Whoever teaches his child teaches not only his child, but also his child’s child – and so on to the end of generations
In the halls of the Religious School, Judaism comes alive. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our students and their families to learn, explore their Jewish identity and strengthen their relationships with other families.
Students in Kindergarten through Seventh Grade attend classes ONE day each week in addition to attending family workshops and holiday events. Students in the upper grades receive weekly private tutorials in Hebrew language. Our well-trained, experienced teachers use project-based, interactive approaches in our classrooms. Students learn to read Hebrew, chant prayers, explore their Jewish spirituality, appreciate their Jewish heritage and Israeli culture, understand and participate in Jewish values projects, and of course, make friends with other Jewish children.
Our Religious School not only provides a fun and meaningful program to prepare students to be called to the Torah as a B-mitzvah, but also provides options for teens to continue their education in High School, volunteer in our school as a Student Aide, and/or participate in our Teen Leadership Certificate program.
Please contact us in the Religious School Office for further information at 631-499-0915 x 317 or by email.
Rabbi Beth H. Klafter, R.J.E., Director of Education Rabbibhk@tbdcommack.org
Dr. Marjorie Gursky, Assistant Director of Education mgursky@tbdcommack.org
Goals of Reform Jewish Education
Temple Beth David is a Reform Jewish congregation affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), the umbrella organization of our movement. Reform Judaism approaches Judaism in a liberal and dynamic manner. It values the lessons of Jewish texts, history and customs, but does not necessarily view them as immutable. Reform Judaism defines itself as an ever-changing, ever-adapting movement. The goal of education is the deepening.
LEARNING STYLES & SPECIAL NEEDS
The Religious School welcomes students with various learning styles and challenges. We offer individualized tutoring in Hebrew language studies. Our faculty is experienced in addressing the needs of diverse learners. Contact Dr Marjorie Gursky if you have particular concerns.
TECHNOLOGY
The Religious School was awarded a grant from the Legacy Heritage Fund which provided a “SMARTBOARD” and advanced training for our staff. Each classroom is equipped with desktop computers. Students also have access to laptops for research during class time.
MUSIC PROGRAM
Students enjoy music once a month with our music teacher. They learn a wide variety of Jewish and Hebrew songs.
SHINSHINIM (ISRAELI TEEN)
Through the extraordinary generosity of our clergy, our school has been so fortunate last year as well as this coming year to be able to participate in the Sid Jacobson Y’s Shinshinim Program. Each year, we are assigned an elite Israeli who has recently graduated from high school. Through fun and interactive games and activities, they bring Israeli culture into our classrooms.
PRAYER ASSEMBLIES
We hold regular informal prayer services for the students during class time in the Temple Sanctuary. Dr. Gursky leads these throughout the year.
GUEST SPEAKERS & FIELD TRIPS
To enrich our classroom lessons, we have arranged field trips in previous years to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, the Discovery Museum at the SYJCC as well as to the Lower East Side in Manhattan.
Our seventh grade, in particular, has had the opportunity to learn about Diversity in Judaism through several guest speakers. Our speakers have introduced our students to Sephardic traditions, Israeli culture, Jewish by choice, as well as interfaith families.
STUDENT AIDES
Dozens of our students stay involved in the School by volunteering as Student Aides after they become Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Aides assist in Primary Grade classrooms and in the Office. Some tutor in Hebrew. Many fulfill High School Community Service requirements through their volunteering in the Religious School.
TZEDAKAH
Our students learn the value of Tzedakah in all grades. Over the years donations have been sent to local Jewish and secular organizations as well as to organizations in Israel.
We also show our support for the Israeli Defense Forces by sending packages to soldiers for Chanukah and Purim and greeting cards throughout the year. In addition, Temple Beth David students participate in Mitzvah Day in the Fall and in the Spring of each year, helping various organizations in our local community.
The Religious School has donated Tzedakah to organizations and communities in the U.S. and throughout the State of Israel.
JEWISH SUMMER CAMPS
TBD Students attend our Reform Movement’s Summer Camps! Rabbi Klafter pictured here with students at URJ Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA, and at URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Camp in Byfield, MA.
