E d u c a t i o n

Our Philosophy of Education

We strive at every stage of Jewish study to feel a greater connection with the Jewish community. We strengthen our bond with each other as we scale the heights of Jewish learning. We feel a sense of the sacred in our relationship with God, created through the exploration of Jewish text.

Study, like prayer, brings us into a conversation with God. Prayer expresses what we wish to say, and Jewish study hopefully communicates what God wants each individual.

God searches for each one of us - we only have to find a way to let God in. Then, we are able to carry out our commitment to God through our practicing of values.

 

Adult Education

The study of Judaism is one of the three pillars for being engaged in Jewish life. Through study, we approach God. In addition, the mind is sharpened, horizons expanded and community strengthened.

Each year, classes are offered by the Rabbi, Cantor and Sisterhood in Bible, liturgy, Jewish thought, cantillation, Hebrew and other areas of interests to our diverse community. From time to time, adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes are offered. Once a year, the congregation sponsors a Shabbaton weekend featuring an inspirational speaker and teacher. Each spring the congregation is proud to host the Ziskind Memorial Lecture. It is sponsored by Shulamith and Sheldon Friedland in memory of our Rabbi Emeritus and his wife, the late Bernard and Minna Ziskind. The Ziskind Lecture can be a Shabbaton weekend, a musical concert, or a guest lecture on a topic of interest to the Jewish community. Additionally, current issues and timely topics are addressed by the Rabbi from the pulpit on Saturday morning and during our regular study session Saturday afternoon.

 

Bernard H. Ziskind School of Judaism

Educating our children is the highest priority of Tifereth Israel in order to cultivate a positive Jewish identity. Through inspired teaching we attempt to instill in our children a love of God, knowledge, respect, a love of self and others, and an understanding of the uniqueness of our tradition, along with respect for all who share different opinions.

Classes are offered for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. The most effective and innovative educational methods are utilized and the faculty is carefully selected for their professionalism.

Classes are offered for kindergarten through 7th grade, three days per week (two days after school and Saturday mornings). For students in grades 8-12, Tifereth Israel provides Hebrew High. Hebrew High meets twice a month in the evening. Bar and Bat Mitzvah services are held on Shabbat morning, Rosh Chodesh, or anytime we read the Torah. Individual instruction is provided by the Cantor for those students in grades 6 and 7 who are scheduled for an upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. Bar/Bat Mitzvah services are special opportunities for the school, the child's family and our congregation to help celebrate an important life-cycle event.

Rabbi Talya Weisbard Shalem, the Educational Director, may be reached at Twshalem@tinewbedford.org.