Mission Statement
Our mission is to instill in our students and their families a love for Judaism and the Jewish way of life, to provide them with the tools for their spiritual journey, and to make meaning of the world around them through a Reform Jewish context.
We will encourage them to connect their daily lives to their local and world-wide Jewish communities and to engage in meaningful Jewish acts. We seek to provide an enjoyable religious education that will cultivate a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning.
As you and your children experience the rich array of educational opportunities during the coming year, you will be a part of making that vision a reality. By speaking to the director of education, senior staff, teachers, and education committee members about your experiences, you will help to evaluate and refine our efforts. Together we can provide our families with quality Jewish Education.
| English Grade | Hebrew Kitah |
| Kindergarten | Gan |
| 1st | Alef |
| 2nd | Bet |
| 3rd | Gimel |
| 4th | Daled |
| 5th | Hey |
| 6th | Vav |
| 7th | Zayin |
| 8th | Chet |
| 9th | Tet |
| 10th | Yud |
| 11th | Yud Alef |
| 12th | Yud Bet |
Our School
At Congregation B'nai Israel we refer to grade levels with Hebrew letters and words. Our program is based upon the belief that Jewish education is a lifelong process. Because our school is a Jewish religious school, it is appropriate to use Hebrew to identify the grades.
When We Meet
Hillel said: "Don't say 'I will study when I have leisure'-perhaps you will never have leisure." - Pirkei Avot
- Gan -- Kitah Gimel (K - 3) Sundays 9:30 am - Noon
- Kitot Daled -- Vav (4 - 6) Tuesdays/Thursdays 4:30 - 6:00 pm
- Kitot Zayin -- Chet (7 - 8) Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 pm
- Kitot Tet -- Yud Bet(9 - 12) Tuesdays MERKAZ 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Our Faculty
Find yourself a teacher, get a friend to learn with you... - Pirkei Avot
The B'nai Israel way of teaching is warm, loving, and professional. Most of our teachers are members of our congregation. In addition to a vast array of skills and talents, they bring a commitment that comes from a long involvement in the life of our Jewish community. We invite you to come and talk with us about becoming a teacher-in-training.
Faculty
5769
2008—2009
- Gan
(K)
Allison Burger , Jennifer Wallis - Kitah
Alef (1st)
Lisa Hurlbert, Laura Pappas, Lauren Tropp - Kitah
Bet (2nd)
Anne Kirsch, Jo Silkoff - Kitah
Gimel (3rd)
Bonnie Alterman, Camy Deck, Scott Verchin - Ivrit
(Hebrew)
Lisa Knicos, Fred Knopf, Susan Preminger - Shira
(Music)
Rhea Farbman - Special Needs
Wendy Bellefeuille - Kitah
Daled (4th)
Bonnie Alterman, Elaine Chetrit, Sylvie Neigher, Corey Roggen - Kitah
Hey (5th)
Claire Baker, Robin Horwitch, Sherry Portnoy, Jo Silkoff - Kitah
Vav (6th)
Jackie Eskin, Sally Kenler, Rica Mendes, Susan Preminger - Panim
El Panim (Hebrew Tutoring)
Bracha Mark - Kitah
Zayin (7th)
Cantor Sheri Blum, Judy Blumenthal, Doron Kathein, Lisa Knicos - Kitah
Chet (8th)
Allison Burger, Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz, Andrea Schwartz - Merkaz (H. S.)
Carrie Beauchemin, Elaine Chetrit, Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz, Jane Helfgott,
Doron Kathein, Dr. Linda Liefland, Rabbi James Prosnit, Ira Wise - BIFTY
Advisor
Wendy Cohenuram
Madrikhim
Many
of our high school students work in our primary grade classrooms as Madrikhim
(teaching assistants). Madrikh literally means "one who shows the
way." We believe that our older students can make a meaningful impact upon
both their own lives and those of our younger students. We have three goals for
our Madrikhim:
- To serve as role models for our younger students by demonstrating appropriate classroom behaviors and showing that they think that spending time at Temple - learning and doing Jewish things - is "cool."
- To serve as junior teaching partners to the classroom teachers. As such they facilitate classroom management.
- To someday become Jewish classroom teachers. This program is a training ground. Our teachers serve as mentors for the Madrikhim, sharing their skills and insights into the teaching and planning processes.
The
Way We Teach
Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing grace, loving people and drawing them near to the Torah. - Pirkei Avot
Our teachers have three overall goals:
- To help students view what they are learning as relevant and meaningful in their own lives so that they will make informed Jewish choices;
- To create a safe, comfortable, and joyful learning environment so that children will view the Temple as theirs;
- To provide a variety of stimuli and approaches to teaching in order to reach all different kinds of learners.
What We Teach
The study of Torah is equal to all the Mitzvot because it leads to them all. - Mishnah Peah
Our curriculum is designed to address the goals set forth in our mission statement. It is divided into twelve major subject areas or spirals. Each year students explore and experience the richness of our heritage. They revisit each spiral several times during their years at B'nai Israel. Each time they do so, they will approach the material from a new perspective and discover new facets of their Jewishness.
Our goals for each grade level are stated in terms of learning outcomes - what a student is expected to know, understand, and be able to apply in his or her own life by the end of the year. The goal of our curriculum is to build a positive Jewish Identity on a solid Judaic knowledge base so that our students will be able to live actively Jewish lives. The full curriculum will be distributed at Parent Orientation.
Mitzvot
One who sustains a single human life is as one who has saved an entire world. Sanhedrin 4.5
Tzedakah
teaches your child how to be a righteous person. We collect money for Tzedakah
every school day. At the end of the school year, students in each class will decide
the recipients for the money they have collected. Please remind your child to
bring money for Tzedakah every school day.
Many students preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah participate in the THIRTEEN MITZVOT project - engaging in some advanced Mitzvah "field work." In the past, students have assisted with our Temple Mitzvah Day, volunteered at Operation Hope, worked in a soup kitchen and participated in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. These are a few of the possibilities. This program is coordinated by Elaine Chetrit, our Director of Family Education.
Doing Mitzvot does not end when you become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. That event is just the beginning. Each student completes a Personal Ten Commandments worksheet with the Rabbi. This document outlines at least ten Mitzvot that the student intends to fulfill on an ongoing basis beginning the day after becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It is our hope that as the student grows, so to does the number of Mitzvot he or she has made a regular part of daily living.
Enrichment & Chugim (Interest Groups)
Regular classroom activities are enriched by specialists who bring Jewish culture alive with music, art projects, interpretive movement and drama. Our art curriculum offers students nearly limitless opportunities for creative expressions through crafts that build upon classroom learning.
Primary grade students have music with Cantor Blum each week, sharing the joy of learning through song. Students in Kitot Daled - Vav (4th - 6th) are eligible to become members of the Temple Youth Choir.
The introduction of Youth Choir rehearsals during Thursday recess is one of the great success stories of Jewish Education. Nearly half of our students in Kitot Daled - Vav (4th - 6th) have chosen to participate. In an effort to build on that success, we will offer a variety of other alternatives to the traditional recess.
Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of recess Chugim (interest groups) during the course of the year. Some of the choices include: School Newspaper, Ritual Arts & Crafts, Jewish Cooking, and Dance.
Tefillot (Worship Services)
One of the key meeting points in modern Jewish life is Shabbat worship. In helping students to become active members of the adult Jewish community tefillot become an integral part of Jewish Education at B'nai Israel. There are a great variety of worship opportunities, meeting at different times and days, creating various modes and moods of prayer.
Students in Kitot Daled - Vav (4th - 6 th grades) have weekly tefillot during their weekday session. This worship experience focuses on the Hebrew prayers, providing an opportunity for practice in an actual worship setting.
Sifriya Society & Endow-A-Book
Sifriya is the Hebrew word for Library. The Sifriya Society is a reading incentive program for Gan -; Kitah Gimel (K - 3) students. They will have an opportunity to check out books during class time every two weeks. After reading a book (or having it read to them), they will report on the book orally, in writing, or through art. Reading at least six books in a school year earns a prize.
It is important that our Sifriya (library) has a good collection. Early response to the Endow-A Book program has been wonderful, and we hope to make it an ongoing program. Parents or students who endow a book select a title from our wish list and pay for the book. A book plate dedicated to the donor or someone the donor wishes to honor is placed in the book. Finally, the donor is given the opportunity to be the first to check out and read that book. Call the Education Center at 336-1858 x115 if you wish to endow a book.
Family Education
 Kitah Alef students creating gifts for residents of the Jewish Home for the Elderly at the Mitzvah Connection! |
B'nai Israel has long been an innovator and leader in family programs. Events are structured into the fabric of Nursery and Religious Schools, involving parents in the learning process. In addition there are many programs apart from the school framework to help families learn and grow Jewishly together.
Family involvement is essential for your child's success in Religious School. Our Family Education program invites the whole family to become involved in Jewish learning. Additionally, parents are invited to come to school and actively learn with their children and to continue the learning at home. We hope that these experiences will reinforce classroom learning and lead to an even more Jewishly enriched home life.
For more information, please see our Family education page on this site.
High School
MERKAZ - the Community High School for Jewish Studies - is our High School program. Students attend classes with students from other synagogues in the greater Bridgeport area and choose four classes from over thirty course electives each year. Sophomores from B'nai Israel come together at Merkaz for Confirmation class with the Rabbi and Ira Wise. Registration forms and course catalogues will be sent directly to students in late August. Classes begin in October.
Confirmation
Life-long learning is the goal of all Jewish education, but a few celebrations along the way help make the path extra special. Confirmation, an important milestone in our congregation, is one such event and is the focus of Kitah Yud, 10th grade.
A look at the wall of photographs outside the chapel, is a good way to see this time-honored tradition. The founders of Reform Judaism sought a communal affirmation of identity at a somewhat older age than thirteen. They thought it was easier to convey a sense of the essence of Judaism when students were a little more mature. The ideas and topics addressed by our high school confirmands makes this point quite clear.
Confirmation is a time to talk about timeless matters that have challenged every generation. Candid conversations with the rabbi and other figures in the community are part of the class. It's an exciting forum where young people can address issues that come with intellectual and spiritual maturity.
the Confirmation Service takes place in the spring. It is truly a highlight of our liturgical year. Students write much of the service, lead in the singing, and convey a unique excitement for Jewish learning. Extended families attend, as do members of the congregation at large. All the students feel wonderfully connected to the Temple and to each other.
Lines Of Communication
The faculty and staff will be delighted to discuss any aspect of education at Congregation B'nai Israel. The Education Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and also during school hours. Feel free to call to discuss any areas of concern or thoughts you would like to share. Our number is 336-1858, x119.
The decision to close school due to snow or ice will not be made before 11:00 a.m. on that weekday or 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Please do for any emergency school closings, information will be broadcast over WICC radio 600 am and posted on the front page of the Temple Web Site.
How Can Parents Help?
Each primary grade (Gan - Kitah Gimel/K - 3rd) classroom will have two parents who will serve as Room Parents. They will coordinate the efforts of all classroom parents for the school year.
On the first day of Sunday classes, we have a tailgate party in the parking lot so parents may get re-aquatinted, meet new friends, and welcome new members to our congregational family. At that party, you will find posters so you may sign up to help your child's class. Among the many opportunities are:
- Helping to set up class or school programs such as a Passover or Tu Bishvat Seder
- Shopping for or preparing something for a class or school program
- Driving and chaperoning a class trip
- Being a special guest in class, sharing your expertise or hobby
- Being part of a class phone chain to help spread the word of school closings or Sheleg (snow) alerts
Our goal is for every child's parent to be a part of this process of enabling learning experiences in our school by volunteering at least once each year. Join us. We'll have fun, too!
Junior Youth Group
 Student-rendered mural art in the Religious School: The Seder by Joel Lurie Grishaver |
Seventh and eighth graders are invited to join our Junior Youth Group. Members plan and participate in a variety of social programs. Past programs have included a scavenger hunt at Danbury Fair Mall, a show at the Downtown Cabaret, and a Shul-In - when we lock ourselves in the Temple overnight and have tons of fun!.
In addition to social programs, these students will have several unique opportunities. One of them is the B'nai Israel Oral History Project. Working as a production team, participants will prepare for and conduct interviews with adults whose memories and experiences can tell us much about how our Temple community came to be. Another great program is Kids 2 Kids - a peer-led interfaith experience. Last we learned and taught with kids from Assumption and Greenfield Hill Congregational Churches.
For more information about JYG, please see the Youth Groups page
BIFTY
BIFTY (B'nai Israel Federation of Temple Youth) is open to all high school-aged students. BIFTY meets twice a month, offering a variety of social, educational, and spiritual programs. Some of these include: apple picking, Sukkah decorating, and participating in Children's Services for the High Holy Days. BIFTY is affiliated with North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), and participates in regional institutes, conclaves and dances with youth groups throughout New England and New York. Through these programs, BIFTY helps to develop and nurture life-long, active members of the Reform Movement and assures the continuity of the Jewish People.
For more information about BIFTY, please see the Youth Groups page
Adult Education
Learning is a life-long endeavor. The questions and interests may change as people become adults, but according to the wisdom of our tradition, the process remains the same. Our Adult Education Committee offers a variety of learning opportunities throughout the year. We encourage parents to set the example by participating in our many adult educational opportunities including: Adult Hebrew; weekly Shabbat morning Torah Study with Rabbi Prosnit; lectures and seminars; concerts; and a variety of communal offerings at the Jewish Center for Community Services. Adults have the opportunity to become B'nai Mitzvah, either for the first time or as a symbol of a renewed commitment to learning.
For more information about Adult Education, please see the Adult Learning Page.
Click on the image at left to see "Interview With Moe Berg", a student production by Ben Stein, Mike Zabin and Dan Zeigher for Mrs. Silkoff's Jewish Heroes in History class!
