Basic philosophy of Temple Beth El's Religious School programs

1. The primary goal of this program is Jewish identity development.   Knowledge of and comfort with Jewish traditions, values, and practices are an essential component of Jewish identity development.
2. Jewish education and identity development are a lifelong process.  We believe that a student’s Jewish education continues beyond either Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Confirmation. We therefore provide programs for children through 12th grade.  
3. We affirm the autonomy of each Jew to make choices regarding his/her observance & theology, but simultaneously expect all members to make these choices in an informed and responsible manner, respectful of Jewish tradition.  Our programs are intended to empower students toward this goal.
4. A significant goal of our programs is to build community among students, and for students to acquire a positive image of both Judaism and synagogue. These goals are viewed as equally important to the goal of knowledge acquisition.
5. We view Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a critical step in a child's Jewish development. Therefore throughout Religious School, our curriculum reinforces Hebrew and prayer skills to complement Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation.
6. Our programs seek to utilize a broad range of educational modes.  All programs include both formal (curriculum-based) and informal (activity-based) learning environments.
7. We view the synagogue's role in Jewish identity development as complementary to the parents' role. Therefore many programs and projects are specifically designed to empower family discussion, practice and participation.
8. We provide a broad Jewish experience because we want our students to feel comfortable in any Jewish community, including other synagogues and movement.

Basic philosophy of Temple Beth El's Hebrew School programs

1. The primary goal of this program is the development of core Hebrew skills. Hebrew is critical for a strong and sustainable Jewish identity for three reasons:   (1) Hebrew is the primary language of Jewish prayer and the language of our sacred texts; (2) Hebrew is the official language of the Jewish homeland of Israel; (3) Hebrew allows us to connect to other Jews worldwide.
2. We recognize Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a primary catalyst of students' Jewish identity, and recognize that many of the skills acquired in Hebrew School are necessary for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. However, we believe that the goals and content of Hebrew School transcend Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation and should not be viewed as the primary purpose of Hebrew School.  
3. Language acquisition requires ongoing reinforcement.  Therefore, we expect students to spend approximately one hour per week outside of class, over the course of several days, practicing their Hebrew.
4. Our program is limited to one weekly class over four years.  During this time, students should develop: (1) the ability to read and write Hebrew words; (2) comfort navigating and leading basic Jewish prayers and home rituals; (3) a grasp of key words in Hebrew  prayers; (4) a basic understanding of Hebrew grammar; and (5) basic Torah and Haftarah cantillation (chanting) skills.
5. We believe that our program will help students acquire a love for the Hebrew language and a foundation for future Hebrew study.

What Parents Can Expect from Temple Beth El's Religious/Hebrew School

1. A commitment to provide students with a solid Jewish education that is engaging as well as fun.
2. A physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe environment for the children.
3. A commitment to Jewish identity development--not just Jewish education
4. Embracing of children who have a non-Jewish parent or extended family members.
5. Class sizes of no more than 15 students.
6. Faculty that is also committed to their own Jewish identity development.
7. Clear and frequent communication with parents, at least once per class session, as well as responsiveness to feedback from parents.
8. A sincere attempt to meet any reasonable request or special need
9. Written feedback at least twice per year specific to each student.
10. Resources for parents to help their children.
11. Opportunities for parents to develop their own Jewish identity & knowledge.
12. Respect for other religious traditions of our world.
13. A safe situation for parents to discuss their own questions/ambivalence about Judaism.

What Temple Beth El's Religious/Hebrew School Expects from Parents

1. Agreement to raise your child with a Jewish identity.  Parents who have not made this decision should meet with the Rabbi before enrolling their children in Religious School.
2. Affirmation that participation in Religious & Hebrew School is at least as important as other "extra-curricular" activities.
3. Involvement in your child's Jewish learning, reinforcing the teaching at home, and encouraging your child's enthusiasm--ultimately, children get their religious identity from their parents.
4. Recognition that not every special request or special need can be accommodated. The family will try to work within the general parameters of the program when at all possible.