Religious School

Nurturing Jewish Identity, Community & Learning

Temple Beth-El’s Religious School is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Jewish learners, leaders, and community builders. Our curriculum is rooted in Jewish values, Torah, and tradition, while embracing creativity and curiosity to make learning meaningful for today’s families. We invite children and parents alike to deepen their connection to Judaism, strengthen their spiritual lives, and become part of a vibrant, supportive community.

Overview

At Temple Beth-El, we are proud to offer a dynamic and customizable Religious School program that sparks curiosity, joy, and a deep connection to Jewish life. Each Sunday morning, students learn in interactive, experiential classrooms led by our caring and experienced faculty.

Our Preschool program introduces Judaism through the senses—hands-on learning, play-based exploration, visits from clergy, and festive holiday celebrations make Jewish traditions come alive. For Kindergarten through 7th Grade, families select trimester-based classes that align with their child’s interests—ranging from science, theater, music, cooking, art, and more—all woven together with Jewish learning and values. We continue the journey through 8th–12th Grade, offering age-appropriate opportunities for deeper study, leadership, and community engagement, helping teens grow into thoughtful and connected Jewish adults.

Enrollment is open to all Jewish students in Preschool through 12th Grade whose families are members of Temple Beth-El.

Track of Learning

Beit Midrash

Pre-K through Grade 7

Hebrew Program

Grades 3 through 6

Pre Confirmation

Grades 8 and 9

Confirmation

Grade 10

Post Confirmation

Grades 11 and 12

Beit Midrash

Our Preschool class (ages 3 and 4 years) explores Judaism through their senses. Students will have the chance to experience all the Temple has to offer with visits from our clergy, holiday celebrations, and plenty of time to explore Judaism through free play. In Kindergarten through Seventh Grade, students will select their classes for all three trimesters. Our courses range in interests from science, theater, reading, music, art, and cooking. All these choices can help our students have fun while they learn about Judaism and our sacred community. Students will enjoy classes in 9 content areas in order to understand modern Reform Jewish life: community, Jewish values, holidays, Hebrew and liturgy, Israel, sacred texts, Jewish culture, Jewish history, Jewish lifecycle celebrations, and God concepts.

Classes are offered based on three age groups:

• Primary (Grades K-2)

• Intermediate (Grades 3-5)

• Advanced (Grades 6-7)

Hebrew Program

The goals of our Hebrew curriculum are multi-faceted; the primary emphasis is on the study of the siddur (prayer book). We strive to balance the need for both kevah (the routine) and the kavanah (spirituality) of prayer. To become fluent participants in a worship service, students learn to decode Hebrew text with accuracy and fluency, gain a working Hebrew vocabulary of approximately 100 words, and develop some basic knowledge of Hebrew grammar. Students also can explore the concepts expressed in Jewish liturgy as they sing and chant many prayers from the evening and morning services.

Pre Confirmation

After completing their Beit Midrash studies, students enter the Confirmation program, starting with the Preconfirmation series in Grades 8 and 9. Over two years, they study Comparative Religion, Jewish Culture, and the history and beliefs of Reform Judaism. This seminar-style class prepares them for the challenges and deeper learning of their Confirmation year.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the culmination of a student’s Jewish education and a significant milestone in the Reform tradition. This year of study and ceremony marks their academic progress and commitment to Judaism. Meeting weekly with Senior Rabbi Mara Nathan, students explore diverse Jewish concepts of God and reflect on their personal beliefs. They conclude their studies by leading a Confirmation service, connecting them to Judaism and past Confirmands.

The highlight of the Confirmation year is a trip to Washington, D.C. We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to attend the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC)’s L’Taken Social Justice Seminar. During this trip, we bring these students to Washington, DC where they meet with their members of Congress to discuss the issues with which they are concerned. Students join with other teens around the country to learn about the issues the RAC lobbies for and are trained in how to do this sacred justice work while they tour and enjoy a weekend in our nation’s capital. The cost of the trip is an additional expense.

Post Confirmation

Following their Confirmation, students are encouraged to keep learning with us. Post-Confirmation students meet monthly throughout the city of San Antonio from 12:30-2:00 pm. This seminar-style series allows students to use Judaism as a relevant lens through which to see the world around them. With a facilitator, students will discuss issues that impact their lives and join as voices for justice in the broader Jewish community.

Faculty

Temple Beth-El’s Religious School is guided by a dedicated team of over 20 passionate and experienced teachers who bring creativity, care, and energy to every classroom. Under the leadership of Ellen Barshop, Director of Congregational Learning, Sara Planto, Religious School Administrator, and Rabbi Marina Yergin, Associate Rabbi, our faculty is committed to fostering a love of Jewish learning, building meaningful connections, and supporting each child’s spiritual and educational journey.