Youth Engagement Religious School Message
Dear Temple Beth Am Families,
I hope this message finds you enjoying the long days of summer—relaxing, recharging, and making meaningful memories. While you’ve hopefully been soaking up sunshine and slowing down, we at YERS have been busy gearing up for the upcoming year with great excitement and care.
This year marks my 12th year serving as Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Beth Am. As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken together, I’m filled with pride at the growth and impact of our religious school. From a student body of about 270 to nearly 400 today, our expansion reflects the intentionality, creativity, and heart we pour into our work. Jewish education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and our programming continues to evolve in response to the diverse needs of our learners and families, while always preserving the communal spirit that binds us together.
Our department may be small, but it is mighty. Despite national shortages in the teaching field and the growing challenge of competing with secular academic demands, we have focused on delivering rich, relevant Jewish learning. Our students’ journeys—whether the reflections shared after powerful trips, deep conversations sparked by our curriculum, or the affirmations of Jewish identity voiced by our confirmands, fellows, or BAFTYites—are a testament to that strength.
This year, we’re proud to introduce a new option for 6th graders to attend on Monday evenings. This allows families to gain back their weekends while giving pre-teens a glimpse into the vibrant teen community of our Monday Night CHAI program. Beginning in 8th grade, each grade will have its own travel experience, connected meaningfully to their yearlong learning. Our signature Multigenerational Holocaust and Heritage trip enters its third year, and it’s especially heartwarming to welcome back families who are returning—this time with their younger teen now old enough to participate in this powerful journey.
For our high school juniors and seniors eager to dive deeper, we’ve added an exciting academic opportunity: a 3-credit college course on Contemporary Halacha, offered through the Jewish American University in Los Angeles.
None of this would be possible without my incredible team. Sophie Brilliant, who joined us just a year ago as our Youth Engagement Coordinator, has already made a lasting impact with her creativity, warmth, and connection to both children and teens. Lisa Reichert, our ever-reliable YERS office manager, keeps us on track with precision and kindness; she’s our Veracross queen and organizational compass. Andrea Verona brings joy and order to our programming behind the scenes, ensuring every supply is in place and every interaction is infused with her trademark friendliness and support. I am deeply grateful for all they do.
We can’t wait to welcome you back soon! Families with students in pre-K through 6th grade who will be attending religious school on Sundays, please join us for our Welcome Back Morning on Sunday, August 24. We’ll begin with tefilah, followed by games, BBQ, and a joyful start to the year. Parents will also have a chance to meet one another and learn more about the year ahead.
Families with students entering 8th, 9th, and 10th grade who are attending Monday sessions, please join us for our Open House on Monday, September 8.
And a reminder for our Social Justice Teen Fellowship participants: orientation for juniors and seniors is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., respectively.
Wishing you continued joy and rest during these final weeks of summer.
Warmly,
Tamara