Religious School

Religious School at a Glance

• Preschool - This is the beginning of your Jewish learning journey. We invite you to join "Beresheet (In the Beginning)" where students partner with their grown-up to learn about the seven days of creation. This monthly class is full of hands-on learning, music, art, games, and more.
• Kindergarten - 2rd graders enjoy hands-on learning stations, activities, chuggim such as Jewish book buddies, cooking, dance, interactive madrichim activities, special guests and weekly rituals developed to build a foundation for our school and create strong friendships. Students meet weekly and will lead a grade-level Saturday morning Shabbat Service and participate in a grade-level Havdallah event.
• 3rd - 6th graders delve into Jewish history, cultural Israel, values-based learning, Torah and Tanach studies, life cycle events, and most of all, feeling comfortable in developing their own questions and sharing their thoughts. Chuggim include Jewish book buddies, cooking, dance, and special guests. Students meet twice each week, lead a grade-level Saturday morning Shabbat Service and participate in a grade-level Havdallah event.
• 7th graders embark on a year of active mitzvot, ethical dilemmas, and current events. Building community is an important part of this year as a B’nai Mitzvah student so all activities connect to that goal. In addition, students engage in deeper study and connections with community members. 7th graders take field trips throughout the year and host their annual Hospitality Dinner, a community favorite. Students also lead a grade-level Saturday morning Shabbat Service and participate in a grade-level Havdallah event.

Youth Education at Har Shalom includes Religious School programs like Shabbat Jr. and Teen Events. Our mission is to form a continuity of Jewish experience for our children as they move through different ages and stages, from birth to high school (and beyond). Jewish learning is always a work in progress and having a strong, vibrant connection to the community shows our children how to live a joyous, engaged, meaningful, and spiritual life. The pillars of our curriculum are:

• Literacy — the tools needed to understand Judaism
• Community — connecting students to kehillah kedosha (holy community) of Har Shalom and the larger Jewish world beyond, where Jewish values lead to the pursuit of Tikkun Olam and social justice.
• Identity — answering the perennial question, What does being Jewish mean, and what part does it play in navigating the world?

All while having fun, making friends, laughing, singing, dancing, and being amazed.

Join us in this mission!

We have many opportunities for the wider Har Shalom Kehillah to become involved in our programs. There are several important (and quite easy) ways you can help us. Here are just a few:

• Celebrate with students for holiday festivals and student-led Shabbat services
• Donate school supplies, craft supplies, etc.
• Email hsrs@nocoharshalom.org with areas of Jewish knowledge you are especially passionate about. We’ll help you connect with our students.
• Join the teaching team or add your name to the coveted "Substitute Teachers" list!

The most important thing you can do is show your support for our students and all they are accomplishing at Religious School. Show them that learning about Judaism opens doors to a stronger sense of community and belonging, and share excitement about their Jewish journeys!