Religious School

⇒  Download a 2011–12 school registration form

Creating positive Jewish identities in a meaningful and fun way

Boy adjusting kipa The goal of Beth Am’s Religious School is to provide students in Kindergarten through the 12th grade with the knowledge and experiences that will let them feel comfortable as Jews in the synagogue, in the larger world and within themselves. The school places an emphasis on educating the family as well as the students and provides many programs throughout the year in which families can learn together.

The school curriculum emphasizes Hebrew as both a sacred and a living language for Jews. At each grade level students gain increasing competency in prayer skills, reinforced through participation in age-appropriate services. Beginning with Tot Shabbat, for our youngest learners, through the Shoreshim program for students in Kindergarten through second grade and our Young Leaders’ Service from students in third through fifth grade, Beth Am students learn to be active participants in a Shabbat service as well as understand the significance of Shabbat and the holidays throughout the year.

During the Religious School class time, students are working on a curriculum and using texts that were written by the school faculty with support from the synagogue parents and clergy. The curriculum was designed to incorporate Beth Am’s values and unique culture into a Jewish education that will prepare students to thrive in and proudly represent the Jewish community at large. Through interactive activities, engaging discussion and formal texts, students learn about mitzvot, Israel, Jewish history, holidays, Torah and philosophy. The learning process is experiential and involves use of all the senses. Music is incorporated throughout the school to reinforce Hebrew while giving students a fun Jewish experience that will stick with them for years to come. Students also participate in cooking projects, crafts and games all designed to reinforce the learning and provide a wonderful educational experience.

Tikkun Olam Initiative

The Beth Am Religious School created a new programming model, the Tikkun Olam Education Initiative, in 2010. Each Sunday, during the last hour of religious school, the students come together to work on mitzvah projects. All synagogue youth are invited to participate in this program, not only the Religious School students. Each “project” focuses on a specific theme and spans a three to four week period. During the 2011–12 school year, this program is being funded in part by a grant from the Louise D. & Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education through its Jewish Educational Enhancement Program.

Each thematic program has three components which include (1) age-appropriate lessons integrating the theme with Jewish values and the school’s curriculum; (2) 1-2 hours of hands-on activities; and (3) a clearly defined beneficiary. Guest speakers from the congregation and general community supplement the program by lending their expertise and knowledge on a particular topic. The program is led by the Beth Am Education Staff, who are responsible for developing the curriculum foundation. A partnership among the Religious School, the congregation, and community organizations in Beth Am’s neighborhood of Reservoir Hill, the Tikkun Olam EducationInitiative benefits local community organizations.

Post B’nai Mitzvah Programs

Kids at the ark Post B’nai Mitzvah students have the opportunity to continue their education through Judaism Live, a two-year-commitment designed to help teenagers connect Jewish concepts to the larger world and other teens in the larger Jewish community, complementing the extensive knowledge gained during the years in religious school. The Avodah Program for 8th graders focuses on hands-on service-learning opportunities throughout Baltimore City. The COTEL (Community of Torah Engaged Learners) provides experiential Torah-engaged discussions facilitated by our education staff in relevant fields of study and practice.

The Madrichim Program, designed for 10th through 12th graders, gives students the opportunity to give back! These high school madrichim are trained to work in the classroom as educators and role models for our younger students. The madrichim participate in monthly training sessions to learn how to teach in a classroom setting and how to apply it in congregational Jewish education. The madrichim are also trained to create fun, educational activities which they plan each year for their students as an end of the year madrichim project. They also participate in a Beit Midrash led by our senior rabbi.

Faculty and Staff

The Religious School faculty and staff include some of the area’s most engaging educators. We know this because the students actually say they enjoy coming to Religious School! (Yes, they really do!) All of our teachers are professionally trained educators who have done additional professional development to bring their education skills into the synagogue environment. Click here to meet our 2010–2011 Religious School faculty.

The Religious School and Youth and Family programs are supported by the lay-led Youth Education Committee. The Young Families group provides programming for families with children ages eight and under. Programs have included matzah-making, a Tu b’shvat potluck, and brunches. These programs are open to Beth Am families and families interested in learning more about Beth Am.

Inclement Weather Policy

The Baltimore Area Principal’s Council and the Center for Jewish Education determine Sunday School closures or early dismissal. WBAL 1090 AM will announce school closings for Jewish Religious Schools affiliated with the Center for Jewish Education. Wednesday afternoon classes will be canceled in the event that either Baltimore City or Baltimore County Schools are closed or dismissed early. If the school closes, an e-mail will be sent to religious school parents, and a message will be posted on the front page of our website.

Resources for Parents and Students