Religious School of Congregation Sha’arey Ha-Yam
B’ruchim Ha-ba’im! (Welcome!)
Mission Statement
The mission of our Religious School is to instill a love for Judaism, basic Jewish literacy, and a strong, positive Jewish identity in each of our students. We do this in a small, friendly, family-like environment through creative teaching by dedicated teachers, both professional and volunteers from our congregation. We encourage the whole family to become involved in the learning process and for parents to bring their own questions and learning needs to our Rabbi and staff. We teach our students about Jewish culture, traditions, history and the Hebrew language, giving them a foundation of Jewish literacy on which they can build throughout their lives.
Aleph Class
This class begins at the second grade level. We use a fun and relaxed method to introduce the Hebrew alphabet. Arts and crafts, story-telling, games and parties are used to teach about - and celebrate! - Jewish holidays. The Aleph class is the basis for Jewish learning about prayer, Bible, history and culture which continues in the…
Bet Class
Most students begin Bet class in 5th grade. In this class, students work on Hebrew reading proficiency and familiarity with the siddur (prayer book). They study Bible, particularly the Prophets and the major stories of the Torah, learn about ancient and modern-day Israel and core Jewish values and mitzvot (commandments). A highlight of the Bet class is the annual Purim play performed for the entire congregation. Upon successful completion of the Bet class, the next step is…
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
In this class, students work one-on-one or in a small group with their teacher to learn their Torah portion for the day on which they will be called to the Torah as a bar or bat mitzvah. Students are also asked to select and complete a volunteer project as a reflection of their understanding and commitment to the key Jewish values of service and community. With the Rabbi, each student will study his or her Torah portion and then prepare a d’var Torah (an interpretation of the portion) to be delivered at the service. We also encourage our bar and bat mitzvah students to give back to their Sha’arey Ha-Yam community by assisting in the school with the younger students. As young Jewish adults, our students then serve as important role models for those younger than themselves by demonstrating commitment to Jewish learning and contributing to the functioning of our congregation.
Out of School Learning
We strongly encourage our students to attend and participate in our erev Shabbat (Friday evening) services which are held twice a month. Service attendance reinforces students’ learning in Religious School and offers them the opportunity to share in the beauty of Shabbat observance with their families and community. This is an integral part of students’ learning about Judaism. Twice a year we have Shabbat dinner together as a congregation prior to the service; often our students will lead prayers and demonstrate their growing Jewish knowledge at these times. Students are invited to attend the annual town menorah lighting ceremony and bring joy to elderly residents at a local nursing home.
Belonging
We welcome you, hope you will join us as members of Congregation Sha’arey Ha-Yam and enroll your children in our school. Our Rabbi, faculty and Board members will be happy to speak with you to answer any questions you may have about membership in our community.
Rabbi Kim S. Geringer
The mission of our Religious School is to instill a love for Judaism, basic Jewish literacy, and a strong, positive Jewish identity in each of our students. We do this in a small, friendly, family-like environment through creative teaching by dedicated teachers, both professional and volunteers from our congregation. We encourage the whole family to become involved in the learning process and for parents to bring their own questions and learning needs to our Rabbi and staff. We teach our students about Jewish culture, traditions, history and the Hebrew language, giving them a foundation of Jewish literacy on which they can build throughout their lives.
Aleph Class
This class begins at the second grade level. We use a fun and relaxed method to introduce the Hebrew alphabet. Arts and crafts, story-telling, games and parties are used to teach about - and celebrate! - Jewish holidays. The Aleph class is the basis for Jewish learning about prayer, Bible, history and culture which continues in the…
Bet Class
Most students begin Bet class in 5th grade. In this class, students work on Hebrew reading proficiency and familiarity with the siddur (prayer book). They study Bible, particularly the Prophets and the major stories of the Torah, learn about ancient and modern-day Israel and core Jewish values and mitzvot (commandments). A highlight of the Bet class is the annual Purim play performed for the entire congregation. Upon successful completion of the Bet class, the next step is…
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
In this class, students work one-on-one or in a small group with their teacher to learn their Torah portion for the day on which they will be called to the Torah as a bar or bat mitzvah. Students are also asked to select and complete a volunteer project as a reflection of their understanding and commitment to the key Jewish values of service and community. With the Rabbi, each student will study his or her Torah portion and then prepare a d’var Torah (an interpretation of the portion) to be delivered at the service. We also encourage our bar and bat mitzvah students to give back to their Sha’arey Ha-Yam community by assisting in the school with the younger students. As young Jewish adults, our students then serve as important role models for those younger than themselves by demonstrating commitment to Jewish learning and contributing to the functioning of our congregation.
Out of School Learning
We strongly encourage our students to attend and participate in our erev Shabbat (Friday evening) services which are held twice a month. Service attendance reinforces students’ learning in Religious School and offers them the opportunity to share in the beauty of Shabbat observance with their families and community. This is an integral part of students’ learning about Judaism. Twice a year we have Shabbat dinner together as a congregation prior to the service; often our students will lead prayers and demonstrate their growing Jewish knowledge at these times. Students are invited to attend the annual town menorah lighting ceremony and bring joy to elderly residents at a local nursing home.
Belonging
We welcome you, hope you will join us as members of Congregation Sha’arey Ha-Yam and enroll your children in our school. Our Rabbi, faculty and Board members will be happy to speak with you to answer any questions you may have about membership in our community.
Rabbi Kim S. Geringer