A WORLD OF WELCOME
Welcome to the Religious School of Temple Beth El. We take great pride in
our school and are delighted to offer our children a comprehensive program
that begins in kindergarten and includes educational opportunities right up
through the twelfth grade.
Jewish education at Temple is divided into several segments. Our Sunday
School (K-3) introduces our youngest students to the joys of Jewish learning.
Our Hebrew School (4-7), which meets on weekday afternoons, deepens our
children’s awareness of Jewish tradition while also stressing a competency in
the Hebrew prayer book. The Confirmation programs (8-10) allows our
students to continue their growth as Jews after they become Bar and Bat
Mitzvah and culminates in a meaningful service on the Festival of Shavuot at
the end of the tenth grade year. Our Post-Confirmation program offers our
eleventh and twelfth graders the opportunity to study in a more relaxed
atmosphere with Rabbi Mass.
Back in the small villages of Eastern Europe, there was a beautiful custom
observed on a young child’s first day of religious school. The teacher would
spread a little honey on a slate in the shape of the letter Aleph, the first
letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The child would lick off the honey and then
recite the following verse from the Book of Psalms: “How sweet are Thy
words to my palate - sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103).
Although our instructional tools are far more modern, the educational goals
at Temple Beth El are not dissimilar to those of our ancestors. We seek to
cultivate in our children a lifelong love of Jewish learning. We want to affirm
their identity as Jews, acquaint them with our glorious history and
heritage, infuse them with the values of Torah, imbue them with love of
Israel and a sense of responsibility to the community of Jews all over the
world and instill in them a deep appreciation of our sacred rituals, customs,
festivals, holidays and Holy Days. We want every day of their Jewish studies
to be as sweet as the honey on that slate.
In order to promote our children’s Jewish development and make the most
of their religious education, we need the complete support of our parents.
We encourage you to work closely with our teachers, our rabbi and our
cantor to make Judaism come alive in your homes. We also urge you to
take advantage of all of the wonderful Jewish experiences and programs
that are available at Temple Beth El. Worship with us at Family Services,
sing in our choirs, join our youth groups and attend our Family Education
programs, support our Men’s Club and Sisterhood, attend our Adult
Education workshops, participate in our Social Action projects and join us
at holiday and festival celebrations.
This handbook will answer many of your questions about our program. But
remember that Jewish education is a partnership between parents, synagogue and school. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please give us a call.
We look forward to another exciting year of Jewish living and learning. Let
your love of Judaism be like the honey on the slate. Help your children
experience the sweetness of Jewish life. Welcome!
Rabbi Ronald Mass Cantor Arlene Frank Beth Kramer
THE FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL
The first day of Sunday School can be both exciting and scary. In order
to enhance the good feelings felt by the teachers, students and parents, we
will hold an assembly at the beginning of the day. All parents of students
in K - 3 grades are welcome to participate with your child in the assembly
and to meet the key players in your child’s religious education.
PARENTS AS TEACHERS AND LEARNING PARTNERS
Jewish tradition believes that the parent is the most important teacher to
a child. Values are transmitted most strongly in the everyday interaction
of life. When parents enroll their child in our Religious School, we are
given a precious trust: to build and expand upon the Jewish education
already begun at home. Parents can help by encouraging a positive
attitude toward Judaism and Jewish studies, participating together in
Jewish experiences at the Temple, such as holiday celebrations and Family
Services and communicating with teachers and the Educator whenever you
have a question, concern, idea or suggestion. In addition, opportunities for
Jewish family education will be offered in various programs throughout the school year. Watch for these special family experiences in your calendar and in the mail.
In order for a child to learn Hebrew in a fully productive way, as with any
language, reinforcement in the home is of utmost importance. To this end,
we offer a Basic Hebrew course for parents to either learn Hebrew for the
first time, or to brush up on what you may have forgotten. In this way too,
parents can be teachers of Judaism to their children.
COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS
In case you have a particular question or concern regarding your child’s
education, it is important that you get in touch with the teacher. Parents
wishing to contact a teacher may do so through a note or by telephoning
the Religious School office. The teachers will be notified and will return
your call as soon as possible. In addition, there is an opportunity for the
parents of students in grades K – 3 to meet the teachers in a formal setting
at the beginning of the school year. Attendance at these meetings is
important for you to understand the curriculum of the school and to meet
your child’s teacher. It also helps to demonstrate to your child your
commitment towards your child’s Jewish Education.
HOMEWORK AND REPORT CARDS
We believe that Jewish education extends beyond the confines of the
Religious School institution. As such, homework is assigned based upon the
discretion of the teacher. It is designed to support and reinforce the
learning that occurs in the classroom. It is expected that it will be done
with an eye toward quality and in a timely manner. As Jewish education
involves the entire family, it is our hope that you will participate in the
homework assignment with your child in an appropriate way.
It is important that you know how your child is doing in Religious School.
Twice a year around Chanukah and Shavuot, the students in grades K - 7
receive report cards designed to apprise you of your child’s progress.
CODE OF CONDUCT
While our school is primarily a Beit Midrash, a House of Study, and is devoted to religious studies, it is also a Beth El, a House of God. As such, we encourage an attitude of respect from our students for our building, our teachers and their fellow students. Parents will be notified by the teacher and/or the Educational Director if disruptive behavior becomes an obstacle to effective and enjoyable learning.
To begin every day with the best foot forward, all students are expected to
be fully prepared for all aspects of the school day. Bringing to school an
excitement and joy for learning is just as important as bringing pencils,
papers and textbooks.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Parents are asked to keep Ms. Kramer informed of any medical needs or
special considerations which will enable us to affect the greatest learning
for each child. It is our desire to place all children with special needs
whenever possible in our religious studies program. We have a remedial
teacher in the Hebrew School and a special Hebrew tutor to help
children who may need alternate methods of learning.
ATTENDANCE
The Board of Education of Temple Beth El believes that regular attendance in
The Religious School is an absolute necessity in order to attain a complete
Jewish education. It is the responsibility of the Parent or Guardian to insure
that the student regularly attends the Religious School sessions. Any absences require the parent to submit an explanatory note on the next date upon which
the child attends the Religious School. Three consecutive absences may result
in a telephone call from the Religious School office to the home. At the discretion of the Educator, a parental conference may be required due to excessive absences. In addition, excessive absences may require private tutoring at the parents’ expense in addition to classroom attendance.
GUESTS
If your child wishes to bring a friend to class, he or she must check in at the
beginning of school in the Religious School office to sign in with office
personnel. The child must also bring a note stating with whom they will
be for the day.
EARLY DISMISSAL
It is important for your child’s complete Jewish education that he/she
attends the entire Religious School day. If a student needs to leave early,
a note must be brought to the Religious School office at the beginning of
the school session to have it signed by office personnel. The student will
then take the signed note to the teacher. Parents must report to the Religious
School office where their child will be brought for dismissal. Due to safety
concerns your child will not be permitted to leave the building to meet you.
SUPPLIES AND BOOKS
With the exception of special events, all supplies and books are provided by
the Religious School. Students may purchase replacement or additional
copies of any text from the Religious School office. It is expected that
students bring all their textbooks, including Siddurim (prayer books) to
every session.
RESOURCES
It is our hope that you will be able to extend the Jewish learning your child receives in the Religious School into your own home. We are offering the opportunity to utilize our children’s library of Jewish books, found in the board room and our school library of Jewish videos and cassettes. These can be signed out of our Religious School office for a two-week period.
TZEDAKAH
Our Tanach (Bible) tells us: “They that turn the many to righteousness
(tzedakah) shall shine like the brightness of the skies.” (Daniel 12:3). One of
the values most highly regarded in the Jewish community is that of tzedakah,
righteous giving. Our Religious School offers students many opportunities
over the year to participate in this mitzvah (commandment; good deed). We
ask that they bring a weekly contribution to their class tzedakah fund. These
moneys will be donated to various organizations based on class discussions
and choice. In addition, over the year they will be asked to bring various items, such as canned or packaged food, used clothing or toys to help those in need.
SPECIALTY CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
Judaic art projects enhance the classroom curriculum. Each class uses art
work in an age-appropriate manner according to their curricular goals. Art
will at times be led by regular classroom teachers, and at other times, by an
art specialist. All art projects are designed to be part of a larger
educational experience, and accordingly, are designed to illustrate
specific points relevant to the curriculum.
The music program is run by the Cantor. On Sundays, our terrific Teen
Aides assist Cantor Frank during song sessions. Their spirited presence
enhance our wonderful music sessions. All students enjoy Jewish music
and t’fillah (prayer) sessions on a regular basis throughout the year.
Prayer is an important element of the Religious School. Teachers, clergy
and the Educational Director all take leadership in worship experience
for all students. Worship services during Religious School provide
children a chance to put some of their Hebrew skills and knowledge
into practical use in an inviting and beautiful setting.
Assemblies and a wide variety of special-event programs enhance
the curriculum of each grade. Our many interactive special programs
are designed to celebrate and teach holidays and other important
Jewish topics and themes throughout the year. At times, parents are
invited to enjoy these special school programs alongside their children.
We will notify parents well in advance of these opportunities.
of each grade.
SCHOOL CLOSING
In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather, an
announcement will be broadcast on WRCR (1300 AM) radio and posted
on www.cancellations.com.
As our school is made up of children from a number of school
districts. The Religious School does not follow any one school
district in determining scheduled school closings. All scheduled school
closings can be found on the school calendar.
REGISTRATION AND TUITION POLICIES
7TH GRADE REGISTRATION
The ceremony of Bar/Bat Mitzvah will only be performed if the student is is fully registered for the 7th grade Religious School program
before commencement of Religious School in the fall of that year.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH TUTOR TUITION
This entire fee for Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring should be paid in full before
the student enters the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring program.
BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY ON RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
IN FOURTH THROUGH SEVENTH GRADES
Because we value our sequential curriculum and strive to provide your
children with a comprehensive Jewish education, we require attendance in
residence for all grades 4th through 7th, inclusive. A student who misses
any grade in the sequence will be required to make-up the missed grade
upon return to our school . The Board of Education, in consultation with
the Educational Director,the Rabbi, the Cantor, the teachers and the
Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutors, will approve all decisions regarding
remedial tutoring, at the expense of the parents, in addition to tuition.
Any lapse of attendance will delay or cancel your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah
date. If already assigned, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date will be forfeited upon
non-registration for any school year in the sequence. A different date will
be assigned upon re-enrollment. If a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date has not
yet been assigned, the date assigned upon re-enrollment will be
delayed 6 months beyond the child’s 13th birthday. Special circumstances
may be given special consideration at the Temple’s discretion.
LATE ENTRY INTO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PROGRAM
If a student enters the Religious School program after the 4th grade year,
they must be fully registered for the program. They will attend
school according to their ability, at the discretion of the Rabbi or Educator.
They will, at the discretion of the Educator, hire at their own expense, a
Hebrew and/or Judaic teacher in order to catch them up to the level of
education of the rest of the class.
If there is no prior Jewish education before entering the Temple Beth El
Religious School program, there is a requirement of a minimum of 3 years
of Hebrew and Judaic education in the Temple Beth El program, under the
direction of the Educator, before there can be a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
These requirements are at the discretion of the Rabbi or Educator.
PRORATING TUITION
If a student, for any reason, registers for the Religious School program after the official registration time in the spring of the previous year, there will be an automatic $50 late fee added to the regular tuition fee. If a student enters the Religious School program after the first month of the school
year, they may pay only for those months they are enrolled in the
program. This policy does not apply to those who are absent due to
illness or vacation.
REFUND
If, after registering for Religious School, a child decides to leave Religious
School for any reason, Temple Beth El will offer the following refunds:
Prior to the first day of school there will be a 100% refund of all
money. Between the first and fourth session of school, the refund will be
the amount paid in excess of 20% of annual feel. After four sessions of
school are completed, there will be no refund. There are no refunds
during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.
CLASS PLACEMENT AND CLASS CHANGES
Class lists are constructed by the Educational Director in the late
spring/early summer, once school registration sessions have
concluded Classes are determined in such a way that the needs of each individual student, and the the needs of the school as a whole are considered. Classes are compiled based upon numerous factors including academic progress in the
previous year, social and emotional issues and the recommenda-
tions of previous teachers. Requests to be with friends or a specific
teacher are considered, though not guaranteed. Please note our
Board of Education policy: Once assigned to a class, no class changes will will be considered until the child has tried out his/her assigned
class for one month. If needed, after one month has passed, possible class changes may be discussed with the Educational Director.
SCHOOL HOURS
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Sunday 10:00 AM – 11:50 AM
5th and 7th Grades
Monday 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM
4th and 6th Grades
Tuesday 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM
Passport Program Days in Residence
4th & 6th Grades Thursday 4:10-6:00 PM
5th Grade Monday 4:10-6:00 PM
Passport students will meet with mentor for individual 30 minute, mutually scheduled sessions.
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Rabbi Ronald Mass
Cantor Arlene Frank
Sue Bader – President
Beth Kramer – Educational Director
Helen Gitlin – Administrative Assistant of Religious School
Temple Beth El Religious School Office: (845) 352-5823
Office Hours: Sunday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday thru Thursday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Temple Beth El Main Office: (845) 356-2000
Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
E-mail Beth Kramer: educator@templebethelrockland.org
E-mail Helen Gitlin: schooloffice@templebethelrockland.org
