The Religious School at Congregation Etz Hayim is a thriving part of our congregational family whose mission is to fortify the Jewish identity of our young members. Our students are immersed in a curriculum that educates our students in the way of not just being Jewish, but doing Jewish.
In our classes, students learn the foundations of Jewish living including holiday observance and traditions, life cycle events, prayer-based Hebrew and Torah study, history, and ethics. Israeli culture also is an important element of the curriculum. These foundations are further developed through hands-on opportunities to fulfill mitzvot by performing community service, leading services for our students and congregation, and participating in national and international social action efforts.
The effectiveness of the Religious School begins with the skilled and creative teachers on our staff and the active contributions of Rabbi Lia Bass. Our program limits the class sizes to ensure a low student-teacher ratio and facilitate active student participation. Tutoring is available for students who need extra assistance.
In addition to the classroom, our students’ active learning includes Israeli dancing, art, music, and special programs throughout the year. Our students explore news events and cultural developments through the prism of Jewish ethics and morality.