Family Education

V’Shinantam L’vanechah – And you should teach your children diligently… Deut. 6:7

We appreciate the honor and privilege of teaching your children, and value the importance of partnering with parents in creating meaningful Jewish learning experiences. Therefore, we have a number of programs woven through the curricular year that involve parents and children learning together:

Class Shabbatonim: During the year each class has the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat and engage in family learning; we call it a “Shabbaton.” This year, the theme for the Shabbatonim for grades PK-6 will be “My Family Story”. Parents and their children will embark on a journey to the past, an exploration of roots, a project that will go beyond the family tree. This journey will help our students connect to their personal stories, their family stories and to their story within the greater story of the Jewish People. My Family Story will offer a creative and hands on methods for teaching Jewish heritage, promoting historical memory of the Jewish people and creating a sense of Jewish peoplehood.

The Shabbaton will include student participation in the Shabbat morning service. Following the service, the families always enjoy a festive Kiddush lunch together.

The Grades 7-12 students and their parents will be combined and have a special Shabbaton based on the theme of “Welcoming the Stranger”- our responsibility to help others. The Shabbaton will be on Saturday, April 4. We will be having a panel discussion with members of our community who are experts in the field of immigration.

Lifelong Learning and Intergenerational Programs: Throughout the year, parents and our high school students will be able to participate in various and engaging learning opportunities on a Sunday morning from 10:00–11:45 a.m. This year’s programs include:
Lectures by our rabbi and guest speakers on a variety of topics: Jonathan Pinter- Creating a Legacy in Your Congregation”- November 17. Judge Francine Goldberg on Sunday, December 15- “The Changing Role of Women in Judaism”.
School-wide Assemblies: During the course of the year, we have a number of opportunities for our students to share what they are learning in their classes. We gather together in school-wide assemblies, and encourage all parents to attend.

Winter University – January – There will be a series of intergenerational learning programs for learners of all ages. This will include workshops featuring guest speakers, text study, art, music, meditation and much more!

School-wide Assemblies: During the course of the year, we have a number of opportunities for our students to share what they are learning in their classes. We gather together in school-wide assemblies, and encourage all parents to attend.

We look forward to and value your input as we develop our programming. Please feel free to contact our Educator, Debbie Chessin, with your questions and suggestions. education@thewesttemple.com or 216-941-8882 (Temple Office)