Philosophy
Religious School — Grades K-6
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Grades 7-12
Family Education Days
Education Team
Contact UsPHILOSOPHY
Congregation Shir Ami offers educational programs for learners of all ages under the direction of Rabbi Vicki L. Axe and the Education Team. Our goal is to bring the world of Jewish life, culture, history, practice, and language to the minds and hearts of our members throughout their lives. We believe that fostering Jewish understanding and knowledge will give people the tools they need to make informed choices for expressing their Jewish identity in the home, in the community and in the world.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL – GRADES K-6
Students in grades K-6 meet weekly on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 pm. This once-a-week Religious School is filled with personal attention, learning, and fun. The curriculum combines aspects of Jewish life and values, culture and history integrating Hebrew language, music and prayer. For grades K-3, the emphasis is on Jewish life, culture and holidays. For grades 4-6, the emphasis is on Israel and Jewish Heroes plus the study of prayerbook Hebrew to foster leadership in worship, leading towards B’nai Mitzvah studies in Grade 7. In addition to individual grade-level classes, all grades join together for worship and song at the end of each school day.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH
In preparation for becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, students meet weekly in a one hour class with Rabbi Axe for the semester prior to the date of their B/Mitzvah. Each student is also tutored privately by Rabbi Axe for approximately 8 months of weekly half-hour sessions. Rabbi Axe works closely with B/Mitzvah families to meet their individual needs.
GRADES 7-12
For students in grades 7-12, Shir Ami Teens – SATs – join together for educational, social, and community service events with a Jewish spin to foster strong Jewish values in our young adults, as they learn to participate in and contribute to the congregational community as well as the community at large. Our teens play an active role in the social action efforts of Congregation Shir Ami.
All members of SATs are invited to lead services during the Festival of Shavuot in the spring of each year as a reminder of the Giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, and as an opportunity for each new generation of Jewish adults to accept the gift of Torah as their own.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Shir Ami offers educational programs for learners of all ages as part of regularly scheduled Holiday Celebrations with hands-on learning events involving the whole congregational community, young and old alike. Our approach integrates formal study of practices and rituals with artistic expression exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of each season, as well as the rich history and culture of our people. There is sometimes a charge for expenses and materials.
EDUCATION TEAM The Education Team works with Rabbi Axe to oversee all educational programs at Congregation Shir Ami for learners of all ages. The Education Team is chaired by Linda Gratt along with Nancy Kail, who is also advisor to the SATs. Members are always welcome.
educationteam (at) congregationshirami.org