Preschool/Kindergarten Program: Shabbat Shalom

• Age level: 4 years old (by September 1 of year entering) to 6 years old.
  

Shabbat Shalom meets one Saturday morning a month from 10:30-12:00. This program is designed as an introduction to the richness of our Jewish heritage. Through songs, games, stories and crafts, children celebrate Shabbat with blessings, customs, and community. A minimum of six children must be enrolled to offer the class.

Grades 1 & 2

• Students meet Sunday mornings, 10:00 AM-12:15PM.
  

1st Grade: This year is an introduction to Judaism and key concepts associated with holidays, prayer and mitzvot. Students participate in Kedushat LaTorah (consecration) a service in honor of beginning their formal Jewish education.
2nd Grade: Students look at the calendar as a cycle of holidays, review basic blessings and begin short prayers. They explore what is in the synagogue as a spiritual home and physical space. Basic bible stories and Hebrew letters are introduced.

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Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

• Students meet Sunday mornings (10:00AM- 12:15PM) and Wednesday afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM)

Students expand their knowledge of cycles to include lifecycle events, the weekly Torah portion, and key historic periods. Students learn to read Hebrew in order to become familiar with our prayer book, the basic order of the service, and a bit of modern Hebrew. Text study includes an introduction to the prophets, midrash and Talmud. Mitzvot (commandments/deeds) are practiced in the context of holidays, acts of kindness, and tzedakah. Students have the opportunity for a grade level family Shabbat dinner with the rabbi, for choosing a class tzedakah project, and for helping lead a prayer service.

Children who enter our school after 3rd grade: Our Jewish studies program begins for all children when they are in 1st grade. Hebrew is formally introduced in 3rd grade. If you wish to enroll your child in our school but your child is older than 3rd grade, please contact the Education Director (256-0160 ext. 203) for an interview to assess your child's knowledge in the topics studied. If necessary, families may be asked to make special arrangements to bring their child up to grade level.

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Grade 7

• Students meet Saturday mornings and Wednesday (4:00-5:30PM)
  

Saturdays the emphasis is on exploring communal prayer, individual beliefs, and the spectrum of Jewish practice. During the week, student activities address "teen issues", community service, and leadership opportunities in the school. Formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is done on a private basis with an individual tutor, family workshops and meetings with the rabbi.

Teen Program

• Generally meet Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.
  

Groups are by grade (8th - 10th) with occasional all teen workshops for grades 8 though 12 in conjunction with Northampton's Congregation B'nai Israel and Greenfield's Temple Israel. A schedule of meeting dates and a newsletter are provided each semester with "what's happening" for Jewish teens in the valley. Youth advisors facilitate programs with activities, discussions, and snacks. A Confirmation class with Rabbi Bauer is being offered for 10-12th graders.

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Intergenerational Community Education

Members of all ages are invited to attend these fun-filled workshops. As a community, we explore Judaism through study, the arts, and a variety of activities. Workshops build relationships within the congregation and empower participants to continue learning in their homes. Each year we generally schedule one program per grade level and at least one program for the whole community.

Adult Education

A brochure of course offerings is published semi-annually by the Adult Education Committee. Open to the community, courses are usually taught by our rabbi, JCA members or staff. Please call the synagogue office for more information.

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