Shabbaton

Rabbi Jennifer Clayman, Director

Shabbaton meets weekly during the school year, on Saturday afternoons, 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Shabbaton is a nationally recognized and widely imitated program in which parents and children attend religious school together. In the first hour, families come together to learn in groups facilitated by parents and teachers. In the second hour, parents study with Beth Am clergy and educators while children learn in grade-level classes. The day ends with Havdalah, the ceremony marking the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week. Child care for siblings younger than 4 is provided. Shabbaton is strongly encouraged for families who are new to Beth Am or Jewish education in general, and is a great way to make new friends. This innovative program has a proven track record of inspiring participants to pursue a path of lifelong Jewish learning, living, and community involvement.

Over the course of the school year, participants explore a central learning theme. Past themes have included Middot and Mitzvot (Jewish Virtues and Values); Jewish Superheroes (Biblical and Post-Biblical stories); Jewish Identity and Israel at 60. For 2011 - 2012 the theme is Modern Jewish History.