The synagogue's religious school is named for Rabbi Jacob Barkan -- congregant Sid Meltzner's grandfather -- a rabbi/cantor in Lithuania who perished in the Holocaust.
The Center is fully accredited by the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE). It is dedicated to preparing youth for a role in the larger Jewish community, using credentialed Bureau of Jewish Education teachers and up-to-date curriculum materials.
The Center features dynamic and innovative programs and classes for children from kindergarten through high school under the direction of Hazzan Keith Miller.
By learning Jewish values, customs and morality, our students learn the importance of maintaining a Jewish identity and perpetuating the notion of being a light unto the nations.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Meets on Tuesdays 4:00pm - 6:00pm.
Introducing Judaism as a way of life through an informal approach. Age appropriate materials and activities are used to teach Bible stories and holidays. Activities include music, arts and crafts, and games to bring Judaism to life.
2nd to 7th Grade
Meets on
Tuesdays, 3:45-6:30pm
and one Sunday per month, 9am-12:30pm
All students in our elementary school program have an opportunity to study three core academic subjects with three teaching specialists.
HEBREW COMPONENT: Religious school students are taught modern Hebrew-fluent reading and comprehension, as well as simple conversations. Students learn Hebrew by using it, rather than through rote memorization. Students begin to decode Hebrew words, learn Hebrew terminology surrounding Jewish holidays. Students begin to tackle basic grammar, including the present tense, masculine and feminine nouns and adjectives in the singular and plural. Students continue to study Hebrew as a living language through short stories, folk tales, and midrash. They will learn key Jewish values such as self-respect, generosity and friendship and have fun as their ability to read and understand grows.
PRAYER/MUSIC COMPONENT: The core of our prayer component revolves around integration with Shabbat morning services. Students learn ShÕma UÕvirkotecha, Shabbat Amidah, Musaf, Preliminary prayers and blessings, Torah and Haftorah blessings, and Torah trope. Blessings for food, seasons, holidays, et al, are also taught. Songs and popular Israeli melodies, past and present, are also presented in a fun and festive manner.
ETHICAL/HISTORY COMPONENT: Jewish tradition is steeped in ethics and morals, based in biblical and rabbinic law and practice. Students have an opportunity to study and learn how Judaism relates to the world and seeks to improve the world under the rule of God. Values such as: derech eretz, kibud av v'eim, lashon hara, hachnasat orchim, pikuach nefesh, and countless others form the basis of our program. In alternating years, students have an opportunity to study the actual text of the Bible in Hebrew, studying Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim. Also central to our history component is the role of the history, people, and land of Israel, and its role in both our ancient development as a people and the role that the modern State of Israel plays in our lives as Jews.
Family Educational Programs
Special programs centering around Jewish topics are explored in several special Sunday programs throughout the year. Parents and students will be offered an opportunity to study together as active partners.
Camp Ramah Retreat
One of the centerpieces of our program is a three-day weekend retreat to the beautiful Camp Ramah/Zimmer Conference Center in Ojai, CA. Students have a chance to celebrate and experience Shabbat in a camp setting, in a program designed and implemented by trained professionals from Camp Ramah. Students in grades 4-7 are required to participate in this program (students in grades 3 who wish to participate may also do so.) Sports, discussions, meals, prayers, hikes and other activities help make this Shabbaton a yearly highlight.
