“Does God have hands?” “Does God hear my prayers?”

Children start asking questions about God and God-related subjects from a very early age.  Elementary students wonder how the Bible stories they’ve heard can be reconciled with the exciting ideas they’ve learned about dinosaurs, evolution, and the Big Bang.  Tweens and teens want to know why there is evil and injustice in the world. They rightly question the existence of the Divine in an imperfect world.

In 5770, Beth Am’s education theme will be God and Jewish spirituality.  We will challenge ourselves to think seriously about what we believe and how we struggle with those beliefs. The aim is not to dictate answers, but to encourage spiritual growth.

An important goal of our Youth Education programs is to nurture the spiritual development of our children and young adults.  We want to validate their sensitivity to the beauty and wonder in the world. We will encourage them to share their observations, questions, and doubts.  This is true whether they are learning Hebrew or Judaica, current events or Bible stories, Jewish ethics or Jewish art.  We look forward to a wonderful year exploring this immensely important topic with your children.

We are pleased to announce several innovations in our programs: 

We will also continue to offer excellent adult learning options, including several opportunities for parents and children to engage in Jewish learning together. 

As this year comes to a close and you begin to think about next year, please take a moment to read through this packet and register for Youth Education programs. 

Due to the difficult economic times we have worked hard to keep tuition at the previous year's levels.  You will notice that there is no tuition increase next year.

We look forward to another wonderful year of learning together!

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Jennifer Clayman, Shabbaton and Hebrew Program

Robyn Siegel, Sunday Program, Hagigah and Special Needs

Shaina Wasserman, Tuesday Night Program, Kivunim and Confirmation

Sherrie Rose Maleson, Gan Ami Director

Monica Davis , Education Office Staff

For more information, please contact the Education Office
Phone: 650-493-4665, Fax: 650-494-8248, Email youthed@betham.org

		News, Schedules and Events Youth Education Calendar 5770 Upcoming Events Early Childhood Programs Gan Ami Beit Midrash Programs Hagigah - 2nd - 5th Grade Theatre-Based Judaica Program Hebrew Program - 3rd - 6th Grade Hebrew Program 7th Grade Hebrew Program! Weekend Retreats: Mar. 12-14, 2010 4th - 5th Grades AND 6th, 7th, & 8th Grades    Mar. 5-7, 2010: 8th Grade trip to Los Angeles       Shabbaton PreK - 5th Grade Family Learning Judaica Program Sunday Program - PreK - 5th Grade Judaica Program Tuesday Night Program - 6th - 8th Grade Judaica Program 7th Grade Hebrew Program! High School Programs Confirmation - 10th Grade Madrichim Application - 9th - 12th Grade Teacher's Assistant Program Kivunim Parent Kesher - Beth Am's Parent Association Parent Kesher - Learn More and Get Involved! Special Needs Programs Traffic and Early Pick-Up Guidelines Our greatest concern is your students' health and safety. Please help us improve pick-up and drop off procedures to make Beth Am as safe as possible for our children and ourselves.		Registration Information and Materials By now you should have received your Youth Education registration materials. If you have not received your registration packet, please contact the Youth Education Office  or call (650) 493-4665. Registration Brochure - All about our different programs! Course Registration and Fees Form – Mandatory – One per family Emergency Information Form – Mandatory – One per student Special Needs – Optional – One per student as needed Emergency Procedures - Please read! Kavod - Behavior Expectations – Please read! Youth Education Scholarhip Form Lifecycle Events Bar/Bat Mitzvah – All about our B’nai Mitzvah requirements! Informal Youth Activities Two fun community building evenings 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Pizza Movie Game Night BAJY (Beth Am Junior Youth) - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade BATY (Beth Am Temple Youth) - 9th - 12th Grade BATY Membership Application BAJY Membership Application Informal Youth Ed Scholarship Form (for NFTY Retreats, Camp, Israel Programs)