Religious School

"If you will it, it is not a dream..." (Theodore Zeev Herzl)

Click here for the 2010-2011 Religious School Calendar.

Click here for the 2010-2011 Parent Handbook.

Click here for a 2010-2011 Religious School Registration Form.

Welcome to the 5770-5771 school year.

It is with joy and anticipation that I join our teachers and our Temple leaders in welcoming you to a new year of Jewish learning and discover. I am looking forward to greeting you and celebrating learning achievements with you. My door is always open ot you, and I hope that my relationship with each of you will continue to grow and deepen throughout the coming year.

Jewish education raises Jewish children who know who and what they are, so that when they become adults, they are proud, knowledgeable Jews who then raise their own children to know who and what they are. It is a cycle that repeats itself every generation. Jewish education is the secret of Jewish survival. Rabbi Menahem Mendel of Kotzk said, "If you truly wish your children to study Torah, study it yourself in their presence. They wil follow your example. Otherwise, they will not themselves study Torah, but will simply instruct their children to do so." We want our children to be proud of being Jewish. Pride comes from a sense of who one is and where one comes from.

The tremendous responsibility of raising a generation of kids to love Jewish learning and to lead a Jewish life must be accomplished with enthusiastic and dedicated teachers, parents, and community members. Thank you for sharing this responsiblity. This coming year will be exciting! We have the following programs to which we can look forward:

• The implementation of a new and innovative Hebrew program called Mitkadem (which means "to progress"). This curriculum will offer individualized learning as well as group instruction, all to get our children ready for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.
• The second year of our new Religious School curriculum, “Chai.” Our teachers loved using it with their classes, and the students had a wonderfully creative time learning Torah and commentary from the Talmud, Midrash, and so much more.
• Jewish dance and music for K-7th grade.
• Beth-El youth choir for children 3rd-6th grades.
• Midrasha program (8th-9th grades) with new electives including “Tikun Olam” and leadership projects, as well as Hebrew as an elective, during Talmud class.
• B’nai Mitzvah students will be T’fila leaders before their Bar/Bat or Bat Mitzvahs.

The Children of the Beth-El Religious School 2008-2009

Our Religious School theme this year is "The Land of Israel."

Together, young and old, we will discuss, debate, and begin to understand:

• Why should we care about Israel?
• Why should Israel exist?
• Why did God choose Israel?
• Why support Israel?
• Does Israel belong to Jews?
• Why do Israelis and Palestinians fight?
• Why does the U.S. support Israel?
• Why visit Israel?

And much more. I hope that you will join us for programs throughout the year. We'll need YOUR help to make our programs a success. Call or email Ilana Knust (817-332-7141) to volunteer!

Judaism isn't a one-size-fits-all religion. It is a complex, vibrant religion with varying practices, beliefs, and values. It is not enough to teach the many facts of Judaism, but we also want to make an impact on our students' life: deep insights and positive experiences. If we want to achieve it, we must begin to look for and find God. Teaching about God today is more important than ever. God is central to the existence of the Jewish people.

Experiencing and understanding God will help our children put Judaism first and will give them a good reason to stay Jewish and love Judaism.

Last year, we implemented new, innovative and in-depth curriculum in both our Judaic studies and Hebrew.

We are also very excited about our new Midrasha (8th and 9th grades) curriculum (second hour), which will use lessons learned from our past experience and the students' input. We also have a new lounge for our Midrasha and Confirmation students to socialize and be together between sessions.

Sunday, August 29, 2010 - First day of Religious School