The Congregation Beth Ohr Religious School provides religious education for children from kindergarten through seventh grade. Our mission is to prepare our children to enjoy the richness of Jewish life, now and as adults, through programs that put Jewish principles into practice. We are committed to transmitting and nurturing the joy and deep happiness that comes from participating in our tradition.

The goals of our religious school are to teach Jewish children literacy in traditional Jewish subjects including Hebrew language, Bible, laws and customs, prayer, Jewish history and Israel; to develop within each student a strong sense of identity with, and commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel; to develop a generation of Jews who practice their Judaism regularly and consistently within the context of a congregation; and to provide opportunities for families to learn, celebrate, and worship together.

The Congregation Beth Ohr Religious School offers small classes in order to provide the highest possible level of individualized learning and attention. We are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of the individual student. Every effort is made to create a welcoming, warm, and accepting climate in which every child can learn.

The religious school’s highly qualified, progressive, and dedicated teachers are trained in Hebrew and Jewish education and continually augment their knowledge and skills through an ongoing program of professional development and training.

School Programs. Kindergarten through second grade students begin their formal Jewish education as members of our Gan program and meet every Tuessday from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Students in these grades are introduced to the richness and beauty of Jewish culture through a variety of social and hand-on experiences. There is a strong emphasis on Jewish holidays, Torah stories, Israel, and mitzvot.

Grades three through seven attend religious school twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 4:30 – 6:30. Students study a full range of topics including Hebrew, Prayers, History, Holidays, Mitzvot, and Torah.

Age appropriate prayer experiences are crucial to fulfilling our goals. Therefore we have a Junior Congregation twice a month on Shabbat mornings in which students have the opportunity to practice what they have learned in class as well as learn the skills necessary to be part of the a congregation. During school hours, students learn the prayers of the Friday night service and the weekday minha service.

In order to give our 6th and 7th grade students more opportunity for tefillah practice, we have instituted a Tefillah Workshop. Tefillah Workshop meets before Junior Congregation. Students study and practice the prayers needed for their B’nai/ B’not Mitzvah in a supportive, group environment.

One year before their B’nai/ B’not Mitzvah students begin to attend the adult Shabbat service. They are also given the opportunity to participate in various parts of the service in order to help them become more comfortable in front of the congregation. When private study begins, students meet with a tutor once a week. Meetings with the Rabbi take place in the final months.

The Congregation Beth Ohr Religious School is supervised by Vera Galleid. Mrs. Galleid has been a Jewish educator for more than twenty years.

For more information, contact Vera Galleid at 732-257-1523..