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Learning (Limud) > Religious School
Our Religious School engages children in Judaic and Hebrew learning through classroom study, special family education programs, community service, and leading Shabbat services. Judaic studies include holidays and life cycle rituals, Israel, the Holocaust, Bible studies, and Jewish ethics. We put special emphasis on Hebrew and synagogue skills, which are particularly important for future involvement in synagogue and Jewish communal life. Our Cantor works closely with all students who are preparing for the bar or bat mitzvah, personally training each child to lead the Friday evening and Shabbat morning services, read from the Torah, and chant the haftarah. The Rabbi studies the Torah portion with each child and guides him/her in the writing of a bar/bat mitzvah speech. Special holiday family programs punctuate the school year, such as the Sukkah decorating party, Chanukah menorah contest, latke party and Tu B’Shevat Seder.
Our Religious School begins with pre-kindergarten and continues through seventh grade. All classes meet on Sunday mornings, and third through sixth grades also meet on either Monday or Wednesday afternoons.
Beginning in the eighth grade, Berger Jewish Community High School provides an opportunity for teenagers to further their religious education and strengthen their Jewish identity. Tenth graders participate in our Confirmation program, a year-long course of study with the Rabbi that culminates in a weekend trip to "Jewish" New York and the Confirmation celebration in May.
The Religious School is guided by a full-time professional Director of Education and the Education, Youth & Family (EYF) Committee. Our professional and lay leadership ensure that our Religious School curriculum:
• provides a creative environment for development of Hebrew and synagogue skills,
• offers an innovative approach to family education,
• encourages children to develop cohesive relationships with each other,
• fosters a positive attitude toward life-long Jewish learning.