Shabbatots
Shabbatots Havdallah
Formal Jewish learning traditionally begins when a child is three years old, and Temple’s Shabbatots preschool program takes that learning seriously through fun!
Meeting every other Shabbat from September to May, our three- and four-year-olds celebrate Shabbat, learn Hebrew vocabulary for the home, and celebrate the major holidays with older “buddies” from the b’nai mitzvah class. With joy and laughter, our early childhood educator brings Jewish stories and traditions to a life in a way that engages and delights young minds.
Kindergarten to Grade 5
Mishkan T’filah
Temple B’nai Tikvah’s vibrant Shabbat School meets on Saturday mornings from September to May and provides our children with a community, friends and a strong connection to their Jewish world.
We use the Reform movement’s flagship curriculum, called CHAI, which sees Judaism through the three pillars of Torah, worship and deeds of loving kindness. CHAI takes our children through Jewish learning and texts beginning in kindergarten and adding deepening meaning and difficulty as they get older. We celebrate the major holidays as a school, inviting the children to be active participants in their Jewish learning. Hebrew learning is integrated at every level and in every lesson plan.
The day for children in preschool-Grade 3 begins with t’fillah, filled with song and stories, and co-led by our music teacher and our rabbi. Our youngest children are grounded by this fun start and go to their classes ready to learn. Children in Grades 4-7 end their day with a more age-appropriate t’fillah, where they have the opportunity to learn the music and rhythm of a Reform Shabbat service. There’s a 15-20 minute recess time built in to every class, which we take at the park across the street in all but the most extreme weather, and even when we can’t go out we ensure lots of large muscle play inside. Big movements help little brains!