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- About Our School
- About Our Curriculum
- About Our Confirmation (Grades 8 – 12) Program
- About Family Education
- School Hours
At Congregation B'nai Shalom we are very proud of our educational program! The Religious School offers classes from Pre-Kindergarten through grade twelve in such subjects as Holidays, Jewish History, Israel, Bible, Hebrew, Customs and Ceremonies, Life Cycle, Prayer, Holocaust and Reform Judaism. Tuesday or Thursday afternoon Hebrew studies begin in the 3rd grade, however, students begin to learn Hebrew letters and vowels in first grade. Students continue attending Religious School during the week and on weekends through the 7th grade and then attend weekly (grades 8 – 10) and monthly (Grades 11 and 12) on Tuesday evenings for our CHAI School Program. Our Midweek program includes both Hebrew and Jewish Studies.
ON THREE THINGS THE WORLD STANDS: ON TORAH, ON PRAYER AND ON GEMILUT CHASADIM
The Jewish sages teach that "the world stands on three things:Torah,Avodah,andG'milut Hasadim" (Avot1:2). These pursuits –study, worship, and deeds of loving kindness– provide the framework within which Jews build their relationship with God, with one another, and with the world. Our congregational community and our school's program of study are based upon these three core Jewish values. Our program of study is designed to coincide with the developmental stages of children at each grade level.
In order to enhance student learning, we utilize two nationally recognized programs of study, CHAI and Mitkadem, published by the Union for Reform Judaism. The CHAI program follows an accepted curriculum model known as "backward design.". This educational approach and that of the CHAI curriculum is designed so that student learning will go beyond the specific classroom activities and will reach a deeper enduring understanding, establishing the basis for later Jewish learning and living.
Mitkadem, our program of Hebrew language study, allows students to make choices within their Hebrew studies thus enhancing their motivation. Over time, the results of Mitkadem have shown diminished discipline issues because each child is engaged and their learning is supported. Bright, motivated students move quickly and expertly through Hebrew studies, while more challenged students are identified early on and can receive the help they need. Mitkadem creates an excitement in the classroom that is palatable and comprehensive.
Pre Kindergarten & Kindergarten: My Jewish Family -Our youngest students are provided an understanding of basic Jewish holiday customs and ceremonies and commence their study of Torah stories from the Book of Genesis. By learning about Abraham and Sarah, the first Jews, and their descendants, students begin to develop their own connection to Judaism and the Jewish people.
Grade 1: DiscoveringMyself in the Jewish Story- Grade one begins our core Judaic program - theChaiCurriculum, published by the Union for Reform Judaism. In addition to learning about Jewish views of God and prayer, students discover how they are a part of the ongoing story of Torah and the Jewish people, how Jewish acts help them discover the beauty and order of sacred time and become a part of the ongoing story of the Jewish people as they perform acts ofG'milut Chasadim. Students also begin their study of Hebrew letters and vowels.
Grade 2: The Personal Relevance of Torah, Avodah & G'milut Chasadim -In this second year of Chai, students continue to learn about each of the three strands and the personal significance and influence ofTorah,Avodah,andG'milut Hasadim. Theyfocus on the book ofShemot (Exodus) and discover their own power to make the world a better place through their study ofG'milut Hasadim. Students also continue their study of Hebrew letters and vowels.
Grade 3: K'dushah – Holiness -Students refine their own understanding and definition ofK'dushah(holiness) and apply that understanding to how ritual objects, symbols, prayer and our behaviors can make moments and places holy and allow them to feel closer to God. In Grade three they focus on the books ofBereshit(Genesis) andVayikra(Leviticus) in which God teaches how to live a life filled with K'dushah. TheAvodahsection extends the year-long theme of K'dushah with an exploration of how they can use prayer to make the world more holy. The lessons ofG'milutHasadimteach students responsibility for increasing holiness through their deeds.
In addition to theChaiCurriculum, students engage in a comprehensive study of the Jewish holidays. Third grade students also continue to learn Hebrew letters and vowels. During the second semester, third graders begin using the Mitkadem Hebrew curriculum.Mitkadem'sself-paced and child-centered approach allows each student to achieve according to his/her own ability.
Grade 4: Being Part of the Community– During their weekday sessions, fourth graders learn about the Prophets and Reform Judaism's special relationship to their message. They also begin to understand the role of communal worship, particularly in a synagogue setting and focus on how personal acts of loving kindness relate to their relationships with family and friends and others they encounter in daily life.
In addition to the Chai Curriculum, Grade four students have a Sunday morning course on the Land and People of Israel and continue their Hebrew studies using the Union for Reform Judaism'sMitkademprogram of Hebrew Learning. (See grade three above)
Grade 5:Living the Life of a Reform Jew- During theirTorahlessons, fifth graders examine the connection between the People of Israel and the Land of Israel in the Torah. During theirAvodah lessons, students examine the tension between individual and community in theAmidah, the central prayer of the synagogue service. Community is also vital inG'milut Hasadimwhere students learn about how community members take care of each other. During their Sunday morning sessions, students study the Jewish Life Cycle and reflect on the deeper meaning of Jewish celebration. Grade five Hebrew students show a rapid growth in skills as they continue with higher levels of the Mitkadem Hebrew Curriculum. (See grade three above)
Grade 6: Revelation -Revelation was a defining moment in the life of the Jewish people and is the beginning of a Jew's ongoing relationship with God. In Grade six, students investigate how the collection of stories, poems, and words of wisdom known asKetuvim(writings) relate to the individual's relationship with God. In theirAvodahlessons, students study the components of the Torah service and the role of thesh'liach tzibur(prayer leader). TheG'milutHasadimprogram helps students integrate Jewish values with universal causes.
In addition to the Chai curriculum, students also attend a weekday course – An Introduction to Jewish History. Grade six continues their formal study of Hebrew and by this point students are able to demonstrate fluency in prayer and have a developing Hebrew vocabulary. Students continue to practice central prayers with a focus on theTorahservice. They also integrate Hebrew withT'fillahand music by leading parts of the weekday service for students in grades three through seven. Finally, our sixth graders travel to URJ Camp Eisner for a Shabbat experience with their classmates and teachers.
Grade 7: Hineini – Here I Am as an Emerging Jewish Adult- Using the world renowned curriculum created by Facing History and Ourselves, and using the Holocaust as a lens, our seventh grade curriculum links history to ethics by engaging teachers and students in a journey from identity, through the study of particular historical case study, to questions of judgment and participation-provoking questions that are both particular and universal. Students study traditional Jewish sources focusing on the prophets and their responses to anti Semitism an difficult historical times. Students also go on with their use of the Chai Curriculum and continue with their formal study of Hebrew. Chai focuses on personal reflection and improvement, "Who I am and who I'd like to be," helping each student reach his/her potential.Torahstudy turns toB'reishitand commentaries, focusing on a few stories of individuals who grow and learn,Avodahconcentrates on the relevance of ritual and living a prayerful life, andG'milut Chasadimstarts with the individual,tikkun middotand repairing ourselves.
CHAI School (Grades 8 – 12) Program
Our Jewish tradition offers unique insights into the problems confronting young people today. Students and teachers discuss relevant topics and issues they confront as Jewish teens and uncover information they need in order to learn and grow as Jewish young adults. Our CHAI Schoolprogram blends formal and informal learning opportunities in order to provide a meaningful and safe Jewish environment for our teenagers, offers youth the opportunity to investigate the depth and beauty of Judaism and balances the need for Jewish education with an awareness of the numerous activities and responsibilities of today's teens.
Our eighth through tenth grade students come together once a week on Tuesday evenings and our eleventh and twelfth grade students meet on a monthly schedule the first Tuesday of each month. From 6:00-6:30 pm we begin with a community dinner followed by theBirkat HaMazon(Blessing after the Meal) and announcements. Students enjoy this opportunity to spend time socializing with their Jewish friends and classmates in an informal setting. From 6:30-7:30 PM, students attend grade-level core courses. Our second hour of programming (7:35-8:30 PM) is a mixture of elective courses, school-wide programs and one family education session per grade per year. These programs vary from year to year, but usually involve text study and interactive discussions and activities. CHAI Schooloffers youth the opportunity to investigate the depth and beauty of Judaism. CHAI Schoolbalances the need for Jewish education with an awareness of the numerous activities and responsibilities of today's teens.
Our tenth grade program includes a Confirmation ceremony during Shavuot services and a twelfth grade ceremony honoring our graduates in May. Under the guidance of the Rabbi, students create and lead the Confirmation service, offering insights and teachings to the congregation. Photos of all of our Confirmation classes are displayed in the Temple for all to see.
Grade 8: Making Judaism Work For Me! - During the first semester (September through January) the eighth graders, using the text, How Do I Decide? by Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn, will address such contemporary issues as substance abuse, suicide, premarital sex, aging, divorce, AIDS, and intermarriage. The Torah, Talmud, and other traditional Jewish texts, along with contemporary Jewish commentators will provide examples to enhance the debate of each issue.
During the second semester (February through May) the eighth graders, using the text Apples and Oranges: Judaism and the World Religions by Rabbi David S. Lieb, will discuss and learn about each of the world's major religions and debate how Judaism is both similar and different from them. Comparative religion is a great way to learn about Judaism. Topics include; "what is a religion", things to remember about Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Students will also discuss how to respond to Christian Missionaries. Jewish Text based activities that further open students' insight into each religion and invite active discussions will complement each session.
A special overnight program including a tour of Jewish Boston will enhance student learning and create opportunities for social interaction. Eighth graders will also assume a lead role in our congregation's annual mitzvah day program. It is our hope that during their eighth grade year, students will discover how our Jewish heritage can help them strengthen family relationships and fulfill their communal responsibilities
Grade 9: Coming to America - Our ninth graders, using contemporary materials and specifically designed curriculum, explore the political, social, economic, and religious history of the American Jewish community from the Eastern European migration to the founding of the State of Israel. Topics include integration of immigrant communities into general American society, the Holocaust, World War II, the founding of the State of Israel, and reactions of American Jews to these historic events.Students travel as a group to New York City and experience their curriculum "first hand" during our Jewish New York Tour.
Grade 10: Confirmation - What is God? Is there more than one way to perceive of God? How can we know God? What does God want from us? How does God fit into my life? If there is a God, why do bad things happen in the world? This is a course about God. More specifically, it is a course about ways in which Jews have spoken of God through four thousand years of Jewish history. The Rabbi will present a spectrum of theological options that have been explored and affirmed by great Jewish thinkers, ancient and modern and offer students a solid foundation to begin the exploration of their own concepts of God.
Our 10th graders also participate in a social action program in Washington D.C. in January. They join students from all over the country to experience our nation's capital through a Jewish lense. The 10th grade year culminates in a Confirmation ceremony on Erev Shavuot. Under the guidance of the Rabbi, the tenth grade students create and lead the service, offering their own insights and teachings to the congregation.
Grades 11 and 12: Packing for College – Where Does Judaism Fit? - Our post confirmation program is designed to ensure that our students are ready for the challenges post high school graduation. When they get to college, our students will come into contact and interact with students from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. When they are talking with their friends and questions come up about what Judaism believes in, this course will assist them with the answers. They will be able to explain Reform Judaism when faced with challenges from their more traditional peers. Students grapple with the importance of the Land of Israel, and gain the necessary knowledge in order to comprehend the complexity of the situation.
Educational Trips
Grade 6 Shabbat Experience at URJ Camp Eisner
Grade 8 Jewish Boston Including Overnight at Temple
Grade 9 Jewish New York City
Grade 10 Washington L'Taken Seminar
Sample Electives for Grades 8 – 10
Arts and Crafts the Jewish Way
Conversational Hebrew
Eat Your Way through Torah
Hassidic Tales
Hip Hop Midrash
I am Jewish
Investigating Israel
Israel at 60
Jewish Cooking
Jewish Music
Jewish Roots in Christianity
Jewish Women
Jews in America
Life is a Cabaret: The Weimar Republic
Parashat Hashavua
Pray Ball
Prayerobics
Reform Judaism
Sex in the Texts
Teen Choir
Teen Torah Talk
The Meaning of Life
The Sunflower
Trope
What Should Jews Do?
Madrichim Program
Some of our students work as assistant teachers in our classrooms on Sunday mornings and during the week. Teens selected to participate in this program are wonderful role models for our younger students and help us keep a low teacher-student ratio in our growing school. Our madrichim participate in an orientation and ongoing training and development.
Parents are their children's most powerful Jewish teachers. When you learn with your children, you are a model for lifelong Jewish learning. Once a year students in grades Pre K through ten will have the opportunity to share an educational experience with their parents. The programs offered by the Religious School are inspirational and stimulating, and give the parents a peek into the learning their child engages in throughout the year.
In addition to the Family Education Programs on Sunday morning and Tuesday evenings, the Religious School brings the grades together for aShabbatexperience. This program includes sharing a community dinner with other grade-level families and participating in the Temple's 7:00 p.m. Friday Night Family Service
Please feel free to call our Director of Education, Rabbi Joe Eiduson, at 508-366-7191 or to learn more about our educational programs. We look forward to learning together with you and your family in the years ahead!
School Hours
Pre - Kindergarten* - Grade 7 - Sunday Mornings
Session One - Grade Pre K - Grade 7 - 8:30am - 10:30am
Session Two - Grade Pre-K - Grade 7 - 10:45am - 12:45pm
*Pre Kindergarten = Children who Will Enroll in Kindergarten for the
Next School Year!
Grade 3 - Grade 7 Tuesday or Thursday Afternoons
Grade 3 - Grade 7 - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Grades 8-12 - Tuesday Evenings
Grade 8 - Grade 10 - Weekly 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Grade 11 - Grade 12 - Monthly 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM