Registration & 2021-2022 Calendar
weekly calendar
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inspiring jewish journeys
At Congregation Beth El we believe that we learn best through experience. True for children and adults alike, it is through experiential education, learning in immersive settings, and quality relationships that we strive to provide engaging, fun, and meaningful Jewish education and programming.
We believe children and teens should not have to choose between fun and learning; instead, we have developed an integrated experience in which social programs are infused with content, and educational programs are infused with fun and friends.
The formation of the Jewish Learning department at Congregation Beth El, signifies our commitment to creating an authentic and relevant learning environment. We believe that a more holistic combination of formal and informal education will help our children experience and connect with the beauty and wisdom of our ancient and ageless tradition while sharing in the joy of community. This cohesive strategy strives to leave a Jewish imprint on every child engaging with us at Congregation Beth El.
In our new Jewish learning program, we strive to support kids and youth to make friends and build their Jewish identities in all aspects of our school and synagogue programming. We do not believe social activities or educational programs should be separated. Rather, we want our children to connect with their Jewish identity, make friends and be intellectually stimulated in all they experience, whether enjoying a Lag B’omer bonfire, playing gaga, bringing Jewish texts to life, competing in a synagogue campus scavenger hunt, joining together for prayer and celebration or taking a field trip to Disneyland. We invite you and your family to join us on this exciting new endeavor for an inspiring Jewish journey.
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Lifelong jewish learning: viterbi Torah school
For Grades K-9, Judaism is brought to life in our Viterbi Torah School (VTS) and Kadima/USY programs. At VTS, our teachers create inviting and interactive classroom environments in which foundational skills are built. In Kadima/USY, children experience what makes it fun and cool to be Jewish in a safe space.
In the Viterbi Torah School (VTS), rabbis and teachers strive to develop responsible and knowledgeable individuals with positive Jewish identities who participate actively and joyfully in Jewish life. Our curriculum offers classes and programs to impart religious character, ethical awareness, and a love of Judaism. Our focus is to provide learning settings that tell the Jewish story as our students learn Hebrew, prayer, Jewish celebrations, texts, ideas, ethics, and values specifically designed for their age. While learning and experiencing together, our youth form friendships and create Jewish community.
In formal and informal settings, our vision is to provide our students, and their families, with holistic Jewish experiences integrating engaging classroom time, the acquisition of Hebrew language skills, authentic moments of prayer, exploration of what it means to be Jewish in our world today, and the celebration of Shabbat and our tradition’s holidays.
We are offering new programs including:
- Shabbat Swap (Gan-6th Grade) – Each grade will lead a family service or a Shabbat dinner as an opportunity to put into practice what they learn in the classroom through an authentic prayer experience.
- Family Program (Gan-6th Grade) – An alternative hands-on program in which parents will engage in Jewish learning alongside their children. This will take place during normal VTS Sunday hours.
- 7th and 8th Grade Excursions – 7th graders will learn about and visit “Jewish San Diego” and 8th graders will travel to Los Angeles.
- Oneg Shabbat – Welcome Shabbat by joining us for an Oneg Shabbat before our Friday evening family service. Families can schmooze, have an appetizer (and a glass of wine for parents) and then participate in a Friday night Shabbat service.
We offer these opportunities to provide you and your family with multiple paths of Jewish expression and engagement. We understand the commitment required to prioritize Jewish education and social experiences in a busy family schedule. Our program seeks to make every moment a child spends with us at Congregation Beth El a meaningful and enriching one.
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grade specific curriculum and experiences
For information on the grade-specific curriculum and experiences, and an overview of the VTS educational philosophy, click here.
Beit PArent Program & family learning
Family Program (Gan-6th Grade) – An alternative hands-on program in which parents will engage in Jewish learning alongside their children. This will take place during normal VTS Sunday hours.
Oneg Shabbat – Welcome Shabbat by joining us for an Oneg Shabbat before our Friday evening family service. Families can schmooze, have an appetizer (and a glass of wine for parents) and then participate in a Friday night Shabbat service.
We offer these opportunities to provide you and your family with multiple paths of Jewish expression and engagement.
Past programs
