Shavuot Events

Services for Shavuot will be held at 9:30 a.m. on
Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13, 2024 (followed by Kiddush).

ShavuotA Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Conversation: Will the Real Jews Please Stand Up?
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
6:15 p.m. in the Bernstein Chapel

Join us as we celebrate Shavuot through prayer, learning, friendship, and nosh!

  • 6:15 p.m.: Ritual Director Saul A. Rube will lead us in minchah in-person and on Zoom.
  • 6:45 p.m.: Enjoy a light dairy dinner while Rabbi Starr and Rabbi Dahlen lead us in a conversation on what it means to be a Jew and what it means to be part of the Jewish community. Questions we will cover include, “If Judaism is a religion, why does one qualify as a Jew by simply being born of a Jewish parent? In order to be a “good” Jew, are there certain (minimum) actions that a Jew must perform? How might we in the 21st century welcome non-Jews as part of the Jewish community?”
  • 9:15 p.m.: We will then conclude our evening by beginning the Shavuot holiday with Hazzan David Propis leading us in Maariv in-person and on Zoom.

Registration 


2nd Shavuot with Yizkor and Memorial Plaque Dedication
Thursday, June 13, 2024
9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Our 2nd Day Shavuot service in the sanctuary will include the 4th and final memorial Yizkor service of 5784, and Hazzan Propis will be accompanied by our Shaarey Zedek choir.  You may also join on our Live Streaming.

Minchah will follow kiddush in the Chapel.


Family ExperienceShavuot Family Experiences
Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13, 2024
10:30 a.m. in the Brodsky Tikvah Chapel

Join us for a special Shavuot family service.

Shavuot is upon us, and we can’t wait to celebrate! Join us for Festival Services on 6/12 and 6/13 at 10:30am in the Brodsky Tikvah Chapel. We have drop-off activities for all ages. Wednesday 6/12, we will have a special ice cream treat and Thursday 6/13, we will be juicing and celebrating the mitzvah of bikkurim (first fruits!). Come for one or both days, and celebrate this special holiday with your shul friends and youth staff.

Registration

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.