The Rabbi Harold B. and Elise Waintrup Religious School The children attending our religious school experience a nurturing and supportive environment from kindergarten through Confirmation. Striving for excellence, our goals are threefold.

Through a balanced program of Hebrew language, history, and Jewish culture, we encourage children to:

1. Establish a positive link with their ancient Jewish heritage
2. Feel comfortable participating and praying in any service
3. Develop a pattern of active participation as Jews in a modern world.

Designed to be responsive to children with a wide range of abilities, our religious school provides an enriching atmosphere for spiritual, social, emotional and intellectual growth. Youth group, community activities, and a dynamic Parents' Association compliment our educational programs and encourage our children's active involvement in Jewish life.

Students in kindergarten through 6th grade attend religious school on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon. 4th through 6th graders also attend classes on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Academy, for 7th through 10th grade students, meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Resource Center for Special Needs This special program is designed to provide educational services to children with learning differences. Through this regionally acclaimed program, children receive the support necessary to allow them to participate fully in our religious school.

Youth Groups Our three youth groups enrich our religious school experiences: Club 15 for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, Junior Beth Am Federation of Temple Youth (BAFTY), for 7th & 8th graders, and BAFTY for 9th through 12th graders.

Temple Beth Torah School Of Early Learning At Old York Road
Temple-Beth Am The warm and nurturing school environment integrates Judaic values and character development in a program for children ages 18 months-5 years old. The dedicated, professional staff offers a well-rounded educational foundation, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, social and physical components of child development through a variety of activities involving art, drama, music, computers and games.

Our program brings the joy of living Jewishly to even the youngest children. Program highlights include weekly participation in a model Shabbat service, involving children through music, prayer and stories related to the Torah portion. Holidays are made meaningful with special celebrations that include performances of plays, poems and music. Our families celebrate together! Parents are invited to participate in programming meetings, holiday celebrations, fundraising events, and parenting education workshops. A resource library is available for parents. The staff and parents meet regularly to discuss the progress of each child.

Mini camp and summer camp programs are also offered. Early arrival and extended care hours are available

Lifelong education is an integral part of our philosophical approach to living an observant, responsible, and rewarding Jewish life. At Beth Am, a multitude of educational and cultural opportunities are available. These include:

The Lincow Adult Education Institute The Lincow Institute meets Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., offering a comprehensive program of biblical and rabbinic study and modern Jewish history, culture, and values.

The Judy & Julian Weinstein Family Education Program Our family education program fosters knowledge, understanding, communication, and commitment to Jewish values through inter-generational family activities.

The Annual Evelyn & Harry Silver Scholar - in - Residence Weekend Each year, this special weekend features a renowned academic or musician from the national Jewish community.

Hebrew Literacy Our Sunday morning Hebrew Literacy class teaches students to read Hebrew through the prayers and songs that are a part of our weekly Shabbat services, perfect for the person who has limited Jewish education or wants a refresher. Upon completion of this two year course, students are able to fully understand and participate in our worship services.

Lisa & Harvey Ostroff Adult B’nai/B’not Mitzvah Classes Members of our Hebrew Literacy class may choose to become an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah by fulfilling additional course requirements at our Lincow Adult Education Institute. Students also learn to chant a portion from the Torah for our Adult B’nai Mitzvah service held every two years.

Torah Cantillation Music completes the mitzvah of reading the Torah. The unique melody is known as cantillation, read with the aid of ancient musical signs known as trope. These signs are studied and applied to the Torah text. A basic ability to read Hebrew is all that is required to learn this ancient art.

Torah Study A lively exchange of ideas centered around the Torah portion of the week takes place every Shabbat morning in the informal setting provided by our Klein Chapel. Lay members serve as leaders of the one-hour discussion that begins at 9 a.m.; an informal Shabbat morning service follows. Each session is self-contained and no prior study experience is necessary. Bagels and coffee are served. Sunday mornings offer another opportunity for Torah study supported by our Brotherhood.