OVERVIEW
Give yourself the gift of time to pray, learn, and connect with the community, knowing that your children are exploring the wonders of this weekly holiday with their peers. Led by exceptional staff, youngsters from 3 years old until 6th grade will learn lessons from the weekly Torah portion, strengthen their davening skills, and develop meaningful relationships with Jewish children their age. We also offer quality care for your little ones (4-36 months) with caring staff from BMH-BJ’s preschool.
CURRICULUM
3-4 Years Old (SHABBAT BASICS): beginning prayer learning (including family Tot Shabbat experiences), Shabbat blessings and activities, aleph-bet letter introduction, simple Hebrew vocabulary development, holiday stories and activities – teachers for this group provide lots of games, drama activities, songs, stories, and energy
K-1st Grades (CONSECRATION): prayer experience enhanced with specially made siddurim, annual theme (chosen by students and teacher) taught with engaging games and activities, program launch on Shabbat Bereishit and special presentation on the Shabbat prior to Purim – participants receive certificates and special gifts
2nd-4th Grades (CORE CLASS): prayer skills transferred to real student siddurim and introduction of student-led prayer service, Parashat HaShavuah exploration, (weekly Torah portions) through drama, games, dialogue, and activities, and values education through stories and discussions
5th-6th Grades (LEADERSHIP): prayer leadership training and practice in student services, regular visits to adult minyans to explore service organization and flow, D’var Torah development skills, B’nai Mitzvah history and concepts, opportunity to assist in younger classes as “JuniorMafikim” (see below)
STAFF
Our babysitters, teachers, and teen staff work together to create a high quality educational experience for our participants. Teen helpers (7th-12th grade) provide weekly support as our “MAFIKlM” (specialists) team. They assist in the program’s weekly operations and they also create special activities focusing on holidays and/or special Torah portions. Students are eligible to receive Community Service Hours for their volunteered time. Our dedicated staff are all employed in the field of Jewish education on a regular basis as educators and classroom assistants. Many of them come from other BMH-BJ educational programs.
ATTENDANCE
Through cleverly designed darkonim (passports), individual attendance records are monitored and rewarded on a weekly basis. It is highly encouraged for all students interested in holding their Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies here at the BMH-BJ Congregation to become active participants in our program as young as possible. Prayer skills and social connections developed through our program will enhance their overall preparation and experience.
REGISTER YOUR CHILD(REN) TODAY!
Download the 2012-2013 FUNdamentals Registration form and return it to the BMH-BJ front office.
Contact Person: Shanit Oesterle