B'yachad:
Shared Goals And A Combined Experience
B'Yachad Calendar information can be found on the Forms and Resources page.
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE B’YACHAD RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
B’Yachad is a Hebrew word that means “together.” It symbolizes the union of the teaching staffs and families of Congregations Ohav Shalom and Temple Israel to provide a quality Jewish education and a reinforced community for our children. B’Yachad strives to instill in our Religious school students and families the knowledge and skills necessary to carry on Jewish traditions at home and to participate actively in the synagogue and the broader Jewish community, in keeping with the teachings of Conservative Judaism. With B’Yachad the Congregations Ohav Shalom and Temple Israel and the Religious school faculty share commitment to providing our students with an understanding and appreciation of the core concepts of God, Torah, Israel, and ethical values, as they are embodied in our Jewish tradition. Through formal classroom instruction, and home and community-based programs, we provide a rich and varied learning environment that is welcoming to all families and all types of learners. By working in partnership with families, and in the context of a nurturing Jewish community, we aim to develop positive and strong Jewish identities.
Enrollment in B’Yachad
Enrollment in B’Yachad is open to any Jewish child, K-8th grade. While synagogue affiliation is not mandatory for initial matriculation, standing as a full-member or associate member with either Ohav Shalom or Temple Israel must be verified by or before the beginning of the third year of enrollment in this religious school. Completion of entry forms and agreement with terms of enrollment must be completed by the parent(s) or primary caregiver before the student begins attendance.
Overview of the B’Yachad Curriculum
The Religious school’s curriculum integrates classroom learning, Israeli dance (grades K-4), tefillah/prayer (both with the whole school, and in individual classes), rap with the rabbi (grades 5-7) family education, participation in religious services, and community service. With each year building on the previous, the curriculum spirals from kindergarten to eighth grade, engaging the students in more sophisticated or complex studies as they grow intellectually.Kindergarten and First Grade: In kindergarten and first grade, the curriculum focuses on learning Shabbat and holiday traditions, blessings, basic mitzvot and the stories of Genesis and Exodus. Hebrew letters are introduced.
Second and Third Grade: In second and third grade, the pace of the classroom learning accelerates as the children begin attending Religious school classes two days per week. They learn the Hebrew vowels, begin to decode Hebrew words, and are introduced to basic prayers from the Shabbat service. While continuing the study of Genesis and Exodus, students are encouraged to think critically about text and its relevance today. They discuss the application of mitzvot and the ethical teachings of the Torah in real-life situations. The children continue to explore the holiday cycle in greater depth and study different categories of mitzvot. At the conclusion of the year, the 2nd grade students and their families participate in a consecration ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments and mark their entrance into the upper grades.
Fourth Grade: In fourth grade, the students embark on an in-depth exploration of the land and peoples of modern Israel. Their study of Torah continues and they are introduced to rabbinic texts, and the students continue to examine the lessons and ongoing relevance of the texts to their own lives. The study of mitzvot emphasizes applying Jewish values to make ethical, responsible decisions. The students also continue to develop their Hebrew reading and prayer skills, including the Shabbat Torah service.
Fifth Grade: The fifth grade students focus on the major milestones in the Jewish life cycle and the Jewish traditions and mitzvot associated with those milestones. They are introduced to the latter books of the Torah and the Torah texts underlying selected mitzvot. The students explore the biblical and rabbinic bases for the holidays and study Israel in more detail. They continue to build on their Hebrew reading and prayer skills, including Torah and Haftorah trope.
Sixth Grade: In sixth grade, Torah study is integrated with the study of its historic context, as the students explore Jewish history from the origins of monotheism through the period of the Roman Empire to the Rabbinic Period. Their bar/bat mitzvah preparation begins in earnest, and they examine the religious and ethical significance of becoming an adult member of the community, including how Judaism informs moral choices and faith in God. This year includes a 3- part family education series. The students continue to work on their Hebrew reading and prayer skills.
Seventh Grade: The seventh grade students resume their study of Jewish history from the Golden Age of Spain through the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment and the origins of Zionism. They examine how the Jewish people adapted to life in the Diaspora. By analyzing Torah portions and rabbinic teachings, they study the application of the Torah to contemporary ethical dilemmas. This year includes a 3-part family education series. They also continue to practice their Hebrew reading and prayer skills.
Eighth Grade: This summer, our 8th grade families completed a survey to adapt our curriculum and concentrate on areas of particular interest to these students. Part of the program will include volunteer projects in the synagogue and the greater community.
FAMILY EDUCATION
Family Education is an integral part of the B’Yachad curriculum and the Religious school community. All congregants are welcome to participate in Family Education programs, whether or not they have children enrolled in the Religious school. When families learn, fulfill mitzvot, and worship together, their understanding of and commitment to Judaism is deepened. Classroom study alone cannot provide the full context or the home observance needed by students. All parts of Jewish education are interrelated -- the synagogue, teachers, students, and families are all essential to the learning experience. By helping families to bring Jewish learning and observance into their homes and to worship together as a community, we reinforce the lessons of the Religious school and make them come alive. B’Yachad believes that Family Education Programs enhance parents’ and students’ confidence and self-reliance, as they develop a lifelong commitment to Judaism. Please see attached calendar for this year’s schedule of programs.: Religious School Hours:
• Grades K&1 Sundays, 9:30AM to 12:30PM
• Grades 2-7 Sundays, 9:30AM to 12:30PM and Wednesdays, 4:00PM to 6:00PM
• 8th Grade Sundays, 9:30AM to 12:30PM
BAR/BAT MITZVAH POLICY
Each Synagogue has its own Bar/Bat Mitzvah policy and families are encouraged to speak with their own respective Rabbi regarding education attainment requirements, expected participation and preparation.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Israeli Folk DanceAs a part of the curriculum for the Kindergarten through 4th Grades, Eve Cameron and trained high school students teach Israeli dance to the Religious school students weekly on Sundays. In addition, there is a before-school Israeli Folk Dance program that meets weekly on Sundays from 8:45-9:30 am. The groups practice for the Community Israeli Folk Dance Festival, coordinated by Temple Israel, at the end of April.
Library
Our students and their families have regular access to the libraries at Ohav Shalom and Temple Israel., featuring the synagogues’ growing collection of children’s literature and Jewish educational resources. We hope to continue to increase our collection through donations of books and money with which to purchase new volumes.
Madrikhim
B’Yachad invites young adults who have become Bar or Bat Mitzvah to assist in our Religious school. Students in ninth grade and above are eligible to become madrikhim, literally, “guides.” The young people who take time to work in the classrooms or assist in the office are a valuable asset to our synagogue community, and we are delighted to have them with us.
Remediation and Enrichment
We have 1 full-time teacher who meets with our students during Religious school classes, either one-on-one or in small groups for remedial work in Hebrew or for Hebrew enrichment. Participation in remedial or advanced Hebrew classes is generally based on the recommendation of the classroom teacher. If you think your child would benefit from remedial Hebrew or enrichment, please contact the Education Director.
Special Needs
We have a Special Needs Consultant Teacher. She visits the classrooms to make sure that the classroom environment and presentation of material is conducive to learning for all students, including those with disabilities or special needs. She serves as a liaison between the classroom teacher, the Education Director and the family to ensure that necessary accommodations are made to enhance the learning experience of students who need them. If your child has an IEP or if you think your child would benefit from classroom accommodations, please contact the Education Director
DEREKH ERETZ— RESPECTING OURSELVES, OTHERS, AND OUR ENVIRONMENT
The B’Yachad Religious school expects all of its students and faculty to exhibit behavior that reflects the core values of respect for oneself and for others. This includes:• Accepting the individuality of all members of our community;
• Treating others the way we would want them to treat us;
• Listening when others are speaking and communicating in a kind and caring way;
• Exhibiting proper decorum in the classroom, main sanctuary, and religious services;
• Refraining from behaviors that place oneself or others in danger;
• Treating synagogue property and the property of others with respect.
Please contact our Education Director, Lita L. Katzer, with any questions you may have: litabyachad@gmail.com