Youth Education

At Temple Israel of Brevard, we are dedicated to the education of our children in Beit Midrash, our House of Study. We teach classes in Hebrew, beginning with the Alef-Bet and progressing through B Mitzvah. We also provide age-appropriate Judaic studies to round out the children’s education. The goal of our religious school is to educate our children to be knowledgeable and observant young Jews who are committed to God, the synagogue, and the Jewish people.

Friday night Family Services are a crucial part of the learning process, and we hope families will take advantage of our Family Shabbat nights to learn and reinforce the lessons taught in the religious school. Students will help lead the services at various times throughout the year.

Schedule
Hebrew and Judaic Studies meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Additional Hebrew programs may also be offered.

Morning Schedule:

• 9:00–9:10 Arrival and go to the classroom

• 9:10–9:30 Assembly in the sanctuary

• 9:35 Motzi and Kiddush in the social hall

• 9:40–10:40 First hour of study

  • Grades K–2: Special programming

  • Grades 3–4: Beginner Hebrew*

  • Grades 4–5: Intermediate Hebrew*

  • Grades 6–7: Judaic Studies

• 10:40–11:00 Break and snack

• 11:00–12:00 Second hour of study

  • Grades K–1: Judaic Studies

  • Grades 2–3: Judaic Studies

  • Grades 4–5: Judaic Studies

  • Grades 6–7: Advanced Hebrew*

*Note: A student may be reassigned to a different Hebrew level depending on their competency.

Hebrew Classes

• Beginner:
  Students will learn the Alef-Bet, building on what is taught in the K–2 class’s special programming. They will begin reading simple Hebrew words and, by the end of the year, should be able to read the basic prayers for Kiddush, Candle Blessing, and Motzi. Classes meet on Sunday mornings, with supplementary learning through videos created by the Rabbi to accompany their workbooks.

• Intermediate:
  This stage involves learning Hebrew prayers, including but not limited to Bar’chu, Sh’ma, V’ahavta, and Avot V’imahot. Modern Hebrew may be incorporated as a tool to improve reading skills.

• Advanced:
  This phase prepares students for their B Mitzvah, teaching them about the Torah service and enhancing their comfort with modern Hebrew. They will explore the structure of the prayer book and gain a deeper understanding of the prayers they read.

• B Mitzvah Preparation:
  B Mitzvah study is part of the advanced Hebrew class. Private study with the Rabbi begins approximately 6–8 months before the ceremony, depending on the student’s readiness. During the sixth-grade year, students and parents will meet with the Rabbi to prepare for the B Mitzvah year.

*Grade levels are approximate. Students may enter any level at any time.

Judaic Studies
Our Judaic Studies curriculum is tailored by grade level: K–1, 2–3, 4–5, and 6–7. Students learn about Tzedakah, Mitzvot, holidays, life cycle events, Jewish history, Jewish values, and more, in an age-appropriate manner.

Each Sunday begins with an assembly where students learn prayers, songs, Torah lessons, and the Motzi and Kiddush. The Rabbi or a guest will teach a song or introduce a word for students to learn each day. We also collaborate with Temple Beth Sholom for special programming.

Parents are encouraged to contact the Rabbi, who also serves as the Director of Beit Midrash, with any concerns about their child’s education. Significant issues will be referred to the Education Committee for further discussion.

Disciplinary matters will be handled privately by the Rabbi, with parent involvement as necessary. We strive to ensure that the religious school experience is positive and that students form meaningful friendships during their time here.

Attendance is vital. While we understand that illnesses and other unexpected events may arise, we encourage parents to make Jewish education a consistent and positive experience for the whole family.

The school year concludes with a celebratory cookout to mark a successful year!