Upcoming Events
Religious School Curriculum
Our curriculum is aligned with guidelines of the Conservative movement. Children learn Hebrew through prayer, Jewish history, ethics and values, rituals, customs and holidays. Our teaching philosophy combines practice and theory. By participating in Junior Congregation with their families, our students have the opportunity to lead different parts of the service on a regular basis, raising their level of comfort and preparing them for becoming B'nai Mitzvah.
Program Areas
Curriculum By Grade
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KITAH GAN (KINDERGARTEN)
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KITAH ALEF (1ST GRADE)
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KITAH BET (2ND GRADE)
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KITAH GIMEL (3RD GRADE)
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KITAH DALET (4TH GRADE)
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KITAH HEY (5TH GRADE)
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KITAH VAV (6TH GRADE)
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KITAH ZAYIN (7TH GRADE)
CHESED
The Chesed program here at Congregation Beth Jacob is a family Learning Service program based upon the study of mitzvot by each grade in the synagogue. Chesed, meaning lovingkindness, reflects the Jewish values we will be studying and putting into practice.
Parents and students learn about a value assigned to their grade. At the Religious School study session, parents study about the value with either Rabbi Ezray or Carrie Sealine our Family educator, while the students have a separate learning opportunity.
We then ask families to organize an activity outside of the classroom based upon the value they have studied.
The mitzvot are:
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Kindergarten - Tzedakah
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1st grade - Baal Tashchit - Protecting the Environment
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2nd grade - Pikuach Nefesh - Saving of Lives
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3rd grade - Taa'ar Ba'alei Chayim - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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4th grade - Bikur Cholim - Visiting the Sick
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5th grade - Ma'achil Re'evim - Feeding the Hungry
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6th grade- Kavod La'ze'kenim - Honoring the Elderly
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7th grade - Shmirat Lashon - Guarding the Tongue (Careful Speech)
This program includes both the Religious School population as well as any students who are of that particular grade level (i.e., Day School students). Everyone is encouraged to take part and make learning and social action a part of this experience.
MISHPACHA
Mishpacha is a Hebrew word that means family. The Mishpacha program at CBJ is an opportunity for families in each grade to participate in a social activity while at the same time learning about a meaningful subject. Each grade’s Mishpacha program takes place once a year, usually in the home of one of the class members.
We encourage all congregants with school-age children to participate in both Chesed and Mishpacha. Participation serves as an opportunity to make early connections and to build relationships between families who begin Religious School in Kindergarten and those whose join closer to Bar/Bat Mitzvah age.
The dates for both Chesed and Mishpacha are available on the online calendar. Select Youth Education in the drop-down menu to see all events. A parent representative from your child’s Religious School class that corresponds with your child’s grade will contact you via e-mail or phone to remind you of the upcoming event.
JOURNEYS
For 6th and 7th Grade Students.
The overall goal of Journeys is to create a bond of understanding between students and parents within the context of becoming a Jewish adult.
This innovative program helps to make the B’nai Mitzvah experience both broad and meaningful. Through role play, discussion, and textual study of Jewish values, 6th and 7th grade parents and students are given a deeper understanding of what it means to celebrate this milestone in life, and can explore ways to approach the transition into adolescence.
8TH GRADE PROGRAM
The eighth grade will be looking at issues in the students lives (body image, peer relationships, decisions about drugs/smoking/sexuality, etc.) from a Jewish point of view.
Ritual Director Bill Futornick will be the primary teacher and coordinator of the program. He will also spend some time in the kitchen teaching Jewish cooking, and there will be a service learning (tikkun olam) element to the program.
A letter from Bill Futornick
Dear Eighth Graders,
I am really excited to start learning together again in our Eighth Grade Program. Now that all of you have celebrated (or are about to celebrate) such amazing B’nei Mitzvah, I am sure that you are ready to pursue Jewish learning in earnest! As you know, I’ll be leading the class, and we'll also have guest star appearances from Rabbi Ezray and others from within and without the community.
So what are we going to do? I would like our curriculum to be social-action driven. Using the Mitzvah Projects that you have all done as a jumping-off point, we will do lots of mitzvot. We’ll learn some text behind the values, but most important is that we take action. We’ll also talk about the big real-life issues that you’re going to run into: sex, drugs, interfaith dating and marriage, bullying, body image, getting along with your parents as teenagers, etc., etc. I also want us to have some other times (Sundays, holidays) for field trips (e.g., the Contemporary Jewish Museum), extensive cooking, etc.
So we’ll do a lot of projects, cooking, and socializing. Starting on September 14, we are going to meet on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The first ½ hour will be for catching up with each other, socializing, and cooking when we have that. From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we’ll do our thing—studying, discussing, cooking and having a really good time.
On one Monday a month, instead of having a regular session with me, we will have a special session for the girls and boys separately. The girls will be participating in Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!, which is a fantastic program. It is a values-based, experiential program that draws on Jewish tradition to give girls a place to feel safe, articulate their questions and concerns, have fun, and be ‘real’ with their peers. I am delighted that Cantor Barbara will be leading this group starting in October. For boys on that day, we will have Being with Bill, a chance for us to talk about “guy things.”
For parents: The cost of the program will be $465 per teen for the year, which includes all of our cooking, materials, etc., and the Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! and Being with Bill. It will also include fees for Kadima, the youth group that we will revive this year. The registration form is enclosed. As always, if cost is an issue, we will work with you; this should not be a hindrance to participation.
I will be in touch with all of you with a survey to find out what you want to do/talk about/learn. This is going to be a great year, and I can’t wait to be together again!
TEEN
A letter from Bill Futornick
TEEN Calendar
Dear CBJ teen parents,
Last year, we had a very successful pilot program with the 9th graders in which we met monthly to continue to build our community of teens. It was a lot of fun, and we were able to connect socially and in the kitchen doing a bit of cooking. This year, we will be expanding our reach to include all teens in grades 9-12, and to add some extra substance to the program.
We will again meet monthly and we will continue to incorporate lots of social time and cooking, but this year we will be putting more emphasis on creating and doing social action projects. It is important that our teens generate these ideas themselves and run with what they have come up with. I will of course facilitate this, but it will be valuable for them to take a leadership role. I will also teach a cooking class that will meet weekly for a few weeks, and we will have some special speakers come to CBJ, including some from JNF to talk about Israel and Israeli culture.
In addition, we will have a monthly social event. I am encouraging all of our teens to participate in CBJ and regional activities, and to that end, I have attached in the calendar a list of proposed activities and of regional USY events. I know that some of the teens are involved with NFTY or BBYO, and I don’t want them to end those associations; in fact, I will encourage them to continue their associations and to invite their friends to join them. Our goal is to expand the network of Jewish connections that they can make with teens from other communities. We will be inviting the teens of Peninsula Sinai as well to many of our events. The first major regional event is the Fall Kinnus happening November 13-15 at Beth David in Saratoga; please encourage your teens and their friends to attend.
Finally, as we communicated before, we have partnered with Abraham’s Vision to host the Unity Program in which Jewish and Muslim students have a forum for dialogue and developing mutual understanding. This is a fantastic opportunity for our teens, and we encourage them to participate in this unique program. They must apply in advance, so go to www.abrahamsvision.org to sign up.
You will find attached a schedule of events for the year; while I will be sending this to your teens separately, please share it with them as well. Note that we will be gathering for discussion groups on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and that our kickoff event will be on October 6 in my Sukkah. Please put these dates on your calendar and help us make this a successful program by encouraging attendance.
We ask for your financial support as well, to cover all youth group dues, supplies, and event expenses. This fee will be $180 for the entire year’s events. Note that the fee will not cover additional costs connected with the cooking class or the Sharks game. As always, nobody will ever be turned away for financial reasons.
We have an active teen committee led by Helen Danczak, and please let
her or me know if you want to work on the committee or on any specific
projects, or with your questions. Helen can be reached by email at thezaks99-teens@yahoo.com, and I am at futornick@bethjacobrwc.org.
I look forward to another year of creating deepening connections with our teens and with you.
Shana Tova,
Bill
CHAGIM (HOLIDAYS)
Instructors will teach and review the concepts and customs of the Jewish holidays throughout the year. In order to expose students and their families to holiday customs, we have several events throughout the year that Religious School families and other congregants are invited to attend.
Programs for children and families are in full swing during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As a school community we will share a meal in the Beth Jacob Sukkah during Sukkot. Beth Jacob’s Chanukah Faire invites families to shop for their loved ones, play interactive games, and enjoy traditional holiday food. Our Purim Celebration in the spring may consist of either a Purim Carnival or a Purim Play with refreshments and games to follow.
As Israel is central to our children’s Jewish education, we celebrate Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) by singing songs and experiencing a taste of Israeli culture. Tu B’Shvat (The Holiday of the Trees) is a time to teach our children about caring for the environment through a Jewish lens. Family participation is essential to the success of these events. We hope you will participate in a way that is meaningful to your family.
KITAH GAN (KINDERGARTEN)
Torah/Bible - Students will be introduced to the concept of God, becoming familiar with various Torah characters and stories
Judaica - Students will be introduced to the major Jewish holidays, Shabbat, the Jewish home, and synagogue
Hebrew - Students will be exposed to Hebrew letters and begin to learn their names and sounds
Israel - Students will gain familiarity with the Land of Israel, its people, and its culture
Tefillah (Prayer) - Students will learn the following prayers/blessings:
- HaMotzei (Bread)
- Borei Pri HaGafen (Wine / grape juice)
- Blessing over Shabbat Candles
- Blessing over Hanukah Candles (first blessng)
- Shehecheyanu
Music - Students will learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom. The students and their families will be given the opportunity to participate in the monthly Young Family Shabbat Service
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish holidays
Chesed - Tzedakah Project: Collecting new pajamas and other needed items for children who are in homeless shelters
Mishpacha - Theme: Tzedakah
KITAH ALEF (1ST GRADE)
Torah/Bible - Students will learn about characters and events from other parts of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible).
Judaica - Students will have an opportunity to learn about Jewish holidays, the Jewish home, the synagogue, and Israel using art/crafts in addition to the set lesson materials.
Hebrew - Students will learn the names and sounds of all the Hebrew letters and vowels.
Israel - Students will gain familiarity with the Land of Israel, its people, and its culture.
Tefillah (Prayer) - Students will learn the following prayers:
- HaMotzi (Bread)
- Borei Pri HaGafen (Wine / grape juice)
- Blessing over Shabbat candles
- Hanukah candles – be able to follow whole prayer
- Shehecheyanu
- Shema – one line
- Blessing Formula – Baruch atah . . .
Music - Students will learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom.
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish holidays.
Young Family Shabbat - The students and their families will be given the opportunity to participate in the monthly Young Family Shabbat Service.
Chesed - Value: Ba’al Tashchit—Protecting the Environment; Project: Family Park/Beach Clean Up
Mishpacha - Theme: Synagogue
KITAH BET (2ND GRADE)
Torah/Bible - Students will explore the weekly sidrah (Torah portion) through age-appropriate study and art based activities.
Judaica - Students will begin a deeper study of Jewish values, holidays, and Shabbat, including learning about the Havdalah (separation between Shabbat and a new week) rituals. Art projects will be integrated into areas of study.
Hebrew - Students will learn to read Hebrew letters and vowels, moving from learning the letter sounds to the beginning level of reading the language putting the letters and vowels together into words. They will learn to write the letters in block print.
Israel - Students will learn about the Land of Israel, its people, and its culture.
Tefillah (Prayer) - In addition to reviewing all prayers previously taught in Kindergarten and First grades, students will learn the following prayers:
- Barchu, Shema – Two lines
- Modeh Ani
- Four Questions for Seder
- Havdalah Blessings
- Festival Candle Blessing
- Lulav/Etrog Blessing
- Blessing over Hanukah Candles
- Ein Keloheinu
- Adon Olam
Music - Students will learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom.
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish Holidays.
Junior Congregation - Students will begin to attend the weekly Junior Congregation services.
Chesed - Value: Pikuach Nefesh—Saving of Lives; Project: Blood Drive
Mishpacha - Theme: Shabbat
KITAH GIMEL (3RD GRADE)
Torah/Bible - To increase the students knowledge of texts from different books of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible).
Judaica - Students will engage in an expanded study of Jewish values, and increase their knowledge of Jewish holidays.
Hebrew - Students will first reinforce their knowledge of Hebrew reading/writing skills. They will then move from basic decoding/reading skills into the ability to read full sentences in Hebrew.
Israel - Students will participate in an age-appropriate exploration of the Land of Israel, learning about both the ancient and modern history of Israel.
Tefillah (Prayer) - In addition to reviewing all previously taught prayers, the students will learn:
- Ma Tovu, Barchu, Shema – two lines
- V’Shamru
- Torah Blessings
- Ein Keloheinu
- Adon Olam
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish holidays.
Music - Students will learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom. They will also review prayers for Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira.
Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira - Students will attend and lead the weekly Junior Congregation services. They will also lead one of the monthly Rockin’ Shabbat Shira services.
Chesed - Value: Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim—Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Project: Collect donations to give at a visit to the Peninsula Humane Society
Mishpacha - Theme: Ahavat Torah (Love of the Torah)
KITAH DALET (4TH GRADE)
Torah/Bible - Students will engage in a study of the Parashat HaShavua, the Torah portion of the week.
Judaica - Students will engage in an expanded study of Jewish holidays and their understanding of Jewish concepts of God.
Hebrew - The students will use a review book at the beginning of the year. They will then begin studies in the Level 1 Hebrew textbook that will use prayer as a tool in helping the student to learn relevant Hebrew words, ideas, and concepts.
Israel - Students will gain a deeper understanding of modern-day Israel.
Tefillah (Prayer) - In addition to reviewing all previously taught prayers, the students will learn:
- Barchu, Shema/V’ahavta, Ahavah Rabbah, Ahavat Olam
- Mi Chamocha (morning and evening versions)
- Torah Blessings
- Food Blessings
- Blessings over Mitzvot
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish holidays.
Music - Learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli, and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom. They will also review prayers for Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira.
Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira - Students will attend and lead the weekly Junior Congregation services. They will also lead one of the monthly Rockin’ Shabbat Shira services.
Chesed - Value: Bikur Cholim—Visiting the Sick; Project: Chanukah visit to the residents at Woodside Terrace.
Mishpacha - Theme: Jewish Home.
KITAH HEY (5TH GRADE)
Torah/Bible - Students will engage in a detailed study of the Parashat HaShavua; studying in depth the meaning of the weekly portion.
Judaica - Students will engage in an expanded study of Jewish holidays and Jewish history.
Hebrew - Students will begin with a book that will enable them to briefly review their Hebrew skill-set after being away for the summer break. They will then continue the course of study in the second-level book, using prayer as a tool to further explore Hebrew language and grammar.
Israel - Students will gain a deeper understanding of modern-day Israel.
- Tefillah (Prayer)
- The students will learn:
- Avot, Gevurot, Kedusha, Modim
- Sim Shalom/Shalom Rav
- Chatzi Kaddish, Aleinu, Shalom Aleichem
Art - Students will engage in age-appropriate art projects that will enhance the learning experience. Projects will vary based on lessons, values, and Jewish holidays.
Music - Students will learn age-appropriate holiday, Israeli, and general Jewish/Hebrew songs with the Cantor and in the classroom. They will also review prayers for Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira.
Junior Congregation and Rockin’ Shabbat Shira - Attend and lead the weekly Junior Congregation services and lead one of the monthly Rockin’ Shabbat Shira services.
Chesed - Value: Ma’achil Re’evim—Feeding the Hungry; Project: Helping when Beth Jacob is hosting the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Mishpacha - Theme: Torah/Parshanut.
KITAH VAV (6TH GRADE)
Torah/Bible - Students will engage in a weekly review of the Parashat HaShavua, studying the Torah portion of the week. Explore and study Midrash.
Judaica - Detailed study of the Jewish life-cycle; studying the system of trope to enable the student to read the Torah and Haftarah; an in-depth dialogue on the meanings of Jewish prayer.
Hebrew - Students will continue the study of Hebrew, increasing their facility with the language and deepening their understanding of Jewish prayer.
Israel - Students will discuss current affairs and issues facing the State of Israel.
Tefillah (Prayer) - In addition to reviewing all previously taught prayers, the students will learn:
- Blessings before and after the Torah service
- Blessings for the Haftarah
- Taking the Torah out
- Torah Service
- Returning the Torah
- Kaddish Shalem
- Torah and Haftarah trope