Religious School

Primary: Grades K to 3: Sunday from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.

  • Introduction to our rich heritage through music and art, primary students get a taste of holidays, prayers, Biblical stories, Israel and Hebrew letter recognition.
  • 3rd grade students are offered the opportunity to sing in Junior Choir
  • Prayers are explained and said every week over challah and juice

Intermediate: Grades 4 to 7: Sunday from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m.

  • Students continue to build on previous subjects and begin to develop a faith system.
  • Jewish values, life cycle events and Israel are examined and explored.
  • Students learn how to think and behave in an ethical Jewish way.
  • Strengthen students’ ability to decode and read Hebrew prayers.
  • Participation in short services that allow reinforcement of prayers and where students can volunteer to lead as junior Rabbis.
  • On Sundays, 7th grade students participate in “Adventures in Judaism,” an informal, highly experiential way of examining and exploring the big questions in Judaism. These include our core values, our Community, and our responsibility to ourselves and others.
  • Our Remedial Department offers strategies and support to students who need extra help in order to be successful.

B’nei Mitzvah Preparation:  Grades 6 & 7

  • Students begin preparing to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah through private lessons with Cantor and Rabbi.
  • Students learn to chant their prayers, Torah and Haftarah portions.
  • Explore and choose a way to fulfill the Jewish obligation of helping others as a mitzvah project.
  • Use their creative ability to share a creative project.

Hebrew High:  Grades 8-12: Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

  • Students explore Judaism in new and exciting ways through electives as varied as “God on My I-Pod “ to “Jewish Cooking.” Electives are offered several times a year and are supplemented by school wide events and experiences.
  • Students attend a weekend in Great Barrington, Massachusetts where a topic is explored in a variety of ways. Topics in the past have been adapted from, “The Hunger Games,” “What Does the Fox Say?,” and “The Super Hero Summit.”  Weekends are a blend of socializing, learning, free time and fun.
  • 10th grade students prepare for Confirmation, further developing their faith in Judaism in unique ways by having an open dialog with the Rabbi. They have a separate track at a weekend away which includes a ropes course and further discussions on God and faith.
  • Formal learning takes place in 12th grade and culminates with a Graduation ceremony.  12th graders assist with Conclave programming and participate in a moving havdalah ceremony to reflect on their years in Hebrew High.

Email rsdirector@tbeli.org or religiousschool@tbeli.org for more information.