Education
Ma'ayan B'nai Shalom - Religious School
Congregation B'nai Shalom offers a high quality Religious
School with a dedicated professional staff. Our teachers combine strong
Judaic background with pedagogic training and classroom experience. The
curriculum is targeted to give each child:
- A love for Judaism
Jewish values, ethics and tradition integrated with everyday life
An understanding of and an appreciation for Jewish history and culture
The ability to participate with confidence in services and rituals
at home and in the synagogue
The understanding of meanings and interpretations of Sabbath and
Holiday Services
The understanding of meanings and interpretations of the Torah and
our Jewish religious traditions
- Understanding of the importance of the State of Israel to the Jewish
people
2009-10 Ma'ayan B'nai Shalom Religious School information: Welcome Letter, Registration Info and Forms Packet (PDF), 2009-10 Religious School Calendar
Please see the News page for this month's Education article.
Gan B'nai
Shalom Preschool
Congregation
B'nai Shalom is pleased to announce our new preschool, Gan
B'nai Shalom. At Gan B'nai Shalom,
children receive a stimulating, creative, and nurturing learning experience
that will provide them with the foundation to grow educationally, socially,
and spiritually. Inspired by Jewish values, our program provides opportunities
for children's exploration, self-expression and strong community building.
Each child is special and unique. We encourage each child to develop
as an individual and as part of the Jewish community. Our goal is to
make learning exciting through a hands-on-approach. We strive to encourage
our children to be creative and independent thinkers, as they increase
their self-confidence, enhance their independence, and develop a sense
of responsibility all within the Conservative Jewish framework. Find
out more.
Please see the News page for this month's Preschool article.
Adult Education
Torah
Plus! with Nitzhia Shaked
Parashat Hashavuah study with Nitzhia at 9:00 a.m. on the following upcoming Saturdays: March 13th & 27th and April 10th and 24th. Don't miss this stimulating hour of study and
discussion with one of the Bay area's foremost Torah scholars.
B'nai Mitzvah
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony marks the acceptance of a young
person as a full participant in the Jewish community. Continuous and regular
studies in the Religious School are required for the five years immediately
preceding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Private tutoring sessions begin six months
prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
Youth Services
All students
at Ma’ayan B’nai Shalom are required to attend at least ten
services a year.
Twice a
month, we offer Junior Congregation services for the youth in our community.
These services allow our students the chance to explore the meaning
of the prayers we say, dialogue about important values and issues, and
participate in role-playing and bibliodrama based off of the weeks Torah
reading. Junior Congregation is for third through sixth grade while
Derech Shabbat is for first through third grade and both services begin
at 10:30 by meeting in rooms 10/11.
Kindergarten
and below are encouraged to attend our Tot
Shabbat program, and participate in actively and creatively worshiping
in an age-appropriate service also beginning at 10:30 in room 2/3. Parents
are encouraged to join Tot Shabbat
at 11:15 to assist in snacks and then the process of joining the other
two Junior Congregation services. All youth services end at 12:00 to
coincide with the Traditional service in the main sanctuary. After services,
everyone is invited to share in a Kiddush luncheon in the social hall.
Tot Shabbat
Children
up to five-years-old are encouraged to join us with their families on
the following Shabbat mornings for songs, games, friends, and snacks.
Please note that Tot Shabbat is open to both members and non-members.
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Tot
Shabbat
You
are invited to spend Shabbat with a circle of friends. Young children
(through kindergarten age) and their parents gather for Shabbat
fun and learning approximately twice a month during the school
year. Make friends and see familiar faces as we share.
Celebrate
Celebrate Shabbat and the Jewish calendar with music and prayer,
hallahand grape juice.
Learn
Learn prayers, songs, and customs.
Stay
for Lunch
Join our congregational community for a Shabbat
kiddush lunch every week after services. |
Youth Groups
United
Synagogue Youth (USY) is an international organization for Jewish
high-school students. Walnut Creek USY, known as WCUSY, manages a website
located at www.wcusy.org
and also sends regular updates on our list serve. We have an active
chapter and are always looking for interested participants. WCUSY provides
our youth with an opportunity to experience every aspect of their Judaism.
Teens are encouraged to become involved in the Jewish community by attending
chapter and regional functions. WCUSY members participate in social
action or Tikkun Olam projects, study and learn about the ways of our
Tradition, experience and actively plan programming based on honoring
Israel, and always enjoy a wide range of social events. This youth group
provides teens with memorable Jewish experiences, long lasting friendships,
and a good time.
Kadima,
meaning "forward," is an organization designed to meet the
needs and interests of students in grades five through eight. Through
Kadima and its offerings of religious, community service, cultural,
social and recreational activities, younger teens take an active role
in the life our community and synagogue.
The United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) sponsors both groups. CBS has
started Derech Kadima for first through fifth graders. This youth group
serves as a stepping-stone to future informal education programming
at CBS.
Midrasha
Students in 8th through 12th grade participate in Midrasha, our community
Hebrew High School. Classes meet on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning
during the school year (optional intensive track). A complete Hebrew
High School brochure is available from the Religious School office.
Please visit Contra Costa Misrasha at www.ccmidrasha.org
Contact
Director of Congregational Learning
Our Religious
School is led by the Director of Congregational Learning, Rabbi Jennifer Flam.
Contact Rabbi Flam by e-mail, or call 925-934-9446, extension 104.
Liz Kaufman
Our
Preschool, Gan B'nai Shalom, is led by Liz Kaufman, Preschool Director
at Congregation B'nai Shalom. You can reach Liz by
with questions or for more information about our outstanding early childhood
program.
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