BET CHAVERIM RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Congregation Update 6/5/16

Establishing Our Framework Bet Chaverim sees our youth as the architects, designers and builders of the future. Empowering Jewish children with a deep understanding of and connection to Jewish values, texts, rituals and culture sets them upon the path to lifelong engagement in Jewish learning and living. Bet Chaverim means “House of Friends,” and as such, we aim to foster a true sense of friendship and community as we work on our future together with our children and families through our enriching, innovative religious school program. Bet Chaverim Religious School… Offers religious school classes for children in grades Pre-K through 7; Is solidly rooted in the learning and practical application of Jewish values; Offers dynamic, engaging monthly family programming and service projects centered around those values, as well as holidays, Shabbat and Israel; Emphasizes Hebrew fluency and comfort with religious services; Celebrates Jewish and Israeli culture, tradition and holidays; and Approaches religious school experiences through highly innovative, creative, project-based, deeply meaningful and relevant teaching and learning practices and experiences. “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

The Jewish Values Curriculum Framework: Living Jewishly Each month (or sometimes longer), we focus on a Jewish value. First Sunday: Introduction through an engaging family program As the month continues: Thoughtful, meaningful integration of that value into class discussions and activities, and focus on five core curricular areas: PRAYER HEBREW JUDAICS COMMUNITY CULTURE Concluding Sunday: Culminating Jewish experience related to the value “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

TESHUVAH Taking responsibility for your actions. B’TZELEM ELOHIM Honoring the image of God in ourselves and others. GEVURAH Using one’s inner strength to do what’s right. ACHRAYUT Doing what you can to make the world a better place. HAKARAT HATOV Seeking joy and being grateful. KOACH HADIBBUR Understanding the power of words. SHALOM Helping to create a calmer, more peaceful world.

“Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Collaborative Partnership with ShalomLearning “ShalomLearning creates an environment where students, teachers, parents, and the community experience Jewish values as a meaningful way to navigate the world.” “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Curriculum Designed with Technology in Mind Values- Based Judaic Curriculum Hebrew Program Options “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Program Overview Grades Pre-K to 7 Meets on Sundays from 9 a.m. - Noon at a local Howard County public school (which will soon be determined) No mid-week meeting; instead, online work using ShalomLearning All grades work on same values, family involvement “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Registration BCRS Registration Now Open (Online) “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Student Tuition Grades Pre-K through 2nd (includes ShalomLearning for Hebrew reading): $975 (Member) $1275 (Non-Member) Grades 3rd through 7th* (includes ShalomLearning's full program for mid-week curriculum) $1140 (Member) There is a $50 savings per student for all registrations and deposits received before July 1, *Bet Chaverim requires that the families of all students in grades 3-7 are synagogue members. All program and supply costs are included in the tuition above (field trips may be additional cost). “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

B’nei Mitzvah Program Youth and Education Committee and Religious Committee established initial version of the Bet Chaverim B’nei Mitzvah Handbook Handbook establishes the B’nei Mitzvah program -Educational program to include religious school, B’nei mitzvah workshops and activities, mitzvah project, talit and tefilin -Timeline, expectations, and tutoring -Honors and family participation (including honors for non- Jewish family) -Guidelines for respecting Shabbat -Celebration and other planning items, including location, catering, candy, invitations -Financial responsibilities “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Beyond the Religious School… Middle School Youth Group Programming in collaboration with JYTI (Junior Youth of Temple Isaiah) and BBYO of Howard County Hebrew High School “pop up” classes and programming with Rabbi Zimbalist at low-barrier locations around the county Family and Youth Programming throughout the year “Call them not your children… call them your builders.” -Talmud

Questions?