על שלושה דברים העולם עומד
על שלושה דברים הבית ספר שלנו עומד
The world is sustained by three things: torah, prayer and deeds of loving kindness.
At Temple Beth Sholom we believe our children learn best when they are welcomed into a warm, nurturing and supportive environment (in-person OR virtual) where they have the opportunity to observe, explore, experiment, challenge and engage!
Our hands-on program delivers a curriculum rich with experiences for children of all ages with a focus on Torah, prayer and acts of loving kindness. Our teachers are educated and talented, and love teaching about Judaism. They work to meet every student where they are in the moment and the whole year through.
TBS Hebrew School offers a program of study for children in Kindergarten through Grade 7.
During Covid, to ensure the safety of our students and dedicated faculty, all religious school programs are delivered in smaller segments, virtually via Zoom. We look forward to a safe return to the classroom as soon as possible at which time the schedule will be updated.
Zoom Schedule
| Kindergarten (Kinderlach) | Sundays | 9 – 9:45am |
| Aleph (Grade 1) | Sundays | 9 – 10:30am |
| Bet (Grades 2 – 4) | Sundays
Wednesdays |
9 – 10:30am
5 – 5:45pm |
| Grades 5 – 7 | Sundays
Wednesdays |
9 – 11:15am
4:30 – 5:30pm |
Hebrew School
Hebrew School includes formal instruction in Hebrew (reading, decoding and prayer skills), tefillah (prayer), and the customs and traditions associated with Jewish holidays and lifecycle events. A variety of instructional modalities are used to bring learning to life — stories, music, art, virtual site and museum tours as well as digital games like Kahoot and Jeopardy! which allow us to gauge how our students are progressing.
Torah study emphasizes the “family tree” of the Jewish people and the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Jewish history is introduced in older grades with the Holocaust being taught in grade 7. Novels are used to learn about Jewish life and to help students draw connections to their lives today. Mitzvot, the building blocks of our people, are taught through knowledge and action. Our connection to Israel is brought to life this year with virtual tours of Israel and museums.
Mindfulness and well-being are promoted through our Yoga Yeladim program – teaching skills that will help our students achieve a sense of balance, calm and power for years to come!
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Instruction
Each student is assigned to work one-on-one weekly with a special tutor for an 8 – 9 month period. In these sessions children learn to chant a Haftorah and select parts of the Friday evening and Saturday morning service. Additionally Rabbi Scolnic discusses the meaning and modern significance of this special life cycle event.
Due to health concerns this year associated with COVID 19, large celebrations were prohibited; however, each Bar or Bat Mitzvah had the opportunity to stand on the bimah with the Rabbi and their immediate family to recognize this significant milestone. Bar/Bat Mitzvah services are streamed via Zoom so that they could celebrate this joyous occasion with family, friends and the TBS community.
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact the synagogue or write to HebrewSchool@tbshamden.com.