The J.N. Somers YAD Program - A Hebrew School for Children with Special Needs

Special needs children aged five and older
participate in the YAD program on Sunday
mornings at the CJE.  The goal of the YAD
program is to bring to our children the
richness of their Jewish heritage and to
foster pride and self assurance in their identity as valued members of the Jewish community.

The YAD program is designed to serve children who primarily attend self-contained classes in public or non-public special education facilities and who, because of their special needs, do not learn effectively in a regular Hebrew school environment. 

Children in the YAD program have varying disorders that include autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity, communication disorders and developmental delays.  It is staffed by dedicated, creative teachers who bring life experience and a wealth of formal training in Jewish education to the classroom.  They are ably assisted by responsible volunteers who are intuitive, enthusiastic and creative. Between staff and volunteers, we provide almost a 1:1 student-teacher ratio.

The YAD program curriculum consists of learning about holidays, Jewish living, prayers, mitzvot, blessings, and Hebrew.  Classes are taught using various techniques and modalities including visual and tactile aids, music, movement, and art.

For more information or to get involved call Wilma Turk, Director of YAD at (561) 640-0700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .