By Ramona L. Brand
Director of Youth Learning
Mazel Tov to our 4th and 5th graders who threw a mock wedding as the culmination of their Jewish Life Cycle Unit. Students designed and created the beautiful invitations, Ketubah and Chuppah and all took roles in the wedding. Teacher Kelly Crockett and her husband, Shane, served as the Kalah (Bride) and Hatan (Groom) and the wedding was officiated by Rabbi Michael Knopf and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt. It was a wonderful morning of meaningful, immersive Jewish education.
Jewish Education Expands Beyond Our Classroom Walls
One of the missions of Temple Beth-El religious school is to provide a Jewish education that students absorb and incorporate into Jewish living.
A successful Jewish education must inspire, excite, challenge, and delight the hearts and minds of our students.
It must be relevant and authentic. We strive to make Judaism the lens through which each student can navigate through life and grow to be an engaged Jewish adult.
Most of our students’ lives takes place outside of our school building, and so our education must also expand beyond the walls of our classrooms. In addition to providing a firm foundation of living a Jewish life, we provide opportunities to see how our communities have benefitted from the Jews who have contributed to them.
Seeing real-world examples provides pride and understanding of how we can put Jewish values and viewpoints into action.
This month the 6th and 7th grade class will be visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, for the Jewish Art Tour. On this tour they will discover Jewish Artists, Jewish Art and Jewish Patrons of the Arts, along with some very interesting history. Additionally, they will visit Claudia’s Bakery in Carytown and not only enjoy some Kosher treats, but talk to Claudia herself, about her business.
Later in the spring, they will take a field trip to Monticello and learn the history of one Jewish family who made it possible for us to enjoy this important national site.
February Religious School Calendar:
Sundays: Feb. 5, 12, 26
Wednesdays: Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
Virtual Hebrew:
Mondays: Feb. 6, 13, 27
Thursdays: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
Temple Beth-El Tot Shabbat Services: New Location!
When: Saturday, February 4
Where: Belmont Library, 3100 Ellwood Ave, Richmond 23221
Time: 10-11 a.m.
For families with children age Birth -5 / Open to the entire community
Note: The Belmont Library will be our winter location during February and March
Families can enjoy a Shabbat service geared for young children and filled with music, stories, movement and more.
A musical, meaningful service designed for wiggles.
Temple Beth-El Religious School employs the best practices in Jewish Education! to raise the curiosity and literacy of our students, teachers, and families!
Contact Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning at 804-355-3564 ext. 111 or r.brand@bethelrichmond.org to learn more about our vibrant Jewish education and our remarkable congregation or visit http://www.bethelrichmond.org/education/brown-religious-school/ to find a registration form.
