional board member of NCSY in the Catskills. Over the years, he has led programs across the Atlantic Seaboard, spanning Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, primarily with NCSY, Beth El, and Ner Tamid. He has also played leadership roles in initiatives like the Shabbat Project, Baltimore Eats for Israel, and Bnei Akiva.
Rabbi Sam’s educational journey began at the Hebrew Day School of Sullivan and Ulster Counties, followed by Mesivta Ohr Torah in the Bronx, and studies at Rabbinical Seminary of America and Ner Israel Rabbinical College. He focused on computer studies and part-time Jewish education until receiving his Rabbinic ordination from Pirchei Shoshnim at age 50.
Professionally, Rabbi Sam works in Information Technology at Social Security. He and his wife Donna are proud parents to three sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Every weekday morning, Rabbi Sam serves as the gabbai of the 6 am minyan at Shomrei Emunah.
In Rabbi Sam’s classroom, you’ll find students actively engaged where they are encouraged to ask serious questions about Judaism. His approach aims to customize learning experiences using both formal and informal methods, fostering a strong identification with Jewish heritage and practice.
Contact Information:
410-764-6241 (home) | 410-215-4241 (cell) | [email protected]
Tuition Information
1st Child: $450
2nd Child: $300
3rd Child: $150
Registration after July 15th:
1st Child: $600
2nd Child: $400
3rd Child: $200
Please note these prices are per family. Need-based scholarships are available.
Registration Information
Click here for the New Student Registration Form
Click here for the Returning Student Registration Form
