Kehilah is the Hebrew word for community, and it describes our religious school experience for students in grades K-7. We believe that Jewish identity comes from learning and experiencing as part of a community of peers. We find that kids are far more interested in coming to temple to be with their Kehilah than they are for more school. We believe that our kids form and develop their Jewish identity through relationships. Our mission is making connections with other kids, adults, ideas, and traditions, and we do it by having fun and getting to know one another.
Experiential learning techniques and Jewish values make the Kehilah experience different from a traditional religious school. We learn by doing, by learning how to make decisions based on Jewish values and our individual and family priorities. We explore Judaism through art, music, games, and storytelling. Our teachers are trained in experiential techniques and meeting the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of Kehilah students.
The time to enroll is right now! Jewish identity is something that is developed, not something that is slipped over your head like a T-shirt. All of the research tells us that the earlier a child is introduced to Jewish education, the more likely he or she is to take on the values and to feel a sense of connection. We urge families to begin their child’s journey through Jewish learning in Gan (Kindergarten), but will welcome them at any point along the way.
Our Morim (teachers) are warm, loving and professional. Nearly all of them are members of our congregation and have (or have had) children of their own in our school. They are professional in their approach to Jewish learning, and they care deeply about sharing their love of Jewish living and their connection to Congregation B’nai Israel and the Jewish people. Our Morim create a positive learning environment that is engaging and enjoyable. Outside of the classroom, our Morim regularly attend workshops and conferences that enhance their skills to help our students create personal meaning of their Jewish heritage within their daily lives and the greater world.
On Sundays, our Morim are joined by members of our Hadrakhah (Leadership) team. Hadrakhahniks are high school students who serve as role models, teaching assistants, and a bit like older siblings to our Gan–Kitah Vav (K–6) students.
At B’nai Israel, we understand that learners have many different styles and needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of all learners. Learn more.
Our curriculum revolves around Jewish values (Middot), such as Community, Respect, Menschlichkeit (Humanity), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), and a love of Israel. We certainly learn about content areas such as history, holidays, and Hebrew, but we believe that values better help our kids get a sense of what kind of person and Jew they want to be than simply absorbing knowledge. We also believe that focusing on Jewish values give us a greater opportunity to create experiences both in and out of the classroom, enabling learning that is deeper and longer lasting.
We approach learning from several different angles:
To learn more, email Director of Education Alexa Cohen, or call her at 203-335-5058.