Religious School

REGISTRATION INFORMATION for KINDERGARTEN – SEVENTH GRADE

2021-2022

The Temple Beth David Religious School offers a vibrant and varied educational program for children and their families in Kindergarten through High School. 

Students in the Primary Grades experience a hands-on approach to Jewish life. We celebrate Shabbat and holidays, introducing students to symbols of Judaism, Torah, Israel and Hebrew letters.

Formal Hebrew Language instruction begins in the Second/Third Grade class. Hebrew reading instruction is individualized to provide all students with meaningful learning situations.

In Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades families participate in our PACT Program: Parent And Child Together.  PACT students learn side by side with their parent/s in various workshops and also attend a traditional class once each week. In addition, PACT students learn about Jewish history, life cycle events, Israel, Torah and other sacred texts. They explore traditional Jewish values and contemporary issues.

In all grades, classroom instruction is enriched by regular Music Sessions, Worship Services in the Sanctuary and special projects.  Our Seventh Grade program includes a Hebrew Language Class and a Judaica class.  

In addition to volunteering in our Religious School, our teens in Eighth through Twelfth Grades have the option to participate in Community Hebrew High School.  See more details about the PACT program in this packet.

[Please note Bar & Bat Mitzvah instruction is under the direction of Rabbi/Cantor Halpern and is not part of the Religious School Program.]

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration is completed on a first come – first served basis.

 In order to maintain appropriate class sizes for all of our programs, the School reserves the right to close enrollment for any class or day. In addition, classes will only be offered with sufficient enrollment.

Please click on this link and complete ONE Registration Form for all children in a family:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z8fMc6ZNpMOTQ0iNsQTDtBad4UuiLfsGOSQw4JJsZ_U/edit?usp=sharing

In order to register for a new school year, dues and financial obligations must be current. Please contact Robin Kain in the Temple Office privately regarding any concerns (robin@tbdcommack.org).  No deposit is required to submit Registration materials. As a courtesy to families, Religious School and Temple fees are billed monthly. There is a $50 reduction in tuition for siblings. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee is charged one year prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Separate Registration information for Grades 8 – 12 are provided to families.

2021-2022 CLASS SCHEDULE

Kindergarten & Grade 1

Tuesday (4:30-6:30 PM)

Grades 2 & 3

Tuesday (4:30-6:30 PM)

Grade 4

PACT – Wednesday (4:30-6:30 PM)

Grade 5

PACT – Tuesday (4:30-6:30 PM)       

Grade 6

PACT – Wednesday (4:30-6:30 PM)

PACT: Parent and Child Together for

Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6

Information about the PACT Program for Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Graders is found at the end of this packet. PACT includes:

PACT Class sessions for 4th grade students on Wednesday afternoons

PACT Class sessions for 5th grade students on Tuesday afternoons

PACT Class sessions for 6th grade students on Wednesday afternoons

Individual Hebrew Tutorials for students (schedule is set at the beginning of the school year)

Family Foundation Programs (dates listed on the Religious School Calendar)

Family Elective Activities (dates listed on the Religious School Calendar)

Grade 7

Tuesday (6:40-8:30 PM)

Grades 8 – 12

Information about schedule and registration are provided separately.

SCHOOL POLICIES

 We encourage students to begin Religious School in the younger grades. Children who do so generally feel more comfortable in the synagogue, develop stronger friendships and acquire a higher level of Hebrew reading and chanting.  A reduced tuition fee is offered for Kindergarten, First and Second Grades for Temple members. In addition, non-members are invited to enroll their children in these grades at a non-member rate.

Students are expected to begin Religious School no later than Third Grade in order to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth David on or about their 13th birthday. Students are expected to complete the Seventh Grade. All fees must be current six months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

 

P A C T — Parent And Child Together

 

Our PACT Program is ‘packed’ full of learning & meaningful experiences together!

PACT is for those seeking a different type of involvement in Jewish learning and living as a family. It offers a one-day per week schedule for the children and more flexibility and choices in schedule for families.

The PACT Program includes these components:

Fourth Grade PACT classes – Weekly Wednesday  classes (4:30–6:30 p.m.) 

Students have a Hebrew Language Class and a Judaica Class by grade. The curriculum follows the Fourth Grade program offered to all students in this grade.

  • Hebrew Language: letter recognition, decoding words, reading prayer book and holiday-related prayers and blessings
  • Judaica Class: Introduction to stories from the Torah; exploring God in our world
  • Individual Hebrew Language Tutorials (see below)

The PACT students also have music class and Worship assemblies with the other Wednesday afternoon Religious School classes.

Fifth Grade PACT classes – Weekly Tuesday  classes (4:30-6:30 p.m.)

Students have a Hebrew Language Class and a Judaica Class by grade.

  • Hebrew Language: Shabbat prayers and blessings: meanings and mastery
  • Judaica Class: the Jewish life-cycle and the land and State of Israel
  • Individual Hebrew Language Tutorials (see below)

The PACT students also have music class and Worship assemblies with the other Tuesday afternoon Religious School classes.

Sixth Grade PACT classes – Weekly Wednesday  classes (4:30-6:30 p.m.)

Students have a Hebrew Language Class and a Judaica Class by grade.

  • Hebrew Language: Chanting the prayers of Shabbat service
  • Judaica Class: Jewish Heroes from Biblical times to present day
  • Individual Hebrew Language Tutorials (see below)

The PACT students also have music class and Worship assemblies with the other Wednesday afternoon Religious School classes.

Individual Hebrew Language Tutorials

In addition to their weekly Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon class, each student has an individual 15 minute session with a Hebrew Language teacher. These are in-person, by phone or by Skype/Facetime; the schedule is set by the teacher and individual parents at the beginning of the school year.

PACT Foundation Programs

There are seven Foundation Programs scheduled throughout the school year for the student and parent/s. Each family is expected to attend at least five of the Foundation Programs. These are offered on Sunday mornings (9:30-11:30 a.m.) and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (6:30–8:00 p.m.). Each year the Foundation Programs follows a theme.  During these programs, parents and children learn together, participate in special events and have a chance to get to know other PACT families.

 Fourth / Fifth Grade PACT Foundation Program Dates for 2021-2022

October 24, Sunday morning                     PACT Mitzvah Day Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grades 9:30-11:30 a.m.

November 17, Wednesday evening            PACT Foundation Program Fourth/Fifth Grades 6:30-8:00 p.m.

December 14, Tuesday evening                   PACT Foundation Program Fourth/Fifth Grade 6:30-8:00 p.m.

January 22, Saturday afternoon                  PACT Foundation Prog` Fourth/Fifth Grades 4:15-5:00 p.m. (Zoom)

March 2, Wednesday evening                     PACT Foundation Program Fourth/Fifth Grades 6:30-8:00 p.m.

March 29, Tuesday evening                         PACT Foundation Program Fourth/Fifth Grades 6:30-8:00 p.m.

May 1, Sunday morning                               Temple Mitzvah Day

Sixth Grade PACT Foundation Program Dates for 2021-2022

October 24, Sunday morning                   PACT Mitzvah Day Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grades 9:30-11:30 a.m.

November 9, Tuesday evening                    PACT Family Foundation Program Sixth Grade, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

December 8, Wednesday evening               PACT Foundation Program Sixth Grade 6:30-8:00 p.m.

January 23, Sunday morning                      PACT Foundation Program Sixth Grade 9:30-10:15 a.m. (Zoom)

March 8, Tuesday evening                           PACT Foundation Program Sixth Grade 6:30-8:00 p.m.

April 6, Wednesday evening                        PACT Foundation Program Sixth Grade 6:30-8:00 p.m.

May 1, Sunday morning                               Temple Mitzvah Day

 

Family Experiences and Programs (Electives)

During the course of the year, families are expected to attend six additional events offered at Temple Beth David. Each family chooses the events based upon their own interests and schedules, such as: Sukkot Supper, Family Fun Day, Shabbat Dinners, Havdalah activities and celebrations, Holiday Family Experiences. Here are some scheduled events; others may be added throughout the year.

September 26, Sunday morning                    Sukkot Program, All Grades, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

December 5, Sunday morning                       Chanukah Happening, All Grades, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

January 9, Sunday evening                             Bingo, All Grades, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

February 13, Sunday morning                       Rabbi Challah Prog, All Grades, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

March 13, Sunday morning                            Purim Carnival, All Grades, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

May 15, Sunday morning                               Family Fun Day, All Grades, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Worship Services

PACT Students & Parents are expected to attend a total of ten worship services during the year. These include High Holiday, festival and Shabbat worship, as well as the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade Shabbat evening services.

Acts of Tzedakah

Each family participates in a Social Action project or program. These may be events held at Temple Beth David, such as making sandwiches for a local soup kitchen, or it may be a project in the community.

PACT Instructors and Staff

Rabbi Klafter and Dr. Gursky supervise the PACT Program and coordinate the Family Foundation Programs.

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 create a warm and welcoming environment for every student and their family. Through classroom instruction, special activities and programs, as well as our Family Education offerings, we plant the seeds of lifelong Jewish commitment and learning.

The Religious School programs at Temple Beth David begin in Kindergarten and continue through High School. Please contact us in the Religious School Office for further information at 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 Shirley Offman 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 learn a wide variety of Jewish and Hebrew songs with our Music Teacher. Our Junior Choir participates in Shabbat Services several times during the year.

PRAYER ASSEMBLIES

We hold regular informal prayer services for the students during class time in the Temple Sanctuary. Mrs.Offman leads these throughout the year. On occasion they are led by the older students.

GUEST SPEAKERS & FIELD TRIPS

Enrich the classroom lessons

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. In addition to class collections, the School has adopted a family through the M’Yad L’Yad-Helping Hands organization. We have provided support for this family with packages of books, games, school supplies and clothing, as well as funds for” our family” to purchase food and necessities; especially during holiday times.

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.

The Religious School has donated Tzedakah to organizations and communities in the U.S. and throughout the State of Israel.

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.

camp photos 2016