The educational program at Temple Beth Tikvah builds up to, and goes beyond, the Bar/Bat/B’nai/B’not Mitzvah ceremony and includes all subjects necessary for a comprehensive Jewish education – history, ethics, philosophy, customs and ceremonies, prayer, Hebrew, and Israel.
Jewish life is a progression of ceremonies, each marking one step towards the goal of a lifetime of Jewish learning, commitment and celebration. Each ceremony marks the beginning of a new, more mature stage. None is an end in itself.
Students are able to acquire the necessary skills only through careful study for a number of years. Our curriculum goes way beyond Bar and Bat Mitzvah. It is encouraged that your child plan to continue through the tenth grade (Confirmation Academy) and beyond into the Post-Confirmation program. When our students receive the certificate that the Temple presents upon 12th grade graduation, they affirm their lifelong commitment to active participation in worship and Torah study (avodah), community service (gemilut chasadim) and acts of righteousness (tikkun olam).
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat, an inclusive Shabbat experience for children under 5, is held the first Friday of every month. This is free for everyone in the community, members and members alike. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and all who like to sing, listen to stories, and celebrate the beauty of Shabbat, are invited to attend. Advanced registration is strongly recommended. Visit our calendar to learn more.
Religious School
The Ellen S. Goldin Religious School at TBT is where Jewish learning (kindergarten – 12th grade) comes alive!
Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, music, and meaningful conversations, our students build knowledge, confidence, and a strong sense of identity. We nurture curiosity, encourage questions, and help eah child form a personal connection to Jewish values, history, and tradition.
It’s more than a classroom. It’s a community where children grown, belong, and take pride in who they are.
Email our School Principal for more information.
B’nai Mitzvah
At birth, children were welcomed into the covenant the Jewish people made with God through the Brit Milah, Brit Chayim or naming ceremony. At an early age, they were consecrated to officially begin formal Jewish learning in the Religious School. When your child passes their 12th birthday (on the Hebrew Calendar), preparation begins to be called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat/B’nai/B’not Mitzvah. This moment marks a transition into the role of Jewish adulthood. Although not yet fully grown, a Bar/Bat/B’nai/B’not Mitzvah is responsible to behave ethically, choose to continue learning and become full active participants in Jewish ritual. This is one more step in the process of learning, leading to Confirmation and beyond. Check out our Family Guide or email our School Principal for more information.
Shine More Light
Shine More Light brings together teens (grades 9 – 12) with the goal of learning about different faiths, cultures, and traditions to foster greater understanding and harmony in our community. The cohort engages in a round of visits to houses of worship and cultulral centers (Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Hindu). A cultural dinner and conversation are are parts of each session. This group is now closed. To learn more, email our Events Coordinator.
Confirmation Academy
This three-year program for 10th – 12th graders engages students in Jewish thought and discussion, while encouraging them to pursue learning in their own areas of interest in Jewish life. Stay tuned for more information.
