Dear Families,

B’ruchim Haba’im, welcome to the school year.  We have a wonderful year ahead of us – one filled with opportunities for growth for students of all ages.  This handbook contains important information regarding the program, philosophy, and policies of the school.  We hope it will enable you, our educational partners, to work with us in providing a positive, substantive and enduring Jewish learning experience for all students.  Please take some time to read through the handbook and refer to it throughout the year.

In the words of the Shema, “V’shinantam l’vanecha,”  We are commanded to “teach our children diligently.” At HaMakom Bet Shalom (religious school), we take this charge to heart.  We strive for an association with parents and children that help children to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and Jewish identity.

Parents, teachers, your rabbis and the Bet Shalom staff are all partners in this endeavor.  Reinforcement of Jewish knowledge at home and your family’s participation in synagogue activities and religious celebrations are all essential for instilling a sense of Jewish pride in your child.  We hope to make these opportunities accessible to you and comfortable for your family.

At Bet Shalom we make every effort to create an inviting, interactive, and safe environment for all our students to learn about the history, heritage, and customs of Jewish tradition and to grow to become skilled in living a Jewish life.  To further this goal, we strive to have students internalize the values of kavod (respect) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and how Judaism teaches us to behave.  Bet Shalom Congregation, Board of Trustees, staff, teachers and your Rabbis, stand ready to reinforce the Jewish learning and living that are part and parcel of our families’ priorities.

We stand ready to act in covenant with you to fulfill these responsibilities to benefit our congregation, the Jewish people and each and every one of you.

In addition to educating children, we also offer many opportunities for adult education.  We hope that you will participate in one or more of these offerings during the year. 

L’Shalom,                                           

Rabbi David Locketz          Ali King

Senior Rabbi HaMakom Bet Shalom Director                 

In 1995, the URJ adopted a resolution called Enrollment Policies in Reform Religious Schools which concerned children from interfaith families. The following excerpt encapsulates the main points of the resolution:

The Reform religious school is a primary pathway for outreach to interfaith families. As Reform Jews, we welcome interfaith families and encourage them to affirm the Jewish identification of their children. However, experience tells us that some interfaith couples who seek to enroll their children in Reform religious schools are not raising and educating their children exclusively as Jews. This is a path that committed Reform Jews cannot support. First, it is contrary to our understanding of outreach (which, while deeply respecting other religions, offers a way into Judaism as a distinctive and precious way of life and faith); because it is theologically inconsistent for a person to identify as both Jewish and Christian (or as an adherent of any other religion); because psychologically placing the burden of such an impossible decision on children may imperil their healthy spiritual development and because it is incongruent with the mission of Reform religious schools, i.e., to teach Judaism as a faith that is lived and to enable students to develop a strong positive Jewish identity.

Bet Shalom Congregation of Minnetonka, MN, welcomes all who wish to draw closer to Judaism. To that end, we affirm the position of the CCAR, articulated in 1983, as follows:

The Central Conference of American Rabbis declares that the child of one Jewish parent is under the presumption of Jewish descent. This presumption of the Jewish status of the offspring of any mixed marriage is to be established through appropriate and timely public and formal acts of identification with the Jewish faith and people. The performance of these mitzvot serves to commit those who participate in them, both parent and child, to Jewish life. Depending on circumstances, mitzvot leading towards a positive and exclusive Jewish identity, will include entry into the Covenant, acquisition of a Hebrew name, Torah study, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah (Confirmation). For those beyond childhood, claiming Jewish identity, other public acts or declarations may be added or substituted after consultation with their rabbi.

This is the official position of Reform Judaism in America. We recognize the child of an interfaith marriage as fully Jewish, provided that the parents have agreed to raise their child solely as a Jew.

In keeping with the resolution of the Union for Reform Judaism, enrollment in HaMakom( religious school) is open to:

• Children who are being raised and educated exclusively as Jews, and

• Children who are not concurrently receiving formal education in another religion.

We assume that any child registered in our religious school is being raised exclusively in the Jewish faith and that this is a joint decision and commitment on the part of both parents.

If you are struggling with this decision, or uncertain of its implications, we urge you to speak with either Rabbi Locketz or Ali King, HaMakom Director, before registering your child in HaMakom (Religious School).     

Before a child enters HaMakom, the home and family are their primary source of Jewish knowledge. During the HaMakom years, the synagogue, HaMakom, and the family work in partnership to develop educated and committed Jews. Through formal study, informal education, participation in the life of the synagogue, and family experience, our students develop and enhance their faith in God, love of Torah and identification with the Jewish people. It is our goal that their knowledge of Jewish tradition will enable students to make informed Jewish choices about how to live dedicated and meaningful lives and to celebrate life Jewishly, using traditional symbols and rituals.

Our aim is for each student to discover and grow into his/her own sense of Jewish identity. We want students to explore and experience Judaism, to see that it impacts them in their daily lives, to build relationships with people in their Jewish community, and to enable them to make educated Jewish choices.

Bet Shalom seeks to provide a program of Jewish education which will enable its students to become Jews who:

• are proud to be Jewish

• find joy in participation in Jewish life in the home and in the synagogue

• feel connected to and inspired by their peers, teachers, rabbis, and community

• celebrate Shabbat, the festivals and the Jewish life cycle ceremonies, as interpreted in the light of historic development and contemporary thought

• value and practice tefillah (prayer) and Jewish ritual, as interpreted by the Reform Movement

• see themselves as the inheritors of the brit (covenant) at Mount Sinai, striving to understand God and God’s mitzvot (commandments) for the Jewish people, as transmitted through Torah

• in the tradition of the Prophets and Reform Judaism, are committed to Jewish values of social justice and carry out these values in their families, synagogue, community and the world at large

• cherish and study Hebrew, the language of the Jewish people through movement, speech and song

• have the desire and skills to be lifelong Jewish learners

• express their kinship with K’lal Yisrael (the People of Israel), Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) and Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel) historically and in modern times

Such Jews will strengthen the fabric of Jewish life in their homes, synagogue, and community, and shape the next generation.

Becoming Literate Jews:

Talmud Torah/Study of Ancient Text:

• Study Torah and explore its relevance to our own lives

• Develop an appreciation of historical and contemporary Jewish texts

Prayer and Spirituality:

• Become familiar with standard Jewish liturgy

• Explore their connection to God through meaningful expressions of Jewish spiritual practice and reflection

Hebrew:

• Develop a joy for, and familiarity, with spoken Hebrew

• Develop fluency in Hebrew reading

Calendar:

• Develop an awareness of the Jewish yearly cycle

• Study themes, rituals concepts and history of Jewish festivals and holy days

Israel:

• Develop students’ awareness of the role of Israel in the Jewish community and a sense of being connected to Jewish people in Israel.

History

• Develop a strong Jewish identity through the study of the history of the Jewish people.

Jewish Family:

• The family is the primary agent in the development of a child’s Jewish experience. We want to work together to build a bridge between the home and school. We want to involve parents in being teachers and role models to their children. This is done through our family education program as well as other school-wide learning opportunities.

• To encourage parent involvement, teachers email a monthly newsletter.

Jewish Ethics and Values:

• HaMakom Bet Shalom (religious school) is not just a place to learn Jewish information. It is a place where everyone, teachers and students alike, are encouraged to act in a manner that demonstrates derech eretz, the right path.

• Through building a community around respect, responsibility and ruach (spirit), we hope to:

  • Develop mutual respect for peers.

  • Develop a sense of responsibility for one’s actions.

  • Develop concern for both the immediate community and the world at large.

  • Encourage the Jewish values of Kavod (respect), tzedakah (righteous giving), gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

• Preschool-2nd Grade: Sundays (9:00-11:30 am)

• 3rd-7th Grade: Sundays (9:00-11:30 am) & Wednesdays (4:45-6:45 pm)

• 8th Grade: Sundays (9:00-11:30 am) with optional Wednesday offerings (4:45-6:45)

• 9th-10th Grade: Sundays (9:00-11:30 am) with optional Wednesday offerings (4:45-7:45)

• 11th-12th Grade: Sundays Option (9:00-11:30 am) and Wednesday options (4:45-7:45)

*On Wednesdays, students may arrive any time between 4:00-4:45. Snacks are available for purchase through our snack bar.

Regular attendance is essential for a successful HaMakom experience for students. Students get more out of our curriculum and create stronger connections to their peers and synagogue clergy and staff when they attend regularly. One of our main goals for our program is helping students create strong Jewish identities and a lifelong connection to Judaism which happens more successfully when they are regularly engaged. Therefore, it is an expectation that students have regular attendance.

Attendance Policy: 

1. Occasional Absence: When sickness or extenuating circumstances cause a student to be absent, the parent or child should talk to the teacher about what was missed. In some cases, material can be given for the student to learn material at home. When an absence is known in advance, please contact the teacher prior to the absence.  A make-up assignment may be given, depending on the child’s grade.   

2. Prolonged Absence: Parents should contact the HaMakom Director if there is cause for a prolonged absence so a plan can be made to keep the child learning. If necessary, a private tutor may be hired at the expense of the family. If a student is involved in a short-term extra-curricular conflict, the family should speak with the HaMakom Director to make appropriate arrangements.

3. Attendance Concerns: When a student has been chronically absent, the HaMakom Director will initiate a meeting with their parents to learn about the child’s absences and create a plan for successful engagement. If the student does not fulfill the expectations put forth, this may result in a delay or cancellation of culminating ceremonies such as a B’nai Mitzvah or Confirmation service.

וְדִבֶּ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנִ֣ים אֶל־פָּנִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֑הוּ

God spoke to Moses face to face, in the same way that humans speak to one another.

This passage from Exodus 33:11 exemplifies our desire to help our students create face to face encounters during their time in Religious School.  In order to help students facilitate these encounters we will be enforcing the following technology policy:

HaMakom Bet Shalom highly discourages students from bringing personal electronic devices with them. These devices not only distract from their ability to have “face-to-face encounters,” and individual learning, but require teachers to spend instructional time addressing its uses within the classroom.  

Our technology policy is meant to :

1. Diminish distractions from learning and encourage face-to-face encounters.

2. Assure parents that students will not be exposed to material (from their own child’s device or that from another student) that is considered “inappropriate” as students often find ways to hide devices from our staff (in bathrooms, hallways, and under desks).

3. Eliminate valuables being lost/stolen.

4. Keep electronic devices from being brought to the sanctuary during t’filah.

5. Protect the privacy rights of all students (eliminating unauthorized recording or photographing of students during school hours).

We recognize that it is often necessary for a parent and child to communicate during HaMakom hours. If this need arises, students may use the office phone and parents should contact the school support line where a message can then be delivered to the child.

Given the goals outlined above, the preferences and procedures for student electronic devices are as follows:

1) We recommend students do not bring any electronic devices to Bet Shalom.

2) If students choose to bring an electronic device, it must not be heard or seen by teachers or staff unless directed by a teacher. This includes break times and bathroom breaks.

3) If an electronic device causes a disruption, the teacher or staff may collect the electronic device and it will not be returned to the student until the end of session. Please note that Bet Shalom is not responsible for any lost or damaged devices.

4) If the student does not cooperate with the above, parents will be called to mediate the situation and the student will remain in the front lobby until his/her parent arrives.

URJ States that, “Jewish tradition teaches that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim, in the Divine image. In the spirit of this core Jewish value, every individual who participates in events within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) community – including participants, presenters, staff, vendors, guests, facilities staff, and all others – will be valued and treated with respect. Every participant, whatever their role, has a right to a safe and inclusive experience, including treatment that is fair, honest, dignified, and nonjudgmental.” Therefore, I agree to the following:

1. I will not engage in bullying any participant, staff, or volunteer.

Bullying is unwanted, hostile behavior, either as a single act or repeated over time, committed with the intent to degrade, humiliate, or oppress another person. It may include:

• Verbal behavior such as making threats, inappropriate sexual comments, and taunting;

• Social misbehavior such as spreading rumors and purposeful exclusion;

• Physical behavior that involves hurting another individual’s body or damaging possessions;

• Cyberbullying, such as persistent, unwanted texts, phone calls, or social media messages, or posting private, personal information of others online (known as “doxing”)

2. I will not possess, consume, distribute any alcoholic beverages, illegal drug/drug paraphernalia, or smoke/consume/distribute tobacco products.

3. I will attend and participate fully in the entire event, unless otherwise agreed upon with my chaperone. I will arrive on time, stay until the end, and remain on the event premises at all times.

4. I will not bring or use any weapon or firearm.

5. I will not commit any illegal act. I understand that vandalism, disturbing the peace or other inappropriate behavior as determined by the adult leadership will not be tolerated. I understand that I will have to pay for any damage that I cause. 

6. I understand that no gambling is allowed.

7. I will abide by the event curfew announced by the leadership. I will follow instructions to report to my cabin and abide by rules once the day’s events have concluded. 

8. I understand that no guests are allowed at any event and that any unauthorized guests will be asked to leave. 

9. I agree to refrain from any inappropriate sexual behavior/harassment.

10. I agree to abide by all additional rules of behavior, pertinent to a specific event, which may be announced, and to accept the consequences of their violation.

I understand that these rules of behavior apply for the entire duration of the event. I also understand that I will get picked up early from the event if I fail to abide by expectations listed above.

Participant’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________

I have instructed my child on the importance of abiding by the Code of Conduct. My child and I both agree that they are familiar with these rules and will obey them. We further understand that sanctions imposed by the adult leadership for violation could include immediate expulsion from the event (including immediate pick-up from the event) at the expense of the parent/guardian.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________

• The main entrance (by the fountain) will be the only location used for drop-off and will be the only point of entry during our sessions.

• Both the main entrance and side entrance may be used for pickup. Families who wish to pull up to the door and have their child(ren) come out to their vehicle must use the KidPickup dismissal system (available for students in grades 3–12 only).

• When dropping off and picking up, please do not leave your car unattended by the door. If you need to leave your car, please do so in a designated space in the parking lot.

• All drivers must adhere to all signs, cones, and personnel directing traffic.

• If a parent is late for pick-up, students will be waiting in the main entrance lobby.

Preschool-2nd Grade

Drop-Off:

• All preschool-2nd graders MUST be walked into the building and brought to the sanctuary by an adult. They are not allowed to be dropped off at the entrance.

Pick-Up

• All preschool–2nd grade students must be picked up by an authorized adult in the sanctuary, where they will wait with their class in the same designated area each week.

• Upon arrival, parents/guardians should check their child out using the KidsPickup link.

3rd-12th Grade

Drop-Off:

• Students may be dropped off at the main entrance (or walked into the building). If students arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to class, they will wait in the lobby (on Sundays) and social hall (on Wednesdays) until class starts.

• If you are dropping your child off at the main entrance, please stay in a single-file line. This is to ensure that every child is dropped off at the curb and not forced to cross in front of other cars. Also, PASSING CARS ON THE LEFT IN THE CARPOOL LANE IS PROHIBITED to ensure student safety and prevent accidents.

Pick-Up:

• Both the main entrance and side entrance may be used for pickup. Families who wish to pull up to the door and have their child(ren) come out to their vehicle must use the KidPickup dismissal system (available for students in grades 3–12 only).

• To ensure the safety of all students, PLEASE DO NOT TEXT STUDENTS TO COME OUT TO YOU OR INSTRUCT AN OLDER SIBLING TO PICK UP A CHILD FROM THEIR CLASS. Teachers are instructed that no student be dismissed unless picked up (or paged) by an adult.

• Adults who prefer to pick up their student inside the building may do so by indicating the designated meeting location through the KidsPickup link.

Late Arrival: In the event of a late arrival, students must check at the front desk, in the main lobby, where they will receive a pass to class.

Early Dismissal:

If a student needs to leave early, a parent or guardian must come inside and check in at the front desk. Front desk staff will determine whether the parent/guardian should proceed to the classroom or if a staff member is available to bring the student to them. Parents/guardians will check their student out using the KidsPickup link. Students will not be dismissed via text message or permitted to wait by the door. This procedure ensures all students remain supervised and are released to an authorized adult.

Going Home With An Alternative Adult:

If your child needs to be picked up by someone other than their normal adult, please notify your child’s teacher or the school support email. Please also inform the HaMakom Director if there is someone WHO IS NOT ALLOWED to pick your child up from our program. Anyone picking students up must do so in accordance with our pick-up procedures outlined above.

Snow Emergency/School Closures:

We intend to inform families of any school closures by 7:15am on Sundays and 2:30pm on Wednesdays. School closures will be communicated to families via an all-school email.

Questions regarding possible closures? Please email Ali King at ali.king@betshalom.org

‍ ‍

We believe that communication between school and home is essential in the educational success of our program. Therefore, we plan to communicate information and student progress with families in the following ways:

1. Religious School Updates: We will communicate with families regularly through:

   1. Weekly all-school communications (sent via email on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm and Sundays at 7:00 am).

   2. Monthly class updates sent by the teacher

We urge you to read these carefully as they contain important dates, upcoming events, program updates, and/or procedural information.

2. Bet Shalom Website: Please check our website frequently for program information.

We want your child’s experience here to be positive and fulfilling. Bet Shalom encourages open communication between parents and teachers throughout the year. If you have questions or concerns along the way, please contact your child’s teacher or the Director of the Religous School. (Please, however, refrain from calling staff members on Shabbat).

Textbook fees are included in the Religious School tuition. If a student loses a book, families are responsible for purchasing a replacement. Non-consumable books are considered part of class sets and will not be sent home at the end of the year.

Students will participate in religious services each week during Religious School. 

We do not have regular snack time during religious school but we do incorporate food into our curriculum. All food allergies should be noted in our registration form and parents should notify teachers of any food that students should not have. We encourage all students to bring a water bottle to class as well, labeled with his/her name. No other beverage will be served. If a child forgets a water bottle, he/she may visit the nearest water fountain.

For students attending class on Wednesday afternoons, snacks are available for purchase from 4:00 to 4:40 p.m from our snack bar. A menu and prices will be shared through our weekly emails.

 In an effort to keep Bet Shalom a safe, comfortable place for all students and members, the Religious School has adopted a nut-free policy.  Some children have reactions to nuts that are so severe that their health and safety can be in danger.  Please do not bring snacks, meals, or dishes that contain nuts, nut products, or nut oils into the synagogue.

Prescription AND over-the-counter medications can be administered at Religious School ONLY if the following conditions are met:

1.  A signed doctor’s order must be given, including the dose and time the medication is to be administered.

2.  All medication MUST be in its original container.

3.  All medications and paperwork MUST be brought to the Religious School Office.

4. Our Religious School Director is the only person allowed to administer medication.

Bet Shalom recognizes the individuality of each student.  We believe that students wishing to express their creativity through their clothing may do so while still remaining within the guidelines of the dress code.  While we do not want to dictate a student’s attire, we ask parents to partner with us in having the students represent themselves, their families, and our synagogue with appropriate dress.

Therefore, students are expected to dress in a manner that does not disrupt the educational environment of our school. Tops or bottoms should not overexpose the skin, nor should clothing contain inappropriate messages in words or images.

Bet Shalom Congregation strives to be a place of inclusion, community, and positive relationships. This value is stressed in the Religious School as well.  To that end, our students will be taught the concept of

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1.  Students have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that is in the best interest of Bet Shalom and its students. This includes respect of classmates, teachers, and the building.

2.  Parents have a responsibility to develop positive attitudes toward study and behavior.

3.  Teachers have a responsibility to develop and encourage positive behavior through teaching, engagement, building relationships, and communicating clear expectations to develop a positive community and learning environment. The goal is to give students skills that will help them grow as individuals and as contributors to their community.

4. The clergy, administration and staff are committed to supporting our behavior expectations.

Behavior Policy:

The beginning of Religious Education is a time for building children’s Jewish identities and connection to Jewish holidays, values, culture and the Bible.  It is important that children and their parents feel that Jewish tradition belongs to them.  It is also an opportune time to tap into a child’s natural and open sense of spirituality. By presenting the curriculum in an interactive manner, the foundation is set for their subsequent Jewish education.

Text: “Jewish and Me” Series

• Students will focus on the idea of identity – connection to Jewish practice and actions.

• Students will explore what it means to be Jewish.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will learn about Shabbat and holidays.

• Students will learn about Mitzvot through our “Jewish and Me: Doing Mitzvot” series.

• Students will get to know our synagogue and feel safe and comfortable in our sacred space.

• Students will start to learn modern Hebrew through “Letter of the Week” and “Jewish Life Vocabulary.”

• Students will start to learn prayers and music during music and services.

Text: “Let’s Celebrate” Series/”Let’s Discover God” Series/ “Let’s Discover Kindness” Series

• Students will explore what it means to be Jewish.

• Students will focus on the idea of identity – connection to Jewish practice and actions.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will learn about mitzvot (Commandments) and Jewish values.

• Students will learn about Shabbat and holidays.

• Students will learn about God.

• Students will start to learn modern Hebrew through “Letter of the Week” and “Jewish Life Vocabulary.”

• Students will start to learn prayers and music during music and services.

Text: “Teach me Torah” Series/I Can Celebrate the Jewish Holidays

• Students will be introduced to Torah/Torah stories.

• Students will continue to learn about celebrations, symbols, and customs surrounding the Jewish holidays.

• Students will learn about Jewish symbols and ritual objects.

• Students will learn about practices both in the home and the synagogue.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will start to learn modern Hebrew through “Letter of the Week” and “Jewish Life Vocabulary.”

• Students will start to learn prayers and music during music and services.

Text: Yisrael Sheli, The Great Holiday Scavenger Hunt

• Students will learn about the cycle of the Jewish year in conjunction with the calendar and holidays.

• Students will learn about Israel as a special land and place for the Jewish people.

• Students will learn Modern Hebrew through “Hebrew Through Movement.”

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will start to learn modern Hebrew through “Letter of the Week” and “Jewish Life Vocabulary.”

• Students will start to learn prayers and music during music and services.

Text: The Explorer’s Bible, Volume 1: From Creation to Exodus, My Jewish Year.

• Students will closely examine Torah Stories, focusing on Genesis and Exodus.

• Students will see a relationship between the Torah and their own lives.

• Students will continue exploration of the Jewish calendar, exploring the structure of the lunar calendar.

• Students will learn Modern Hebrew through “Hebrew Through Movement.”

• Students will deepen their connection to prayer and music. They will increase their prayer fluency and reflect on their connection to God through worship.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

Text: The Explorer’s Bible, Volume 2: From Sinai to the Nation of Israel and Jewish Holidays, Jewish Values

• Students will further their exploration of sacred text by continuing to study significant bible stories beyond the books of the Torah. They will focus on stories of significant Prophets and Kings in the Tanach.

• Students will see a relationship between Sacred Text and their own lives.

• Students will revisit the Jewish holidays and examine the value and relevance of each.

• Students will learn Modern Hebrew through “Hebrew Through Movement.”

• Students will deepen their connection to prayer and music. They will increase their prayer fluency and reflect on their connection to God through worship.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will take classes from a list of chugim (elective-style courses) that range in topics relating to Jewish life. This will broaden a student’s sense of what it means to be Jewish and allow students to further their social experience with their Jewish peers.

Text: Experience Modern Israel,

• Students will study modern Israel – its significance, culture, people, geography, and ancient history.

• Students will learn Hebrew through “Hebrew Through Movement.”

• Students will deepen their connection to prayer and music. They will increase their prayer fluency and reflect on their connection to God through worship.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will begin their formal B’nai Mitzvah preparation by working on Hebrew decoding and learning Trope (which are the symbols used for teaching the melody when chanting from the Torah). These will continue over the next couple of years in preparation for B’nai Mitzvah.

Text: The Time of Our Lives, The History of the Jewish People, Volume 1: Ancient Israel to 1880s America

• Students will explore significant moments in the Jewish Life Cycle, including: birth, B’nai Mitzvah, confirmation, marriage, divorce, conversion, sickness, and death.

• Students will learn Jewish History from Ancient Israel to 1880s America.

• Students will deepen their connection to prayer and music.  They will increase their prayer fluency and reflect on their connection to God through worship.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will dedicate time to learning B’nai Mitzvah prayers and participate in individual tutoring.

• Students will continue the study of Trope, which are the symbols used for teaching the melody when chanting from the Torah. This will continue in preparation for B’nai Mitzvah.

Text: Challenge and Change: History of the Jews in America (Books #1-3)

• Students will study significant moments in American Jewish History and what it means for them to be an American Jew.

• Students will learn and implement Jewish values

• Students will explore responsibility to their peers, communities, and to the world in the context of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and will do so within the context of our Jewish Values.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will study toward becoming a B’nai Mitzvah by dedicating time to learning B’nai Mitzvah prayers and participating in individual tutoring.

• Students will take classes from a list of chugim (elective-style courses) that range in topics relating to Jewish life. This will broaden a student’s sense of what it means to be Jewish and allow students to further their social experience with their Jewish peers.

• Students will explore what events happened leading up to and during the Holocaust.

• Students will ask how we, as a Jewish community, should act today in response to the Holocaust.

• Students will build community and relationships with their peers, teachers, and clergy.

• Students will study Antisemtism and how it relates to our society today.

Israel….It’s Complicated

• Students will explore their relationship with Israel. They will study the Jewish historical connection to the land, learn about its history as well as today’s modern culture: Its innovation, entertainment, place in the world, food, government, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Learners will explore how Israel is both a uniquely Jewish place as well as home to a remarkable range of diverse people from all over the world.

• Students will learn about the complexities that Israel has to navigate and gain a deep--and nuanced--understanding of the unique, multifaceted place that Israel is.

• Confirmation at Bet Shalom is an incredible opportunity for our 10th graders to consider what it means to confirm a commitment to Jewish life, tradition, and community.  The class is taught by our rabbis and will include deep and rich discussions around critical issues facing our life as Jews today.  It is a time commitment that will have a lasting impact on your inner life and the person you are becoming. 

• Students will take classes from a list of chugim (elective-style courses) that range in topics relating to Jewish life. This will broaden a student’s sense of what it means to be Jewish and allow students to further their social experience with their Jewish peers.

• Our hope that teens will come together in this chug to socialize, learn, and implement ways to positively impact the world. The class covers such topics as social action, advocacy, tikkun olam (community service), life skills, health and wellness, current events, Antisemitism, leadership development, and much much more.

• This chug will focus on the history of Jewish and Israeli food. Students will learn about food from various groups, like Ashkenzi and Sephardic, why Israeli food uses the ingredients it does, and the significance of food used for Jewish holidays. Students will also explore the strong Jewish connection to food, how food builds Jewish identity, and the unique nature of passing Jewish recipes down from generation to generation, even during the hardest of times, like the Holocaust. Students will learn, cook, eat, and build relationships all around our Jewish dishes.

Hebrew for PreK through 1st grade incorporates the program, “Hebrew Through Movement,” and is based on the idea that we should introduce a second language through the same method that we acquired our first language as infants. This means that we move from “sound-to-print.” Students will learn the sounds of Hebrew letters and vowels as they apply to words and phrases, eventually learning the corresponding written letters and vowels. Students will be introduced to Hebrew words/phrases through “Letter of Week '' and “Jewish Life Vocabulary” that teachers will use in the classroom and families will be encouraged to use at home. Students will also be exposed to Hebrew through music and prayers.

Our Hebrew program for 2nd grade is called, “Hebrew Through Movement” and is based on the idea that we should introduce a second language through the same method that we acquired our first language as infants.  This means that we move from “sound-to-print.”  Students will learn the sounds of letters and vowels as they apply to words and phrases, eventually learning the corresponding written letters and vowels. Students will be introduced to Hebrew words/phrases by listening to their teachers speak in Hebrew, while at the same time, observing what type of movement their teachers make when words are said.  Students go through a three-step process of learning.  First they observe what the teacher does, then mimic the action with the teacher, and finally perform the action on their own.  As students move through what the program calls, “Foundational Levels,” they will move on to speaking and learning Hebrew within the context of holidays and prayers. In addition to this, there will be a “Letter of Week” and “Jewish Vocabulary of the Week” that teachers will use in the classroom and families will be encouraged to use at home.

Our Hebrew program for 3rd-4th grade is called, “Hebrew Through Movement” and is based on the idea that we should introduce a second language through the same method that we acquired our first language as infants.  This means that we move from “sound-to-print.”  Students will learn the sounds of letters and vowels as they apply to words and phrases, eventually learning the corresponding written letters and vowels. Students will be introduced to Hebrew words/phrases by listening to their teachers speak in Hebrew, while at the same time, observing what type of movement their teachers make when words are said.  Students go through a three-step process of learning.  First they observe what the teacher does, then mimic the action with the teacher, and finally perform the action on their own.  As students move through what the program calls, “Foundational Levels,” they will move on to speaking and learning Hebrew within the context of holidays and prayers. 3rd and 4th graders also spend dedicated time in prayer class, learning the meaning behind prayers and prayer literacy.

Beginning in 5th grade (the beginning of formal Hebrew reading) and continuing through 7th grade, students learn to decode Hebrew and read it fluently.  Students will focus on basic reading comprehension and expand to master basic prayer literacy and preparation for chanting from the Torah. This study includes our Hebrew Boot Camp, the study of Trope, prayer reading, and moving through a series of three B’nai Mitzvah Cohorts.

Special needs for students can range from those who need assistance in learning to those who are gifted and need to be challenged.  We want all students at Bet Shalom to be able to be part of the community and learn to the best of their abilities. We will continue to offer services from

Bet Shalom students in grades 8-12 are eligible to serve as madrichim in our Religious School.  They work under the close supervision of classroom teachers and the Madrichim Coordinator.  After completing a training course, madrichim assist teachers in classroom tasks, tutoring, and may even teach part of a lesson (with the teacher’s approval).  Most importantly, they serve as role models to our younger students. Madrichim can earn credit toward immersive Jewish experiences, use their time as volunteer hours, earn pay (11th and 12th grade only), or can make a donation to our Next Generation Fund.

BeSTY (Bet Shalom Temple Youth) meets every Wednesday evening to plan programs and social activities, and community service while building relationships and enjoying dinner together. In addition to participating in functions at Bet Shalom, members participate in local and regional functions with other temple youth groups. BeSTY is affiliated with NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth), the Reform Movement’s Youth movement, and is part of NFTY’s Northern Region.  NFTY’s Northern Region conclaves bring together youth group members from the Upper Midwest.

Bet Shalom encourages its students to attend Jewish summer camp.  Bet Shalom is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the national organization of Reform congregations. Our movement has a wonderful network of summer camps; the oldest of the URJ camps is our very own Olin-Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  Each year we send dozens of our youngsters to OSRUI.  You can also check out their website at

On Simchat Torah, students who are in their first year of religious school at Bet Shalom in grades K-3 participate in a ceremony marking the beginning of their formal Jewish education. During the service, students receive a blessing, their own personal Torah scroll, and a certificate. A few weeks prior to this, parents will make a Torah cover for their child’s personal Torah.

Bet Shalom provides a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to join together during religious school to make connections, build relationships, and learn with one another and our clergy. Each grade has one family program where parents are required to attend during religious school hours, to learn around a designated theme. There will also be an opportunity to participate in Tikkun Olam with your child in the form of a community service project. Please consult the Religious School Calendar and our weekly communications for dates of your child’s family program. 

6th Grade

1.      Make sure your child attends Religious School regularly and arrives on time.

2.      Become familiar and involved with your child’s Jewish learning.

3.      Encourage positive class behavior.

4.      Model Jewish learning for your child by making your own commitment to study and be part of the school and temple life.

5.      Come to services with your child.

6.      As much as possible, eliminate interference with school programs. If Religious School is not made a priority, it will not be seen as a priority.

7.      Be in touch with your child’s teachers, Clergy, and the Director of the Religious School.

“Teach the tradition diligently to your children so that they may in turn teach it diligently to theirs.”  At Bet Shalom we take this charge to heart.  We look forward to an association with parents and children that helps children to develop a strong sense of self-esteem that enables them to live, love, and learn well, so they will indeed pass their heritage on to others.