By Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning

Appreciating our Teachers

There is nothing like the energy of Temple Beth-El religious school morning or afternoon.

A multitude of activities can be found during any given school session and the school fairly buzzes with excitement. Morim (teachers) lead students through Hebrew and Judaics lessons.

 

Students are involved in projects, text study, discussions, crafts, cooking, singing, reading, playing, writing, making videos, internet research, chavruta learning, building models, engaging in Jewish ritual, celebrating holidays, and participating in T’fillah.

 

All these and more make up the many ways our religious school teachers engage their students during the year. We look to the past to understand our present and build for the future. We create a community!

 

Each year in May, I am amazed at all we have accomplished since the previous August.

 

Jewish teachers are tasked with the tremendous responsibility of imparting the vast scope of Jewish tradition, history, language, and global culture onto our students.

 

Most importantly, we hope to convey with pride the responsibility of living a positive and active Jewish life. The Talmud says, “the true guardians of the community are the teachers” and Pirkei Avot teaches us to “revere your teacher as you would heaven.”

As we get ready to say “Lihitra’ot” for the summer I want to express my appreciation for all that our teachers do. Their dedication, expertise, creativity, energy, and love for their students is what makes our school a special place to learn.

Todah Rabah Morim! I am grateful for each and every one of you!

Our 2024-2025 staff included: Lisa Wilburn, Beck Kelley, Gavin Nomberg, Krysta Schwartz, Harlan Loebman, Elizabeth DaCosta Kaufman, Zachary Garrett, Brandon Metheny, Ray Fidlow, Jean Greenberg, Abby Landa, Nancy Nelson, Nophar Yarden and Susanne Dokovna Aguilar.

Giving back to our community

"The blessing of tzedakah is greater for the person who gives than for the person who receives."

TBE Religious School is proud to teach our students the meaning of giving back to our community.

Each week during the school year, our students at our Religious School donate money (tzedakah) to give to a charitable cause at the close of the year. Students choose an organization that is important to them and where they would like to make a difference in the lives of others.

We are a small school, but our students’ vision of the difference they can make in the world is large!

• Monetary donations from our students, teachers, and Madrichim totaled over $1,200. this school year.

• Food and paper goods were collected and donated several times over the year to assist Feedmore in combatting food insecurity in Virginia.

Organizations supported: Each class, or combination of classes, chooses a charitable organization to send their tzedakah.

Grades Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 students chose PJ Library/ Jewish Community Federation

Grades 2 & 3: students chose Make-a-Wish Greater Virginia

Grades 4 & 5: students chose the Virginia Holocaust Museum

Grades 6 through 10 students chose Housing Family First

Summer Shabbat in the Park, June 27 and August 1

Summertime and the livin’ is easy! Join us for two casual summer Shabbat services in beautiful park settings. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy after the service.

We are seeking dedicated teachers for the Religious School.

Positions available for Sunday classroom teachers include  Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1. Specialists needed Music teacher/song leader, Virtual Hebrew teacher.

Excellent compensation and some positions can be combined.

If you would like to be a part of our dynamic team for the 2025-2026 academic year email Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org