Youth Education

The Beit Sefer program is committed to developing a love of Judaism in every child. In addition to developing positive Jewish identities, we teach children to appreciate and share their tzedakah (blessings) and contribute to their community through mitzvot. The program is a cooperative venture, creating a community of learners that includes students, parents and the congregation. Our dynamic Reconstructionist educational approach affirms the evolving nature of the Jewish people and the diversity of our thoughts and deeds. Using a modified CHAI and Mitkadem curriculum, students learn to connect Torah, avodah and g’milut chasadim with Hebrew language and Jewish thought. Because children learn through doing, experiential education is very important. Students learn through opportunities to participate in services and tikkun olam projects as well as in a classroom setting.

Structure

Based on the Tree of Life, Beit Sefer is divided into cohort groups beginning with the Shorashim (roots). Shorashim is available to children who are at least 3 1/2 years old and potty trained by September 1. Shorashim meets on Sunday mornings and participates in the Family Shabbat services as well as family education events. This allows families to tailor participation to the needs and adaptability of their children.

Geza’im (trunks) is the cohort group for first and second grade. This group begins Hebrew instruction with the introduction of Hebrew Through Movement. Meeting on Sunday mornings, this group also participates in Family Shabbat services.

Anafim (branches) is the cohort group for third and fourth graders. Meeting on Sunday mornings, this group also participates in Family Shabbat services and will have occasional events like mini-camps and pajama havdallahs.

Alim (leaves) is the fifth and sixth grade cohort group. Also meeting Sundays, they help lead the Family Shabbat services and have youth group activities similar to those of the TBH teens. 

Seventh graders spend their time preparing as a group for their upcoming bar and bat mitzvot. This group focuses on what it means to be an adult Jew, looking at everything from tzedakah, what it means to be a part of a community and specifically the meaning behind the prayers and rituals associated with bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies. 

Hebrew

Hebrew language instruction is woven into Sunday classes. Both conversational and prayer book Hebrew is taught. Students begin learning Hebrew through commonly used words in Shorashim and begin with Hebrew Through Movement instruction in Geza’im. Hebrew reading begins in Anafim. Students learn through a combination of games, direct instruction and practice exercises. 

B’nai Mitzvah

At TBH we recognize the transformative power of the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony for children, their families and our community. In our congregation we are able to give individual attention to each student during this coming of age experience to ensure that it is meaningful and fun.

Download our B'nai Mitzvah Manual (PDF)

Family Shabbat Services

During the school year, family services provide an opportunity for school age children to engage with Jewish liturgy and share in a multigenerational Jewish community. Led by the Rabbi and students in the religious school, these services are geared toward younger worshippers and include opportunities for singing and reflection. All ages are welcome. Potluck dinners follow the service.

PJ Library

PJ Library is a national program providing free Jewish books and music for children ages six months to eight years. This unique book program shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you. The monthly gift of a book is also supported by local programs and gatherings. To register, visit the PJ Library website and click on the red "Sign up in this community" button.

Summer Camp

We participate in the annual Interfaith Works Summer Day camp which takes place in late July/early August for one week.