Talmud Torah
Beth El’s Talmud Torah program fosters a warm and dynamic community where children can joyfully explore their Jewish identity through meaningful and engaging experiences. We believe that Jewish learning should be dynamic, interactive, and rooted in community. Our dedicated teachers bring a wealth of experience from their work in Jewish summer camps, day schools, and youth groups, infusing our classrooms with creativity, enthusiasm, and a love for Jewish life and tradition.
Our curriculum balances the teaching of Hebrew, Torah, prayer, and Jewish values with hands-on projects, music, and opportunities for students to connect. We want every child to feel not only that they are gaining knowledge, but that they are becoming part of something larger—a lifelong Jewish community.
During the school year, students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30 am–12:30 pm. Students in grades 3–6 continue their learning both on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30–6:30 pm, allowing for deeper engagement with Hebrew language, Jewish history, and ritual practice. Our 7th grade class meets on Sunday mornings, where the focus shifts toward leadership, preparing for the transition into Jewish adulthood, and strengthening connections with peers.
In addition to regular classes, students preparing for their B Mitzvah join our Shabbat morning peer tutoring program at least one year before their service date.
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"Talmud Torah has given our child not only a love of Jewish learning but also a true sense of belonging. They feel part of a caring community where friendships and Jewish identity grow together."
Judaics Curriculum Overview
Gan Katan
Students will explore the Seven Days of Creation; symbols and foods of the Jewish holidays; Shabbat evening prayers; and will build a foundation to talk about God. Students will learn about Israel as the Jewish homeland; the places and people that make up a synagogue; and how to be a good community member by giving tzedakah and caring for the earth.
Gan
Students will explore the stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, and the Tower of Babel; Israeli food and symbols connected to major Jewish holidays; and how to show gratitude to God. Students will learn about being a mensch; wearing kippah, tallit, and tefillin; and what goes on in a Sanctuary.
Kitah Alef (Grade 1)
Students will explore the stories of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs; how human beings can partner with God; and the core stories of each of the holidays. Students will learn about how Jews arrived in America; the physical contours of the land of Israel; and core mitzvot like welcoming guests and feeding the hungry.
Kitah Bet (Grade 2)
Students will explore the stories of Genesis and Exodus; how we can communicate with God; and what actions we can take to observe each of the holidays. Students will learn about the global Jewish Diaspora; what it means to make Aliyah to Israel; and the Ten Commandments.
Kitah Gimel (Grade 3)
Students will explore the weekly Torah portion; the prayers of Havdalah and Ma’ariv (evening service); and will delve into multi-week intensives on Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Pesach. Students will learn about the different populations that make up Israel; the mitzvot of keeping kosher and tzedakah; and will begin exploring the lifecycle by looking at rituals for welcoming new babies.
Kitah Dalet (Grade 4)
Students will explore the Books of Jonah, Esther, and Ruth; the Shabbat morning prayers; and will delve into multi-week intensives on Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, Purim, and Shavuot. Students will learn about the geography and map of Israel and its neighbors; prayer obligations and disability justice; and will continue their exploration of the lifecycle with a focus on conversion.
Kitah Hey (Grade 5)
Students will explore the leadership of Joshua, Deborah, Yael, Samson, and King David; different names for God; and each of the holidays through the lens of the arts. Students will learn about Israeli artists and architects; the mitzvot of Bikkur Cholim (visiting the sick) and Lashon Hara (refraining from gossip); and will continue their exploration of the lifecycle with a focus on weddings.
Kitah Vav (Grade 6)
Students will explore the weekly Torah portion with commentary; the holidays through the lens of prayer and liturgy; and an overview of American Jewish History. Students will learn about the Torah service; mitzvot related to social justice; and will continue their exploration of the lifecycle with a focus on B’nai Mitzvah and divorce.
Kitah Zayin (Grade 7)
Students will explore communal and personal prayer. Students will learn about the formations of Zionism and Israel; environmental justice; and will continue their exploration of the lifecycle with a focus on death and mourning.
Talmud Torah and B’nei Mitzvah prep are overseen by our Education and Youth Director, Lynn Anne Cutler. Please contact her with any questions.
2025-2026 Talmud Torah Calendar:
