VTS & Jewish Experiential Learning
Viterbi torah school (VTS) weekly classes
Dear VTS, TNT & USY families,
We are making a lot of exciting plans for your students to return to Viterbi Torah School and the Congregation Beth El campus. I am honored to take a proactive daily role in directing and guiding the Viterbi Torah School. I am also extremely excited to welcome Craig Parks as the newest member of our synagogue staff. Craig has a long history at Beth El, having co-created many wonderful programs with me over the years. Craig’s focus will be facilitating a comprehensive music program for our community as well as informal family engagement programming during the academic year. You can read his statement below. Please join me in welcoming Craig and his family to our community on Friday, July 28, during the Plaza Prayer Friday night Shabbat service.
In addition to Craig’s arrival, many of our dedicated and talented staff will return along with one or two new staff members. While we are busy creating a loving, safe, and nurturing learning environment we will continue to communicate our plans in the weeks ahead. I am also grateful to Cheryl Katz for her care and commitment. Cheryl has moved on from the Beth El family and we all wish her good luck on her new journey.
There are a lot of exciting plans being prepared for the school year, and I invite you to re-enroll your child/ren in our programming. Please use the following links for registration and for the 2023-24 school calendar.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 10 for our first day of classes.
Todah Rabbah!
Rabbi Avi Libman
Contact Rabbi Avi Libman with any questions Rabbiavi@cbe.org
Dear Congregation Beth El family,
I am thrilled to become part of the dynamic team at Congregation Beth El as the Assistant Director of Jewish Learning for Music and Experiential Education. I want to share the wise words of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. He reminded us that "Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital." He also taught that "the most direct means for attaching ourselves to God from this material world is through music and song." I aspire to be a source of joy, connection, and comfort through music and creative modes of Jewish expression.
I have been a part of the San Diego Jewish community for thirty years and some of that time has been at Beth El part time leading music at the Viterbi Torah School, leading Pajama Shabbat for young families with Rabbi Avi for several years, and leading Shabbat with the Chofesh band for young adults several years ago. I have found the Beth El community to be warm, inclusive, and spirited. I am incredibly excited to reconnect with those of you I know and to connect with those of you I have yet to meet.
I have a real passion for Jewish music, education, Jewish meditation, and meaningful connection. I hope you will come out on July 28 where I will be co-leading with the clergy that evening with guitar in hands! It will be the first of many opportunities for us to sing together, create harmony, and celebrate the beauty and wisdom of our Jewish tradition.
B'Shalom
Craig Parks
Youth & Teen programs (Grades K-12)
INSPIRING JEWISH JOURNEYS
Jewish Experiential Learning at Beth El strives to provide an environment where our students grow to experience an authentic Jewish community that is relevant, personal and inspiring.
Through school-wide experiences like singing, prayer, games and activities, as well as grade-level Judaic, Hebrew and prayer instruction, we engage Viterbi Torah School (VTS) students (K-7) in dynamic and multi-modal learning. We take advantage of Beth El’s beautiful and expansive campus to allow students move and learn outside both to connect with the natural world and to practice safe distancing and snack habits while at VTS.
At Thursday Night Teens (TNT) our 8th-12th graders develop the skills needed to navigate our changing world as informed by Jewish thought. They gain an opportunity to engage in more mature learning about current events and contemporary Jewish life. Teens are engaged in leadership training through which they plan programs and social activities for their peers.
Our approach to developing inquisitive, skilled and engaged young Jewish people pays special attention to the social-emotional well being of each student, so that all can benefit from a safe and connected learning community.
Sun, September 24 2023
9 Tishrei 5784
Today's Calendar
Erev Yom Kippur |
Daily Minyan : 9:00am |
Kol Nidre- Erev Yom Kippur : 6:30pm |
Friday Night
Kabbalat Shabbat Service : 6:15pm |
Shabbat Day
Torah Reading Class : 9:00am |
Saturday Morning Service : 9:30am |
Bar Mitzvah of Aaron Chu : 9:30am |
2023 Sukkah Sleepover (4th-12th) : 7:00pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Sep 24 Kol Nidre- Erev Yom Kippur Sunday, Sep 24 6:30pm |
Sep 25 Yom Kippur Monday, Sep 25 9:00am |
Sep 25 |
Sep 28 |
Sep 28 |
Erev Yom Kippur
Sunday, Sep 24 |
Join Our Mailing List
Why ShulCloud?
Zmanim
Alot Hashachar | 5:25am |
Earliest Tallit | 5:54am |
Netz (Sunrise) | 6:38am |
Latest Shema | 9:39am |
Zman Tefillah | 10:40am |
Chatzot (Midday) | 12:41pm |
Mincha Gedola | 1:11pm |
Mincha Ketana | 4:12pm |
Plag HaMincha | 5:28pm |
Candle Lighting | 6:25pm |
Shkiah (Sunset) | 6:43pm |
Tzeit Hakochavim | 7:20pm |
More >> |
-
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2023
Sunday, Sep 24th 6:30p to 8:00p
The sun sets, ushering in the holiest day of the year. On Kol Nidre eve, we enter into God's presence, to be honest, modest, and contrite. The themes and melodies of our prayer seek to touch our souls and inspire our growth. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2023
Monday, Sep 25th 9:00a to 7:00p
The sun sets, ushering in the holiest day of the year. On Kol Nidre eve, we enter into God's presence, to be honest, modest, and contrite. The themes and melodies of our prayer seek to touch our souls and inspire our growth. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2023Chai Break Fast
Monday, Sep 25th 8:00p to 10:00p
Break your fast with all your Chai friends over pizza and beer! More information and registration coming soon! -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 28 , 2023VTS Thursday Grades 2-7
Thursday, Sep 28th 4:00p to 6:00p
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023
Shabbat, Sep 30th 9:30a to 12:00p
-
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023
Shabbat, Sep 30th 7:00p to Sunday, Oct 1st 9:00a
One of our favorite High Holy Day activities is back for another year of fun, friends and memories! Join us for the sukkah sleepover Saturday, September 30th to Sunday, October 1st, you won't want to miss this! Registration to follow. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023VTS Sundays
Sunday, Oct 1st 9:00a to 12:00p
-
Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023
Sunday, Oct 1st 10:00a to 12:00p
-
Monday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2023
Monday, Oct 2nd 11:00a to 3:00p
-
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 4 , 2023
Wednesday, Oct 4th 10:30a to 12:00p