WELCOME TO BET SHIRA JEWISH EDUCATION CENTER

The name Bet Shira Jewish Education Center confirms its function - it provides religious knowledge, practice and experience for its students. The curriculum includes teaching and mastery of T'filot (prayers), Mitzvot (Commandments), love of God, and Holiday and Shabbat observances. Being a Conservative school, our curriculum promotes the movement's principles and teaches its practices. It is important for the children to know that belief in one God, keeping Shabbat, Kashrut (Dietary Laws), and the festivals of the Jewish Calendar and tzedakah are all part of what it means to be a Conservative Jew. While not all students are accustomed or familiar with these principles, it is important to note that a major aspect of Judaism is the notion that we can become better citizens, better Jews, and better human beings. This includes clergy, teachers and parents.

THE PRIMARY PROGRAM - Gan, Kitah Aleph & Kitah Bet (Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade)

Our primary grades program is geared for students ages 5-7 attending grades Kindergarten through Second in the Public Schools. The program is designed to introduce the students to simple Hebrew prayers and blessings, Holiday and Shabbat traditions and observances, Hebrew letter recognition skills and simple vocabulary, the Synagogue, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, and Biblical personalities. The curriculum is guided by the concept that we teach according to what the child can absorb. The materials and level of instruction are adjusted to the ability and the age of the child. Therefore, there is a separate and distinct program for each of these three grades, each of which builds on each other.

THE ELEMENTARY PROGRAM - Kitah Gimmel through Kitah Zayin (3rd-7th grade)

Below is a brief description of the major curriculum elements in each grade. Music, Tzedakah, mitzvot and holidays are universal for all grades.

Gimmel- Primary focus is on the Hebrew Aleph-Bet. By year's end, students will be able to recognize all letters and vowels in their script and print forms and read in an increasingly fluent manner. They will also be able to write in script. Students will study Bible from creation through the time of Moses and be introduced to the Jewish community, the Synagogue, and important people in it. Children will also explore ideas of God and Holiness and discover a Jewish vocabulary for thinking and talking about God.

Dalet- Continued focus is on fine tuning Hebrew reading and writing skills and developing increased fluency and accuracy. Students begin formal Siddur study, including Siddur geography, vocabulary and major ideas and concepts in the prayers. Bible study continues, focusing on the time of Joshua through the Prophets and Writings. Students will also explore ideas of God and Holiness and discover a Jewish vocabulary for thinking and talking about God. A major unit on Kashrut is also included in the Dalet year curriculum.

Hay- The Hebrew program continues to reinforce reading and writing skills. Siddur study focuses on the Shabbat morning service with introductions of the skill of Torah cantillation and understanding the special ritual connected to the Torah service. The major highlight of the Judaic curriculum for the Hay year is Israel. This program is a year long multi-sensory journey exploring the land, people, history and connections to our Jewish homeland.

Vav- The Hebrew program continues to reinforce reading and writing skills. Siddur study continues to focus on the Shabbat morning service and special prayers for Friday evening and holidays. Study of the weekly Torah portion and the Jewish calendar is another important part of the curriculum. The major highlight of the Vav year is the Life Cycle curriculum—with emphasis on birth rituals, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and the Jewish wedding. As a part of this program, Vav students and their parents will be involved in a family Bar/Bat Mitzvah program designed to familiarize all participants with terminology, traditions and obligations associated with this celebration. Finally, Vav students and their parents will participate in the Sunday morning Tallit and Tefillin program.

Zayin - Zayin students are involved in a values-oriented, community-based curriculum. Students will discover the kind of adults they want to become and how the mitzvot can help them achieve their goals. Study of the weekly Torah portion and the world of the prophets and sages are also values and mitzvah based. Current events study and exploration of Holocaust related issues provide greater awareness of our history and our place in today’s world. Becoming a responsible Jewish young adult is the year’s major theme.