About the Religious School
The Ethel Honigman Religious School provides Religious Education for Congregation Beth Shalom’s youth in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Religious School is dedicated to providing its students with a comprehensive Jewish education, instilling an appreciation for and celebration of Jewish identity, and inspiring a commitment to ongoing Jewish living and learning.
The Ethel Honigman Religious School emphasizes Jewish practice, ethics and values, the study of Torah and sacred texts, Hebrew language, prayer, history, holidays, and Jewish culture.
We strive to create an environment of Ahavat Yisrael and Klal Yisrael – a caring and active involvement in the synagogue, local Jewish community, Israel, and the world-wide Jewish community.
The dedicated teaching staff of the Religious School bring to the classrooms expertise in and passion for Judaism and Jewish values, as well as deep regard for the individual worth of each student, recognizing the varied learning styles and abilities of individuals.
The CBS Rabbis, David Weizman and Danielle Upbin, are an integral part of the school. They are the vision, voice and guidance of who we are and how we teach.
The school depends on parents to be active partners in their children’s Jewish education by participating in classroom activities, and school tefillah, Shabbat B’Yachad, home rituals, and ensuring regular attendance. At school-wide programs, family learning events and children’s Shabbat & holiday services, CBS parents and children have the opportunity to encounter Judaism in creative, fun, educational, and often surprising ways.
Class Schedules, Special Programs & Highlights
Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten: Most months, school will be in session on three Sundays and one Saturday, to allow for “Shabbat B’Yachad”, a family Shabbat learning experience.
1st-2nd Grades: Most months, school will be in session on three Sundays and one Saturday, to allow for “Shabbat B’Yachad”, a family Shabbat learning experience. On Wednesdays, students will arrive at 4:30 pm. First and second graders will have snack time and Hebrew and will be dismissed at 5:45 pm.
3rd - 7th Grades: Most months, school will be in session on three Sundays and one Saturday, to allow for “Shabbat B’Yachad”, a family Shabbat learning experience. On Wednesdays, students will arrive at 4:30 pm. Third through sixth graders will have class until 6:30 pm; they will continue their Hebrew and enrichment studies with time for prayer, Torah study and snack. The sixth grade students will have class time with the rabbis to begin their B’nai Mitzvah preparation.
8th Grade: Eighth graders will meet on the Sundays that Religious School is in session, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Most months, school will be in session on three Sundays and one Saturday for “Shabbat B’Yachad”, a family Shabbat learning experience.
9th - 12th Grades: Hebrew High will generally meet the first three Wednesdays of the month from 6:00-8:00 pm, and one Saturday for “Shabbat B’Yachad”, a family Shabbat learning experience. Third Wednesdays will be a brief study session proceeding the monthly USY meeting. Each session will begin with pizza and social time in the youth lounge. Study with the rabbis will begin at 6:45.
SIMCHAT TORAH: A fun for everyone evening starting with a spaghetti dinner, followed by singing & dancing with the Torahs. RSVP’s for dinner needed. October 1
SIYUM: Each Religious School curricular unit of study concludes with a celebratory program. Plan to attend! October 7, November 10, December 16, February 10, April 10, May 22
SHABBAT B'YACHAD: Our monthly family Shabbat learning experience on the 2nd Saturday of the month beginning in October. October 13, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
MONTHLY MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBAT & DINNER: a beautiful community evening on the first Friday of the month, bringing Shabbat in with the CBS band followed by dinner. Reservations for dinner are required. November 2, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3
CHANUKAH EXTRAVAGANZA: Plan to join in for a wonderful congregational gathering with food, fun, music and more all in celebration of Chanukah. December 2
PURIM FESTIVITIES: Start planning now for your costumes, groggers and craziness here at CBS on Wednesday evening, March 20
MITZVAH DAY: What Mitzvot can we do together? Come and do something good for someone else and have fun! Save the date! April 7
LAG B'OMER CELEBRATION: It’s a day for everyone. Last Wednesday of Religious School & Hebrew High School, Israel Siyum and Lag B’omer Picnic. May 22