Our goal is for our students to develop a deep and lasting sense of Jewish identity and connection to religious tradition, the Hebrew language and Jewish culture. Our teachers and madrichim (aides) are knowledgeable, warm, accepting and a lot of fun. If you are looking for a Religious School in which your child will learn how to live life through a Jewish lens, learn valuable skills such as Hebrew reading and writing, and have a great time doing it - look no further!
Rabbi Lenette Goldman
Associate Rabbi & Director of Education
rabbilenette@tbsohio.org
Rabbi Benjy Bar- Lev
Senior Rabbi
rabbibenjy@tbsohio.org
Angelo Dunlap
Teen Program Educator
angelo@tbsohio.org
A 13-year-old child's First Aliyah to the Torah is a life-changing event. Here at Temple Beth Shalom, through close one-on-one preparation with our rabbis and tutors, each child has the opportunity to lead the congregation in prayer, chant Torah and Haftarah , and personally connect with the Torah text in writing a speech or D'var Torah. First Aliyah (B'nai Mitzvah) ceremonies at TBS are personalized, family oriented and inclusive.
Zehut
Identity
Preschool Program
Several times year, our youngest students (ages 2-4) and their parents are invited to attend Religious School for an engaging program, either for Tot Shabbat at TBS or on Sunday mornings with Kindergarten. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more!
Chugim (Activities)
Each Sunday, all 3rd-7th graders end the day with a free-choice chug, or activity. This allows students to interact with Judaism in new and creative ways, while also developing relationships with peers in different grades.
Some popular chugim include: Jewish Yoga, Mural Making, Jewish Movie Making, Jewish Improv, Let's Learn Yiddish, Jewish Comedians, Jewish Creative Writing, and Judaic Mosaic.
Madrichim (High School Aides)
The vast majority of our 8th-12th grade students also are Madrichim, or Teachers Aides. Madrichim help teach in classrooms, help individual students with Hebrew, and are terrific role models for younger students.
Teen Program
We are excited to introduce a revamped Teen Program with our 8th-12th graders that will include trips and guest speakers. Stay tuned for more!
Youth Groups
Throughout the year, students can engage in fun social activities after Religious School to develop stronger bonds with their peers! (Students do not need to be enrolled in RS to participate.) Our Youth Groups are Chaverim (3rd-4th grades), Gesher (5th-7th grades),and BeSTY (8th-12th grades). Additionally, the three Reform high school Youth Groups collaborate on teen activities and programs throughout the year.
Some activities include:
Limud
Learning
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade
Our youngest students establish a foundation of Jewish learning at TBS Religious School. They learn about the Torah, Jewish holidays, Jewish music and dance. They hear stories, create magnificent art projects, and have fun the whole time!
Hebrew School: 3rd - 6th Grade
Hebrew at TBS Religious School is an engaging, interactive experience that gives students the tools to read & write Hebrew in preparation for B'nai Mitzvah (see right column), as well as a connection to Hebrew as a connective language to our past and Jewish people around the world. Learn more about our Small Group Hebrew Program here!
3rd - 7th Grade
Our 3rd-7th grade students spend time learning creatively about Jewish stories, values, holidays, and more! Some highlights include:
Confirmation: 10th Grade
Our 10th graders explore Jewish ethics, spirituality, and living Jewishly in the modern world. These classes help students bridge young adult Jewish learning with their burgeoning Jewish identity, which they affirm in an annual Confirmation service in May.
EDUCATION: TBS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
A Community of Learners