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

For Grades K-8, 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.

Special social experiences including Shabbat and holiday gatherings, authentic moments of prayer, social justice programs, field trips and Kadima/USY events, reinforce the skills and knowledge our students gain in the classroom. Congregation Beth El families will enjoy new opportunities to participate in supplementary family programming exploring Jewish ideas and customs.

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.

Beth El Teens participate together in a safe, fun, and Jewish environment. Teens can connect with their peers and have authentic Jewish experiences. Our integrated educational and social programming prepares Jewish teens to be confident and thoughtful Jewish adults. Through Thursday Night Teens (TNT), the Madrich program, and United Synagogue Youth (USY), Grades 9-12 connect with peers and create experiences rooted in Jewish culture and values.

The wide array of programming available to Beth El Teens includes social justice programs, leadership development, holiday and Shabbat celebrations, and discussions of current and hot topics. Beth El Teens experience Judaism in the broader San Diego community through the Jewish Film Festival, collaborative events with other synagogues, and regional youth group programming. The madrich program offers opportunities for those interested in volunteering here at Beth El to assist in educating VTS students. Teens can also volunteer at local Jewish communal and organizational events.

You can learn more about the Beth El Teens program here.

Our Thursday Night Teens program is for 9th-12th graders and meets on Thursdays from 6pm-8pm. Students from 7th and 8th grade are also welcome to attend.