OUR MISSION:
At Temple Beth Tikvah we strive to nurture knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate Jewish children and families who feel deeply connected to the Jewish world, God, Israel, and the Temple Beth Tikvah community. We aim to inspire a lifelong love of Jewish learning, traditions, values, and mitzvot (commandments) while helping students build a strong Jewish identity and meaningful relationships with synagogue life. Through t’filah (prayer), Hebrew, acts of kindness, spiritual growth, and Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”), we seek to prepare our students to live engaged and purposeful Jewish lives at home, in the synagogue, and in the wider world.
Our weekly Religious School program emphasizes Judaics, Hebrew, and community engagement With separate sessions for Hebrew in small groups or one on one.
Sameach – The Joy in Judaism
As part of Sameach (“Joy”), our K–2 learners experience Judaism through hands-on activities, music, stories, celebrations, prayer, and creative learning that make Jewish life meaningful and fun. Students build friendships, explore Jewish values and traditions, and begin developing a joyful connection to synagogue life, Hebrew, God, and the Jewish community. Our goal is for every child to feel welcome, confident, and excited to learn and grow as a young Jew.
Gesher – Bridging the Foundation
In Gesher (“Bridge”), our 3rd–5th grade students deepen their understanding of Jewish traditions, God, values, t’filah (prayer), Hebrew, and community while building greater independence and confidence in their Jewish identity. Through engaging discussions, hands-on learning, holiday experiences, and meaningful connections to Israel and Jewish life, students begin bridging the foundations of early learning with the skills and knowledge that prepare them for the B’nai Mitzvah journey and beyond. Our goal is for students to feel connected, capable, and proud to participate actively in Jewish life at home, in synagogue, and in the world around them. Gesher is also when our student’s begin working one on one or in small groups on their Hebrew studies
Bonim – Building To B’nai Mitzvah
In Bonim (“Builders”), our 6th–7th grade students strengthen the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need as they build toward becoming B’nai Mitzvah and beyond. Through deeper learning in t’filah (prayer), God, Text, Hebrew, Jewish Values, Torah, Israel, and Community Responsibility, students are encouraged to take greater ownership of their Jewish journey and their role within the synagogue community. Our goal is for each student to feel prepared, capable, and proud as they step into this important milestone and continue building a meaningful Jewish life beyond B’nai Mitzvah. In Bonim, one on one Hebrew work will continue with Cantor Breznick exclusively and one on one d’var Torah writing with Rabbi Beal will begin in the months leading up to the young person’s Bar / Bat Mitzvah.
If you’d like to speak to someone further regarding enrolling in our Religious School, you may contact our Director of Education, Cantor Laura Breznick.