Religious School
Religious School is an integral part of our life at Temple Beth Sholom. Students attend Religious School for two hours on Sunday mornings, (in two sessions between the hours of 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) and Hebrew classes on Wednesday afternoons (for grades 3-6 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm). Our cantor teaches a Bar and Bat-Mitzvah class (7th-graders) in preparation for individual lessons with the rabbi, our Rabbi teaches the Confirmation class (10th grade).
The teachers are young, energetic and dedicated to teaching our students, and often stay with us for many years. In grades K-2, our children learn to recognize Hebrew letters and common words and prayers. They also learn about Torah, holidays, customs, and Israel. Grades 3-7 continue with Hebrew, prayer, a more in-depth study of Israel, and Jewish ethics
Students in the Academy program for grades 8-9 study Torah and participate in various community tzedakah (charity) endeavors. They visit home-bound Temple members, join other high school groups with community projects, and go on educational trips. Our Confirmation students (10th grade) enjoy an in-depth program as they prepare to confirm what being Jewish means to them. They offer their insightful understanding after having had the opportunity to study with the rabbi throughout the year.
Various special events take place throughout the school year: Family education programs and holiday programs such as Chanukarama allow parents to join their children in workshops, games, and crafts prepared by the teaching staff. On Tu BiShvat the children learn songs and discuss Torah, plant parsley seeds, and join in a special seder where they eat a variety of fruits and nuts native to Israel. A model Passover seder is jointly conducted for the School and Temple membership.
Geri Weiss, Principal
e-mail: school@templebethsholom.org