Divrei Torah and Messages from our Clergy

Click below to read weekly messages authored by our dynamic religious leaders, or watch video sermons and Divrei Torah on our YouTube channel.

 

Parashat Toldot Shabbat Table Conversations for Children and Adults, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 19 November 2020

Honoring Holocaust Survivors During the High Holy Days, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 24 September 2020

It’s Not Good For Man to be Alone, and it’s Not Good for God to be Alone, Either, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, Second Day of Rosh Hashanah, 20 September 2020

This Too Shall Pass, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, First Day of Rosh Hashanah, 19 September 2020

Refocusing Synagogue Life…For a Little While, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 09 July 2020

To See, to Remember, to Do: Parashat Sh’lach L’kha, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 18 June 2020

I am Listening to Your Fears. I Know That You are Angry, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 04 June 2020

Thank You, Marking the Season of Gratitude, by Rabbi Aaron Starr 29 May 2020

A Zoom Tisch is Still a Tisch! An Invitation for Shabbat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen 30 April 2020

Reinventing Synagogue Life?, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 23 April 2020

But On This Night, We Wear Sweatpants, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, 2 April 2020

God Did Not Send This Plague: A Modern Theological Discussion of the Pandemic, and a Call to Action, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 26 March 2020

Another Four Questions: A Message for Shabbat HaChodesh, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 19 March 2020

Torah in the Time of Corona, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, 12 March 2020

How We Talk About Politics: Parashat T’tzavveh, by Rabbi Aaron Starr, 05 March 2020

An Appeal for a Purim Shpiel, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, 27 February 2020

Tallitot: The Corpus of Prayer in Just Four Corners, by Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen, 20 February 2020

Trying to Understand God: Parashat Yitro, by Rabbi Aaron Starr 13 Feb 2020

Shabbat Shirah: A Celebration of Jewish Song, by Hazzan David Propis 06 Feb 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.