Families with children in Grades 3-6 may choose either our traditional Religious School or our alternative Family Learning Circle-Hebrew Connection program.
Traditional Religious School
Students attend classes twice a week, Tuesdays 4:15 – 6:15 p.m. and Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Students study Hebrew, and participate in tefillah and chuggim (elective activities) on Tuesdays. On Sundays all students engage in Judaic Studies and have a brief Hebrew enrichment period each week.
Jewish Studies: Our Jewish Studies sessions allow students to engage in deep learning in a fun and creative setting. We stretch our classroom walls, often moving lessons to our outside rotunda or lawn. We use art, drama, music, creative writing, and movement to bring Jewish texts, traditions, and ideas to life. We strive to make Jewish learning relevant and engaging.
Hebrew Studies: At TBS, we teach students Hebrew through Behrman House’s Aleph-Bet Quest and Kol Yisrael programs. These newly released programs include a technology component that allows our students to engage in Hebrew instruction and games at home and in our school computer lab. Our teachers serve as facilitators and work with each individual student to help him/her learn Hebrew. We work not only to teach our students prayers, but also to ignite within them a connection to prayer and an articulation of spirituality. Along with basic prayer vocabulary and Hebrew reading skills, we help our students understand the heart of the prayers they are learning.
Family Learning Circle-Hebrew Connection
Students in our Family Learning Circle (FLC) program attend Jewish Studies classes on Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and are tutored in Hebrew once a week at a time and place of their convenience. Each year, FLC participants are required to earn 10 credits from an array of educational and social activities. By earning these credits, FLC families are able to better integrate into, socialize with, and contribute to the temple community. Credits are earned by participating in Family Learning classes, adult education for parents, youth events, and more.
Jewish Studies: FLC students engage in Jewish Studies on Sunday mornings, combined in classes with our Traditional Religious School students (see description above). In addition, FLC students participate with their families in family learning sessions and also have the opportunity to earn FLC credits by participating in TBS Youth Group events, chavurot, and various social action activities.
Hebrew Studies: Students in Grades 3-6 who enroll in our Family Learning Circle program also enroll in our nationally recognized Hebrew Connection program. Students in our Hebrew Connection program are matched with a TBS Hebrew tutor, who works one-on-one with that student during weekly individual Hebrew tutoring sessions. A private tutor meets with each student, either at the student’s home or at the Temple. We have found that individualized Hebrew instruction accelerates the Hebrew learning process and allows students to have deeper conversations about the prayers they are studying.
Adult Education: As part of the Family Learning Circle program, FLC parents are expected to engage in adult learning at TBS. We offer adult education courses on a variety of days and at a variety of times, with many of our adult education classes on Sunday mornings, while the children are in class. Parents are invited to choose from a variety of courses taught by skilled educators, including members of our senior staff. Courses from which to register can be found in our Adult Education brochure.
Family Education: As part of the Family Learning Circle program, FLC families are expected to register for a selection of our Family Education programs. The Family Education programs at TBS are offered on a various Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays at varying time. During the programs, there will be opportunities for adult learning, student learning, and family learning. To view this years’ offering of Family Education classes and tracks go to our Family Education page.
