* foster joy in our children's Jewish education and nurture a cultural connection to their Jewish heritage.
* introduce our children to the principles, beliefs and practices of Humanistic Judaism
* develop cultural literacy in Jewish literature, heritage, holidays and history and familiarize our children with different approaches to Judaism
* encourage critical thinking and healthy skepticism in an atmosphere of respectful and open discussion.
* respect the dignity of each student's unique learning style.
* engage children in an exploration of their values and beliefs.
* teach our children to respect the right of all people to be treated with fairness and equality and to recognize a responsibility to speak out against injustice.
Our Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Program is as unique as every child who goes through it.
The KidSchool has an exciting, challenging and meaningful Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah program, for grades 6 and up, through which children are mentored and guided in the process by adult members of the congregation. The program encourages the students to explore, in depth, many aspects of their Jewish heritage. The children investigate their family history and values, heroes and role models, their own beliefs, and complete a major project on any topic of Jewish learning they want to explore in depth. A social action component is also included. The Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah service is a joyful experience, filled with readings and songs, and a presentation of the exciting work the student has completed throughout the program.
The Mitzvah students participate in a two-year classroom curriculum along with their independent study program.
The Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah Year 1 class (usually 6th and 7th grade students) focuses on the theme of tzedakah (charity). Examining texts and issues from varied time periods, students explore the Jewish response to poverty from ancient to modern times in order to understand the Jewish mandate to eradicate poverty.
The Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah Year 2 class offers a whirlwind tour of Jewish history, from ancient to modern, and distinguishes between our mythology and our documented history with special emphasis on the emergence of modern secular and cultural options for Jewish identity.
For more information on the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah program, click here.
Education is a life-long endeavor
We've learned that children benefit tremendously when a parent feels a connection to the community-by developing friendships here, by regularly attending Adult Perspectives, and participating in Shabbat and holiday commemorations whenever possible. Adult participation demonstrates to children the importance of belonging to a Jewish community, and that learning is a life-long endeavor. We've scheduled our classes so that parents of KidSchool students can attend Adult Perspectives and while their children are here.
The Adult Perspectives series of discussions and programs is designed to be of interest to all adults in the community. All adults of the congregation are encouraged to attend and guests are always welcome.