YOUTH EDUCATION
Youth Education
“When you teach your children, you teach your
children’s children.”
—Talmud
Registration for the 2010–2011 school year is now open.
Religious School
Shir Hadash students in Kindergarten through 6th grade attend Sunday School. Classes are held on Sunday morning from 9:30 am to noon from September to May.
Hebrew School & Hebrew Tutoring Program
Hebrew classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4–6 pm (you choose one day) for children grades 3–6. Both Religious School and Hebrew School are required for all children who wish to be Bar/Bat mitzvah.
As an alternative to Hebrew school, we also offer a Hebrew Tutoring Program. This program consists of 30-minute private sessions taught by our faculty at Shir Hadash. The Hebrew Tutoring Program follows the same curriculum as the regular Hebrew School Program.
B’nai Mitzvah Training
B’nai Mitzvah training is offered for all children who have completed the required Hebrew School syllabus and are preparing to study for their bar/bat mitzvah. Students will meet with the Cantor to learn their Torah and Haftorah portions as well as meet separately with an adult mentor in the congregation who will help them with their speeches.
For more details on the B’nai Mitzvah program, please download our B’nai Mitzvah Guide.
Notification of Bar/Bat mitzvah: Dates are given out two years in advance for the bet class. Lessons begin 24 weeks before the actual event.
Shir Hadash also conducts an Adult B’nai Mitzvah program on a biennial basis. Contact or the temple office at (408) 358–1751 for more details.
Hebrew High School & Confirmation
All Shir Hadash students in 7th–9th grades attend Hebrew High as part of their commitment to continue their Jewish education beyond Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Confirmation is for 10th graders; in addition to classes on Tuesday evenings, the class goes on a trip, has mentoring sessions, does social action projects, and participates in a Confirmation service.
L’taken: 11th & 12th Grade
L’taken is a special program for 11th and 12th graders interested in learning more about the intersection of Judaism, social justice, and public policy. During the approximately twelve sessions L’taken meets during the school year, students explore issues confronting our community and the world through a Jewish lens. Students help chose the topics covered, with past subjects including capital punishment, marriage equality, employer-employee relations, juvenile justice, and challenges confronting children from low income households. The studies are capped by the students creating and implementing a local project inspired by their learning.
A highlight of the L’taken program is traveling to Washington DC to participate in a Social Justice Seminar organized by Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. During their time in Washington DC, Shir Hadash students join with other Jewish teens from around the world in celebrating Shabbat, visiting important landmarks including touring the National Holocaust Memorial and Museum, and learning about issues confronting Congress. The visit to Washington concludes with the students lobbying their congressional representatives on an issue of their choosing.
College Connection
Brighten your child’s Jewish holidays while they are away at school by signing up for college connection! The Shir Hadash Caring Committee helps college students stay connected to the synagogue and remind them of their Jewish traditions and treats when they cannot be home for the holidays. These care packages are sent three times a year, at Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Passover.
