Cheder

Cheder (Hebrew: חדר, "room") refers to a traditional Jewish religious school for children, especially boys, usually beginning at primary school age. Classes are often held in small groups and include reading and writing Hebrew, the study of the Torah, and the basic religious and ethical teachings of Judaism.

Until the 20th century, the cheder was the central educational institution in many Jewish communities - especially in Eastern Europe. Today, cheder classes still exist in Orthodox communities, sometimes supplemented by modern educational approaches.