Hebrew School

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…” – Psalm 127:3

Beth El Hebrew School offers students a solid foundation in Conservative-Style Two-Testament Jewish faith. Our goal is to establish a lasting center for learning and spiritual growth, which will enrich our children for generations to come. Our Hebrew School Director, teachers and Madrichim (class assistants) all volunteer a tremendous amount of their time and energy to create a nurturing, fun, rewarding and impactful learning experience. Classes meet for 130 minutes every Shabbat morning (coinciding with Beth El’s
service schedule) during the regular academic school year.

Curriculum
Jewish religious education and Hebrew language study are taught using curriculum from leading Jewish educational publishers and age-appropriate Scripture studies. Students memorize scripture verses exploring topics including, but not limited to: The Characteristics of God, Relationship with God, The Messiah Yeshua of Nazareth (His Teachings and His Life Example), Personal Development, Worship, and Prayer.

Mikrah Kodesh (Holy Assembly)

Classes begin with participation in selected Shabbat morning liturgies, T’filah (prayer) from the heart, and songs. This gives the students an opportunity to set their kavvanah (heart intention) for the class ahead. It also sets apart Religious Study from Academic Study. Every 4-6 weeks, students join the larger Beth El community in all or half of the Shabbat morning service in the main sanctuary.

Mitzvah Projects
In keeping with our philosphy that lessons are only truly learned when they are applied, students participate in several oraganized Mitzvah Projects (charitable community works) throughout the school year. Hebrew School families and Beth El Members are invited to join us. Five Mitzvah projects are planned for this year.

Registration
Beth El Members, Visitors and Regular Attendees can register to attend classes! Non-Members are welcome to attend two sample classes, free of charge. After the second sample class, Hebrew School is offered in 4-week sessions to non-member students for a nominal fee. Payment for the entire session must be received before or on the first day of attendance. Snacks, textbooks and notebooks are included in the fee. All classes are offered without charge to Beth El Members.

Location & Times

Beth El Shabbat Services are held every Saturday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at 593 Park Avenue (at 64th Street) in the historic Central Presbyterian facility.

The nearest subways are the 6 Train 68th Street or 59th Street stops on Lexington.

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We look forward to seeing you soon.

Test for Names

“Havlagah (Restraint) Part 1″ (2008/09/06) Sermon Audio

Torah Portion: Shoftim – Deut 16:18-21:9, Isa 51:12-52:12

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Our Approach to Theology

Theology — the study of God — is by nature the pursuit of truth (2 Thess. 2:11). Our Messianic synagogue believes the Scriptures offer sufficient rational and objectively testable proofs of their truthfulness and authority for thinking people to accept them for what they claim to be: “revelation” — which is proven impartation of information from humankind’s Creator (Deut. 18:22, Zech. 1:6). For this reason, the Two Testaments of the Bible are to us the prime definer and arbiter of faith and practice. Our study of theology embarks from this foundational point. We further believe the Scriptures point clearly to the 1st century historical person Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth as the figure the Sages of Israel call, “Messiah ben Yosayf who will be slain.” (Sukkah 52a)

We believe all integrally sound practices of spiritual seeking and scholarly endeavor are proper instruments of theology: and that no topic or content is off limits for inquiry and refinement of understanding. Views stand upon their merits, not upon who spoke or wrote them, or when. Along with the vibrant, present tense tools of spirituality (prayer and worship), we encourage people to become well acquainted by study of the revelation of God in Scripture, and seek to offer teaching to establish and train people in lives committed to following truth wherever it may lead.