5772 School Calendar 2011-2012 with links for more information about events.

Introduction letter by Education Director, Abby Reiken

Hebrew School Registration for 2012-2013 now open

Education is a central element of communal life at Bet Am Shalom. Adults and children are encouraged to continually learn and teach. As a Reconstructionist congregation, our goal is to impart a love of our "Religious Civilization" in all its manifestations - Torah, history, language, culture, holidays and festivals, and, of course, values. We also aim to teach the skills and concepts necessary to participate fully in Jewish life.

Over the last few years we have substantially enhanced our Hebrew School to align it more closely with these lofty goals. Our core curriculum is challenging and multi-dimensional, and is delivered in exciting and age-appropriate modes. In addition to regular in-class learning, our program includes numerous family and inter-generational activities, special family-oriented religious services, and social action programs. Our program is participatory, inclusive and egalitarian.

Some key elements of our Hebrew School format are:

• Integration of outside-the-classroom activities into the curriculum in order to "live our Judaism" and build a stronger community;
• Numerous opportunities for family and inter-generational learning;
• A revitalized core curriculum, especially in Hebrew;
• Flexible scheduling, allowing students and their families to find a combination of outside-the-classroom activities that works for them;
• A commitment to excellent teaching and continuous professional development by the faculty. 

Click here for more information about what makes our Hebrew School special.

Description of Program for Kindergarten through Grade 6

Students in Kitah Bet through Kitah Vav (Grades 2-6) have class twice per week: Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00pm and Sundays from 9:00-11:30am.

Torah Lataf and Kitah Aleph (Kindergarten and Grade 1) have class on Sunday only from 9:00-11:30am.

In addition, students in Kitah Gimmel through Kitah Vav (Grades 3-6) are required to participate in electives ('Peulot') from a menu that includes Shabbat and holiday services, congregational dinners, social action activities, synagogue events, and Jewish living at home.  For more details on Peulot Points, please click here. 

We take these out-of-classroom responsibilities seriously, and we ask our member families to do so as well. 

Description of Program for Grade 7

Click here for a slideshow of Kitah Zayin making challah for their Shabbat dinner at Bet Am.

Students in Kitah Zayin (Grade 7) meet Monday nights from 6:00-8:00pm for class with Rabbi Fredda Cohen.  The 7th graders meet at the same time that our Dor Hahemshech program for 8th-12th graders meet.  7th-12th graders enjoy pizza and social time from 6-6:30pm.  The 8th-12th graders are role models for the 7th graders to continue their Jewish learning in the Dor Hahemshech program. 

In addition to the Monday night class, BAS students prepare for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the following ways:

• For half the year, Rabbi Bronstein's B'nai Mitzvah class meets on Sunday mornings. In this series of 12 wonderful sessions, 7th graders and their parents study with the Rabbi in an intimate setting. This is a participatory class that incorporates the study of text and explores topics such as Torah, God, righteousness, prayer and the meaning of becoming B'nai Mitzvah.
• 7th graders begin to meet regularly with their individual Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutors to learn Torah and Haftarah trope and practice their readings.
• Each 7th grader meets 6-7 times one-on-one with Rabbi Bronstein to prepare his/her D'var Torah (reflections on the Torah and/or Haftarah readings).  Through these meetings, their personal connection to the rabbi is strengthened.
• 7th graders rehearse for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the sanctuary with Rabbi Fredda Cohen (also their teacher on Monday nights).
• In recognition of their upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, 7th graders are encouraged to live the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).  There are many ways to volunteer in our community, and 7th graders are encouraged to choose a cause that has personal meaning to them--ideally, a cause they will support for years.  Click here for BAS social action opportunities.
• Friday, May 18, 2012--7th graders and their families will participate in a Kabbalat Shabbat Service & Dinner at BAS.  This program will include a Gesher (Bridge) ceremony.

Click here for Grades 8-12 programs.

Click the links to the left for more information about the curriculum for each grade.

Click on the attachments below for the Registration Form for the 2011-12 school year as well as this year's school calendar.