SUNDAY SCHOOL at TEMPLE BETH TORAH
NEWS
Religious School at Temple Beth Torah kicks off the new year on Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Teachers have been creatively planning over the summer months and we're ready for a great year! Parents -- please accompany your child(ren) in on this first morning of the school year for approximately 15 minutes of registration and a brief orientation. Also, please have returning students bring their books from last year. See you there!
We will start off the year with the kids learning about the mitzvah of feeding the hungry. They will be helping to publicize the annual Temple Food Drive.
We will have four grades this year. Our faculty members are Susan Sackler Reuben, Debra Hammer, Sarah Metzger and Rabbi Seth Riemer.
Barbara Checknoff, the rebbetzin, will be leading the junior congregation program at 11:00 a.m. on the first morning of Rosh Hashanah and on the morning of Yom Kippur.
Please use our "Contact Us" page to email the Education Dept.
ABOUT OUR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Temple Beth Torah conducts Religious School for its children from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. We currently have four teachers, all of whom are members of our congregation, and students ranging in age from 5 to 13 years old.
Our school offers a high teacher-to-student ratio, recognizing each child as an important member of the school community. This year, we are planning to have 4 classrooms, with age-appropriate activities in the following areas:
* develop fluency in Hebrew reading and writing using the Siddur, other texts, educational games and flash cards
* learn to read and chant Hebrew prayers for Shabbat and other holidays
* learn basic Hebrew language words and meanings
* explore Jewish holidays and their observance through stories, discussion, drama, internet activities, music, crafts and food
* share Jewish history and wisdom through the reading and discussion of stories, and the creation of a Living Museum
* learn about the Torah through text, stories and activities
* participate in tzedakah, Shabbat and holiday services
* develop a connection to Israel by researching and staging a "trip" to Israel
In addition to the above, our pre-B'nai Mitzvah students focus on Hebrew prayer and preparation for leading services; ethics and Jewish tradition, including seeing and responding to life situations through the prism of Jewish thought; holiday and life cycle rituals, and Bible study, including the Prophets.
During the year preceding their simchas, students work with both their teacher and our Rabbi, fine-tuning all aspects of the service and their speech. Each B’nai Mitzvah student is expected to complete a personal tzedakah project after consultation with the Rabbi and the teacher. These students are expected to attend Friday night services at least three times each month during the year preceding their Bar / Bat Mitzvah.
Please note: All Bar / Bat Mitzvah candidates must be enrolled in the Temple Beth Torah Sunday School for a minimum of three years prior to the event, or demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competency. In cases in which members join the synagogue after the child is 10, special arrangements / tutorials and additional instruction may be required, at the discretion of the Rabbi.
In summary, our objective in our Sunday School program is to make our classes instructive, participatory… and fun. If you are interested in learning more about any aspect of our Sunday School program, please contact the Education Department by using our "Contact Us" page.
