Susanna E. Heiman Religious School Mission Statement:
The mission of the Susanna E. Heiman Religious School is to nurture, educate, and motivate our children to become active lifelong members of the Jewish community. Our course of study encompasses Jewish ethics, culture, history, Israel, and Hebrew. Our students will participate in various aspects of our Jewish tradition including Torah, prayer, ritual, holidays, and social action.
Mazel Tots: Pre-K Sunday 10:00-11:00am
Goals of the Mazel Tots Program:
Mazel Tots is a caregiver and me program for children in Pre-K and under. During class, we learn about Judaism through age-appropriate play. During each class, we spend time exploring different stations focused on a specific theme, we gather for songs and stories, and we enjoy a snack together. You are welcome to sign up for any or all sessions of Mazel Tots. When the weather permits, we will learn in Temple B’nai Torah’s garden. And when it does not, we will meet in our indoor classroom. Click here for the current schedule.
Primary School Program:Grades K-2 Sunday 9:00-11:30am
Goals of the Primary School Program:
During the foundational years of Religious School, the goal of the TBT Religious School program is to instill a love of Judaism in our youngest students! Students spend these years learning through art, music, and play. Each week, students have a mix of either Art or Library as well as grade level learning.
Upper School Program:Grades 3-7
Grades 3-5: Sun 9:00-11:30am
Wed 4:30-6:15pm
Grade 6: Sun 9:00-11:30am
Wed 6:30-8:15pm
Grade 7: Mon 6:30-8:15pm
Wed 6:30-8:15pm
Goals of the Upper School Program
Beginning in 3rd Grade, students begin attending Religious School two days, one of which is focused on Hebrew studies. By the time students graduate from the Upper School program, they are able to decode Hebrew prayer, as well as comfortably write in both block and cursive. Each year, students focus on a different part of the Shabbat evening and morning services, and also lead Junior Congregation on Sunday mornings to help them become comfortable and competent prayer leaders as they work towards B’nai Mitzvah. Each year also focuses on different areas of Judaic studies, such as Holidays, Israel, Tanakh, Midrash, and Life Cycle to promote a well-rounded understanding of what it means to be a member of the Jewish community.
High School Program:Grades 8-12 Monday 6:30-8:15pm
Goals of the High School Program
This program is designed to help our teens grow as Jewish adults and members of the TBT community, post B’nai Mitzvah. The program is meant to be engaging, fun, and educational, involving experiential and out of building programming when possible. A typical evening begins with grade level. The second half of the evening is spent in electives, which are planned by a combination of student interest and the talents of our staff. During this time, all grades learn together.
Madrichim Program: Grades 8-12
Students in 8th – 12th Grade are invited to participate in the Religious School’s Madrichim Program. The word “madrich” literally translates to “guide” and that is just what our older students do! Teens participate in the education of our younger students by being teaching and office assistants on a volunteer basis. The madrichim are an instrumental part of our Religious School community as they actively participate in the education of our younger students. Madrichim may choose to volunteer on Sunday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, or both.
Students must be enrolled in Religious School in order to participate. All students who participate as a madrich or madricha for the year can submit the hours for volunteer credit for various secular school requirements.