religious school

Rabbi-Educator: Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman, 510-848-2122
Chair: Lisa Cain
RS Administrative Assistant: Rebecca DePalma 510-848-2122

The Beth El Religious School teaches prayer, Bible, Jewish history, contemporary Jewish issues and values, rituals and their meanings, and Hebrew language.  It is supplemented by a rich program of enrichment activities including music, drama, cooking and the arts. Family education is integral to the success of Jewish learning. Special grade level programs bring the whole family directly into the learning process, creating a partnership between school and home. Sixth and seventh graders have the option of becoming Teacher Assistants in the Religious School.  

Seventh grade graduation from Religious School isn't an end to Jewish Education but a beginning to Midrasha, our Hebrew high school program. The students study a variety of exciting subjects, with excellent teachers at a high school level. Midrasha combines weekend retreats with Sunday morning or optional midweek classes. Midrasha is open to students from all of the East Bay congregations, thereby expanding Beth El students' circle of Jewish teenage friends. In addition, tenth graders have an opportunity to travel to Israel during the summer. Tenth grade is also highlighted by our Confirmation classes and Shavuot Kabbalat Torah ceremony.

The Beth El Religious School is supervised and administered by the Rabbi Educator and the Rabbi under policies set by the Religious School Committee. The school faculty has extensive experience in education and has strong Judaic and Hebraic backgrounds.

The Religious School includes grades kindergarten through seven. All Jewish Beth El member children who reach the age of 5 before December 31st are eligible to enroll. New pupils may enroll immediately before the school year begins in the fall.