Our school gives kids from grades pre-K to 7th the opportunity to learn, see, hear, feel, sing and even dance Judaism. Our program is designed to instill a sense of pride in being Jewish and gives our students the basic understanding of what it means to be a Conservative Jew. The program helps kids live Jewishly by giving them opportunities to experience Jewish holiday rituals, become comfortable in Shabbat and weekday services, interpret bible teachings of Jewish ethics and responsibility, understand Jewish history, show concern for our land of Israel, read and write Hebrew and socialize with other Jewish kids. By the time our students reach Bar/Bat mitzvah age, they are ready to participate in all aspects of adult, Jewish life including the continuation of their Jewish education perhaps in our own evening Hebrew High program or a day school such as Kehilla High School.
In order to accomplish our aims, our program utilizes a variety of teaching methods such as:
Interactive Classrooms: caring teachers help students learn using a variety of texts, videos, group projects and discussions, art, dance and music.
School-wide Activities: students experience the joy of Jewish rituals such as Shaharit services, laying tefillin, Havdallah and special holiday observances by interacting together.
Family Education and Shabbatonim: being Jewish is a family affair and several educational opportunities for the entire family take place throughout the year.
Middot and Mitzvot: Jewish virtues and deeds are at the core of being Jewish. Students study a variety of Jewish values. Learning how to live these values takes practice and so opportunities are given in class. In addition, Tzedakah goals are set for the school/class each year. Also, one particular commandment is emphasized in each class and culminates with a hands-on project for the whole family on Mitzvah Day. A variety of learning aids line the hallway which help highlight the centrality of Middot and Mitzvot in our lives. These include the Babaganewz mitzvah board and our Mitzvah letter of the week.
Shabbat Services: In class students study the meaning of our rich Shabbat liturgy and they practice reading the beautiful Hebrew verses. This study cannot be complete without 'hands-on' practice and so participation in Shabbat services is a must for all our students. To give kids the opportunity to lead, we offer Shabbat services for all ages. Youth Service is geared for kids in grades 4-7. Haverim K'tanim is geared for kids in K-1 and this alternates with Haverim Gdolim geared for kids in 2nd-3rd grade. Parents are more than welcome to join their kids. Please visit our Worship section for more information.
Field Trips: Becoming part of the Jewish community around where you live is of prime importance in retaining a Jewish identity. However, there are many communities out there and our students are given at least one opportunity to explore the Jewish Peninsula/San Francisco with an all day field trip.
Special Needs: We are proud to announce that we will be continuing the Myuhad program which was previously sponsored by the Federation. If you have a child with special needs, please contact us to discuss an individualized plan for your child... more info
Curriculum: The specific goals of the curriculum are to fulfill the aims of the Framework for Excellence in Synagogue Schools which has been written by the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism.
You can check out the full framework on the USCJ site or check out the Curriculum table in the Parent Handbook.
For more information please see the Parent Handbook tab or contact us; we'd be happy to discuss our program with you!
Forms for the 2007-2008 school year are now available:
- Sundays, 9:30-12:30, all grades
- Wednesdays, 4:00-6:15, grades 3-7
- Selected Shabbatot
Principal - Iris Bendahan
408.366.9101
Education VP - Hal Bordy
Office Admin - Andrea Ammerman
408.366.9101
For list of upcoming events please see latest version of our Hod Sheet newsletter.
Download the order form for Beth David Religious School gear.
Also check out Blue and White Kids. They manufacture high quality, competitively-priced clothing, MADE IN ISRAEL, for schools, camps, and youth groups in North America. They carry a broad collection from promotional spirit wear goods as well as a full range of promotional clothing products suitable as bar/bat mitzvah party favors.
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