Cheder

Cheder is a traditional Jewish elementary school focused on teaching Hebrew literacy and religious study, historically attended by boys in Ashkenazi Orthodox communities. The term comes from the Yiddish word cheder, meaning “room” or “school.” In a cheder, children learn to read Hebrew, hear the weekly Torah portion, and recite prayers, with instruction typically conducted in Hebrew and guided by a teacher known as a melamed.

History and curriculum: Cheder emerged in Central and Eastern Europe during the early modern period as synagogue-based instruction organized for boys. The earliest cheders taught the Hebrew alphabet, phonetics, reading from the Bible, and basic liturgy. In later years, some cheders introduced more advanced material such as Chumash with Rashi and, in certain communities, introductory studies in Mishnah; extensive Talmud study remained generally the domain of the yeshiva. Pedagogy emphasizes rote learning, memorization, and precise pronunciation of Hebrew.

Modern status and variations: Traditionally, cheder instruction was male-only, with girls educated in separate programs or at home, though some modern communities offer parallel programs for girls or integrate elements of cheder into broader religious education. In many places, cheder remains a key institution for early Jewish education, but curricula and scheduling vary widely. In Israel and the diaspora, cheders differ in their balance of Hebrew literacy and religious texts, and some operate as half-day or after-school programs connected to synagogues, community centers, or schools. The core aim across contexts is to teach Hebrew reading and essential religious texts for observant Jewish life.