VTS & Jewish Experiential Learning

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 are developing an integrated experience in which social programs are infused with content, and educational programs are infused with fun and friends.

The formation of a new 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.

As we launch 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.

About the Director of Jewish Learning: Ariel Moritz

• Shabbat Swap (Gan-6^th 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-6^th 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.
• 7^th and 8^th Grade Excursions – 7^th graders will learn about and visit “Jewish San Diego” and 8^th 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.

• Shabbat Swap (Gan-6^th 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-6^th 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.
• 7^th and 8^th Grade Excursions – 7^th graders will learn about and visit “Jewish San Diego” and 8^th 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.

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