Adult Education 2007

We believe a Jewish education for every person is indispensable if we are to
fully experience the values of Jewish life and ideas and claim our Jewish heritage 
joyfully. In order to truly become a people of peace, the following goals have 
been adopted:

GOALS

• Develop and enhance spiritual and ethical sensitivity so our actions and 
  attitudes reflect ethical teachings of Judaism.

• Impart a knowledge of Jewish history, literature and culture necessary 
  and develop an understanding of, and take pride in, the contributions of Jews 
  and Judaism to world civilization.

• Develop an understanding of Hebrew necessary for rich, meaningful and 
  intellectual Jewish living.

• Develop the ability and encourage the desire to practice Jewish 
  observance in the home.

• Provide a wide range of group activities and observances through which 
  our students may experience the satisfaction and inspiration of Jewish living.

• Develop an interest and a desire to participate in local, national and 
  world Jewish affairs, to take leadership positions in Jewish life, and to 
  contribute toward the fulfillment of a just society and a united humankind.

• Develop an awareness of Jewish theology and the continuing struggle to 
  define the nature of the Deity and its relationship to humankind. Develop 
  knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Jewish worship and prayer and 
  participate and find meaning in prayer.

• Develop knowledge of and a bond with ancient and modern Israel.

• Instill a love of learning, maximize inquiry, and encourage lifelong 
  Jewish study.

KINDERGARTEN THRU TENTH GRADE - Helps the student develop a sense 
of Jewish self esteem and to identify with Am Shalom and establish a 
sense of  "peoplehood" along with a sense of awe, wonder and the meaning 
of and mystery of life. 

HEBREW SCHOOL - A 4-year program beginning in the 3rd grade and culminating 
in graduation. Many students return as student teachers and attend a post 
graduate Hebrew class. All Hebrew students are required to attend religious 
school. The program includes B'nai Mitzvah.

STUDENT TEACHERS - Includes student experience and an opportunity to take 
classes in how and what to teach. There are opportunities for student 
teachers to gather socially as well as for learning.

CHOIR - Compromised of students in the 3rd to 7th grades, The Junior Choir 
sings at High Holyday services, once a month at early (6:30 p.m.) family 
Friday evening services and other special events.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Students participate in informal activities for 
socialization as well as help the community in various events.

FAMILY EDUCATION - Provided to help the family know more about the child's 
studies, to create a shared learning experience and to have fun. The 
following programs are part of Family Education:

FAMILY HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS - Special workshops for Chanukah, Purim and 
Passover that offer learning experiences for holiday celebration and 
opportunities to share with other Am Shalom families.

CONSECRATION - All Kindergarten through 10th-graders and new families
join together for dinner and a special ceremony when the children are 
consecrated into the Religious School.  New Hebrew school students are
consecrated in December.

FAMILY SHABBAT DINNERS - Grades 1 to 10 invite their families to join 
them on a specific Friday evening to share a pot luck dinner and to 
participate in the worship service. Young children participate in a 6:30 p.m. 
family service followed by dinner or festive oneg. Older grades take part in 
Adult Services preceded by dinner.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FAMILY DAYS - Several grade levels each year invite 
their families to join them for a Sunday morning program during Religious 
School hours.

ADULT EDUCATION - Please check our online brochure and registration
for a complete description of the many adult education programs offered 
at Am Shalom.

FAMILY EDUCATION DAY/BOOK FAIR - Parents visit their children's teachers 
and learn about some aspect of Religious education. Parents and children 
visit the Book Fair and may buy new Jewish books for their home or as gifts. 
Families also have an opportunity to participate in workshops together.

HEBREW SCHOOL PARENT'S MEETINGS AT OPEN HOUSE AND CONFERENCES
- Meetings are set so parents can meet with teachers and/or Senior Staff to learn
about and discuss aspects of Hebrew education and/or Bar Mitzvah.