Jewish Learning Program (JLP) K-12
TEMPLE B’NAI ABRAHAM JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM


Melissa G. Weiner
Director of Jewish Learning
Educational Programs
Please click on “Read more” below for additional information, or contact Meilssa G. Weiner, Director of Jewish Learning, mweiner@tbanj.org or call 973.994.3950, for an appointment to visit our excellent educational programs.
RISHONIM: BEGINNINGS
Gan: Kindergarten Aleph: 1st Grade Bet: 2nd grade
Monday or Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 PM or 4:00-6:00 PM
Young children easily warm to the beauty of Judaism. While not mandatory, the importance of early education demonstrates that young children quickly absorb and engage in meaningful ways with their faith. We strongly encourage participation in our Primary Experiences. Children of non-members are welcome to participate in Kindergarten,First & Second grades.
SHORESHIM: ROOTS
Gimel: Third Grade Dalet: Fourth Grade Hey: Fifth Grade Vav: Sixth Grade
Mondays or Tuesdays, 4:00 -5:30 PM or 4:00-6:00 PM
Our elementary students spend their year in two primary ways. The first is our Shoreshim, or roots days. These days are meant to build strong knowledge about, and connections to, Judaism, while building community and friendships. Each week, students experiences core, grade level curriculum through hands-on, tactile and creative settings. All grades experience music, art, Jewish Makerspace, dance, modern Hebrew,prayer skills and Israel in creative and experiential ways. Specialists bring a variety of movement and hands-on activities each session.
MERCAZ IVRIT: HEBREW
Gimel: Third Grade Dalet: Fourth Grade Hey: Fifth Grade Vav: Sixth Grade
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
Hebrew links us with more than 3,000 years of identity as a distinct people. Even after we dispersed throughout the world without our own land or government, our use of Hebrew as the language of Torah and prayer united all Jews as one people. We teach Hebrew to continue this link – across time and space –– in worship and study. With that in mind, the JLP at TBA is excited to announce a new opportunity for our families. After four years of studying trends and growth in our students, the Board of Education and the Professional Staff determined that our children learn Hebrew best in small, individualized learning groups. Mercaz Ivrit grouping will meet once a week for 45 minutes. Classes will be limited to 5-6 students. We are proud that this program supports our belief that all children reach developmental skills at their own pace. Small groupings allow each child significant attention which will guide not only their Hebrew success, but also their emotional well-being. Our overall goal for each of our children is success with maximum and compassionate support! Group times are scheduled during registration.
Mechinah: Seventh Grade at TBA
Mondays, 4:00-5:30 PM or Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15 PM
Mechinah is the Hebrew word for preparation. The seventh grade year is really about preparation and a new beginning. Students are preparing to become Jewish adults, and with that comes the responsibility of thinking and feeling like a Jewish adult. The Mechinah Year is designed to help our young teens understand that Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not a culmination, but rather a launching pad for their Jewish life. Enrollment and completion of the seventh grade year is required to have your B’nai Mitzvah at Temple B’nai Abraham.
Program for Special Services: HaMercaz (The Center)
Mercaz, the special services program of The Temple B’nai Abraham Religious School, is a warm, nurturing Jewish learning environment dedicated to children with learning and physical differences in grades K-6, with consideration given to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah process.