Shalom!
Welcome to Temple B’nai Abraham Jewish Learning Program
Shalom!
Welcome to Temple B’nai Abraham Jewish Learning Program
We are a vibrant and joyful center of Jewish life and learning.The laughter and kehillah (community) of our children is perhaps our brightest and most precious jewel.
Jewish Learning Program (JLP) K-12
TEMPLE B’NAI ABRAHAM JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM
Letter from Morah Melissa
Dear JLP Families,
Welcome to a new year at the Jewish Learning Program at Temple B’nai Abraham. We are a very blessed community. We are a vibrant and joyful center of Jewish life and learning. The laughter and kehillah (community) of our children is perhaps our brightest and most precious jewel. Our ability to join together has been tested by recent world events, but our desire to be a community burns ever bright. No matter how we educate your children, in person, outside, online…we cherish the moments that allow us to respond to them spiritually, compassionately, and with love. We believe strongly that our Jewish Learning Program is not only a place to learn about Jewish ideas, Hebrew, and history. It is also a place where Jewish values of kavod (respect), chesed (kindness), megillah (community) and achrayut (responsibility) are modeled and encouraged. This year, we have chosen the theme, “What moves your spirit (ruach)?” In Kabbalah, it is commonly thought that their are three parts to the soul. The middle part is the רוח (RUACH)-or the spirit. It contains all of our moral virtues and helps us distinguish between good and evil. It resides primarily in our hearts. This year, we will ask the children and their families, “What moves your Ruach?” For some, we are moved by prayer. For others, tradition. Still for others, social justice. The pieces of Judaism that might move you to act, to connect and to celebrate are many- let us help you explore them! The Baal Shem Tov taught, “ …I (God) chose your soul, not because of what it was, but because of what it could become. It possessed all that you need to fulfill your holy mission in this world.” We hope that through our home/synagogue/school partnership, we can contribute to helping your children fulfill their holy mission.
B’Shalom, Morah Melissa
Melissa G. Weiner
Director of Jewish Learning
Back to School Information
1) 2020-2021 JLP Academic Calendar
2) JLP REMOTE LEARNING AGREEMENT*
3) 2020-2021 JLP Student Learning Profile*
4) Meet & Greet and Materials Pick Up Sign Up Genius (9/12-9/15) (Sign Up Genius Link: click here)*
5) A Week in the Life of Remote JLP Learning
6) CLUB TBA CHOOSES KINDNESS: Our new Service Learning Youth Group for K-6
8) New Student & Third Grade Orientation
10) Just Jew It. Adult Learning
13) Temple B’nai Abraham Waiver, Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Management
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.