Beth El Hebrew Religious School's goals are to open the windows of Judaism and instill in our children that reform judaism is exciting, relevant and important to the world.

Get the latest religious school information and schedule changes by checking our Beth El Calendar .

Download these key dates for each religious school class.

Download the parent religious school calendar

The religious school's mission focuses on teaching:

• Torah: to focus on the moral behaviors, values, history and wisdom which are the foundation of Judaism.
• Hebrew Literacy: to be able to participate in services, while gaining an understanding of the prayers and developing a connection to Hebrew as the language of the Jewish people.
• History and Israel: to develop a sense of belonging to the Jewish community, past, present and future, as well as developing an identity as part of a local and international Jewish community whose center is the State of Israel.
• Traditions, Customs, Holidays: to learn and participate in traditions, customs and holiday observances that have cultural and historical meaning, and to find personal meaning within their own families' lives.
• Mitzvot and Tikkun Olam: to teach the importance of living a moral life by doing acts of loving kindness and repairing the world through social action.
• Reform Judaism: to provide an enduring understanding of the tenets of Reform Judaism.
• God: to help students begin to develop their personal theology and relationship with God through prayer, study and acts of loving kindness.

Accomplishing the mission:

• Experienced and loving Jewish educators
• Dedicated and involved Rabbi, Cantor, lay leadership
• Extensive resource support from the congregation e.g., volunteer elective teachers, guidance and financial
• Small Hebrew classes
• Innovative B'nei Mitzvah program
• Full arts program (music, dance and art)
• Family and intergenerational Education Programs
• Effective use of education technology in the classroom (e.g. media center, resource center, media carts)
• 21st century education models utilized in the classroom
• Programming and community bonding activities that result in high student retention post B'nei Mitzvah
• Integration of informal and formal Jewish education
• Teaching Opportunities for young adults (Madrichim Program)
• Active Youth Program ( BEFTY and NIFTY)
• Social Action Projects
• Field trips and retreats (New York, Ellis Island, Holocaust Museum)
• Successful completion of "Community Commendation Process"- A Self Evaluation Process

Jewish Educators:

Successful Jewish learning is only possible by recruiting and retaining dedicated and knowledgeable Jewish Educators. Beth El is blessed with a cadre of Jewish educators who provide the "teaching moments" that last a lifetime. Examples of comments from our teachers that demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm for Jewish Learning are

I started teaching because I wanted to get other young people fired up about being Jewish and making Jewish friends.

I love teaching kindergarteners! They are so eager to learn, and have so much to give.

I love the challenge of working with the kids. After 18 years it is still a challenge because all the kids are different.

I love Judaism and love children and youth. I get my energy from the enthusiasm of the students I teach.

I love working with children. I hated going to Hebrew School, so I try to make my Hebrew class as fun and enjoyable as possible. It is important to teach the next generation so that our faith and culture may thrive.

Classes:

Our Religious School classes begin when students enter Kindergarten and continue thru Post- Confirmation (11tth and 12th grade.

Primary grades (K thru 3rd) meet on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Grades 4 thru 7 meet on Sundays mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and Wednesday evening from 6:15 p.m.to 8 p.m.

Grades 8 through 10 (Confirmation) meet on Sunday mornngs from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Grades 11 through 12 (Post-Confirmation) meet once a month on Sunday from 11 AM to 12 Noon.

Children Services: The Religious School sponsors a monthly Family Service led by our clergy for students in kindergarten thru third grade. The service is preceded by a Shabbat Family dinner.

The Religious School sponsors a monthly Junior Congregation Service led by our clergy and students (grades 4 thru 7). The Service is preceded by a Shabbat Family dinner.

For details, contact our Director Barry Smith or telephone the religious school office at 703-370-6644.