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Please see the 2007-08
education program catalog and the
2007-08 application
form
(PDF format). The
education calendar (2007-08) is also available on this
website.
Exciting programs are available for the following age
groups:
In kindergarten, we become acquainted with the Temple.
Children study the Jewish holidays and their preparation and
celebration through symbols, songs, stories, and holiday
cooking are enjoyed. Introduction to Hebrew begins.
Consecration
The consecration service, held on Simchat Torah,
celebrates the beginning of formal Jewish education for
children entering into the kindergarten class and any other
primary students new to religious school. This year's
Consecration celebration will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
October 3, 2007.
Children experience the rhythm of the Jewish calendar year
as they continue their studies of the Jewish holidays. We
explore the concepts "tzedakah" (righteousness/sharing) and
"mitzvah" (commandments-good deeds) and enjoy symbols, songs,
stories, art, and holiday cooking. Introductory Hebrew
continues.
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Children engage in a curricular progression that transmits
the fundamental lessons of Torah, avodah, and g’milut chasadim
(Torah stories, prayer and acts of loving kindness). We review
the holiday cycle as it occurs with ceremony and celebration.
Classes incorporate the "Chai: Learning for Jewish Life"
curriculum, as well as units of study on Torah, the prophets,
and life cycle events. Children continue their studies of Hebrew as their oral Hebrew
vocabulary grows.
Hebrew School
Formal supplemental Hebrew classes begin for students as
they enter third grade. All students in grades 3 through 7 are expected to attend
Wednesday Hebrew classes in addition to the Sunday program.
For children living a great distance away from Tacoma, and for
whom transportation is difficult, families may contact the
education
director to see if alternative arrangements can be made.
6th - 10th grade students participate in a curricular cycle that includes two hours of studies each
Sunday exploring the State of Israel, Jewish current events,
Torah study, Jewish history, Jewish ethics & morality,
comparative Judaism, the Talmud, comparative religion, and the Holocaust.
During the school year, we plan several special event
mornings with a variety of activities focusing on our Jewish
faith, culture and heritage.
Our 10th grade students culminate this stage of their
Jewish learning with a confirmation
ceremony held on Erev Shavuot, scheduled this year for
Sunday, June 8, 2008.
B'nai Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an event that marks an educational
milestone in the life of a young Jew. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah
ceremony comes only after students have successfully completed
the 3rd through 6th grade weekday Hebrew program at Temple,
and agree to complete the 7th grade program as well. In
extenuating circumstances, families may contact the Rabbi
and/or the education director to determine whether any
educational alternatives could fulfill these requirements.
Since Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks the
students' acceptance of Jewish responsibility, these students
pledge to continue their Jewish education through
confirmation. A special Temple Bar/Bat Mitzvah guide is
provided to each member of the class with exercises
highlighting benchmarks of understanding the process of and
responsibility in attaining the “Age of Mitzvah."
For additional Bar/Bat Mitzvah information, please click here.
Temple Teens is
available for 6th through 8th graders.
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