Opportunities Guide - Youth Education

My Jewish Child & Me
This is an inter-active parent/child program with a Jewish flair. Children ages one and two can come to school with a parent and learn songs and games as well as Jewish customs and traditions.

Shirley R. Abelson Aleph Pre-School
Our school was founded in 1939 and is sponsored by the Beth El Women’s League. It is open to the public for children ages 20 months – 5 years and is in session five days a week. Early morning and afternoon daycare is also available. Through both a secular and Judaic curriculum, children can develop intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Aleph School special events include our annual Book Fair, Family Fun Nights, Parent Education Group (P.E.G.) workshops, family picnic, shabbat dinner and more.

Religious School
Children in K – 2nd grade can gain pride and knowledge of their Jewish heritage through art, drama, music and holiday celebrations. The program meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. Call for tuition and registration information.

TaRBuT
TaRBuT is an acronym for Tefillot (prayers), Ruah (spirit), B’rakhot (blessings) and Torah and is a program for children preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It is in session on most Shabbatot of the school year from 9:45 a.m. – noon. Students begin the program in 5th grade, learning t’fillah (prayer) skills, starting with Shaharit. They move at their own pace and can advance to other skills, such as Kabbalat Shabbat, Torah Service, and Musaf. Those who have graduated from the program are eligible for Rimonim where they can prepare to be teachers in the TaRBut program.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training
Nine months prior to their ceremony, b’nai mitzvah students meet for classes every Sunday from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Students learn Torah cantillation and then their individual Torah portions. They also learn Bayit (home) Skills; and participate in a “Mitzvah Program,” performing g’milat hesed (acts of kindness) in the Jewish and general community, and in a T’fillah group which davens weekly with tallit and t’fillin.

Family Life Education
The program includes TaRBuT Parents’ Hour Study Sessions, Special People and Grandparent’s Day, a TaRBuT Shabbat dinner and more. A special Shabbat retreat at Camp Koronis in Paynesville, MN, helps family members prepare for the upcoming simha by becoming comfortable on the bimah, making the celebration more meaningful and easier.

Confirmation Class
This class meets at the Talmud Torah Minneapolis on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and is designed for students in the 10th grade (Het class). Rabbis Kahn and Davis teach the class which includes study of both traditional and contemporary topics. The program includes a Shabbat retreat with the theme of human sexuality. Call for tuition information and registration.

Youth Department (GRADES 5 - 12)
Beth El United Synagogue Youth (U.S.Y.) offers young people a variety of social as well as educational and religious experiences. U.S.Y. had its national beginnings at Beth El and is a vital part of our Synagogue today. Our Youth Department offers programming for three age groups.

Beresheet
For 5th and 6th graders. Activities take place once or twice a month and provide opportunities for socializing and performing mitzvot in and around our community.

Kadimah
For 7th and 8th graders. Kadimahniks plan social, religious and cultural activities throughout the year and participate in regional activities with other chapters.

USY
For 9th through 12th graders. This group meets frequently and participates in many educational, religious, and social programs including the annual USY play, Purim Carnival, services, conclaves and conventions. USY elects an Executive Board each year and provides leadership training for its officers and chairpeople. There are numerous ways to get involved and to develop lasting, meaningful Jewish friendships.