Religious School

Creating Jewish Memories

The Religious School at Temple Beth El is fun, warm, and welcoming to students and families and offers a creative and interactive curriculum for students in K through 10th grade. Our hands-on approach to education incorporates music, Israeli dancing, Judaic art, Hebrew, and the celebration of Shabbat and holidays for students and their families. Youth Groups and after school activities offer opportunities for children to socialize with their peers as they create unique friendships and share in community service projects.

Temple Beth El Religious School strives to provide a meaningful, engaging, formal, experiential, and family education program for our children within a safe, warm, and caring environment. Our goal is to develop and inspire a community of educated and menschlich (people of integrity and honor) Jewish children. They will be knowledgeable about and committed to the philosophy and practices of Judaism.

Our approach is not simply to teach about Judaism, but to create a stimulating, interactive program to enable our students and their families to experience the joys of Jewish living. The study of Jewish rituals, Hebrew, Israel, the holiday cycle, Torah, prayer, ethics, and music are key components of their education. This curriculum prepares our children to understand and live by the Jewish values of Torah, Avodah (Worship) and Gemilut Chasadim (Social Justice).

The following lines from the Babylonian Talmud (Avoda Zara: 19A) reflect my philosophy of our religious school: "A person does not learn Torah unless from a place where her/his heart desires ... a person does not learn Torah unless in a place where her/his heart is touched. I believe that we DO learn Torah and Judaism individually, familially, and communally. I hope that our children feel that Temple Beth El is a place that touches their hearts and minds.

Religious School News

Nov-Dec 2011 Religious School

What a wonderful beginning to the new Religious School year! The first months of classes went very smoothly. Grades 6-10 participated in a Shofar Factory during which they actually made their own Shofarot from rams’ horns. The Sukkot Family Festival was an amazing event with a variety of fun activities for all ages.

Also, everyone had the opportunity to perform the mitzvot of being in a Sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. At our joyous Simchat Torah service, we Consecrated the new students who are beginning their Jewish studies at Temple Beth El.

The P.I.E. (Parent Information Exchange) had its first two meetings. The committee’s goals include increasing parents’ connection to the Religious School and developing new fundraising activities. You are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Sunday, November 20th at 9:30-10:00 am.

Our BETY (Beth El Temple Youth) Group is thriving! The Board is co-chaired by Ethan Singer and Jared Sutton. Other Board members are Alexis Cassuto, Erin Hesch, Max Jay-Gordon, and Evan Most. These leaders are working on plans for the upcoming months. So far, events have included tie-dying t-shirts, getting-to-know-you activities, and participation at the Sukkot Festival. Junior and Senior BETY’s also enjoyed kayaking and a Casino Game night.

The month of November corresponds approximately to the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. As you know, the Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle; therefore, it differs from the secular calendar. Cheshvan is nicknamed “mar Cheshvan,” meaning the bitter month. Why? Jewish holidays are scattered throughout the year with the exception of Cheshvan, during which there are none.

But, that certainly doesn’t mean that there’s a pause in exciting Religious School programming! We will have a Primary Grade Family Education program on Sunday, November 6th and a Grade 4 Parent B’nai Mitzvah preparation meeting on Sunday, November 13th.

Religious School meets consistently on Sundays and Wednesdays during November, until the Thanksgiving break on Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27.

As always, please contact me at melinda@tbehollywood.com or 954-920-8225 with any questions or feedback you may have.

Jan-Feb 2011 Religious School

The past few months have been filled with wonderful educational and community programming. The BETY Youth Groups have engaged in fabulous social activities; the fourth grade parents discussed preparations for b’nai mitzvah; Camp Coleman and The David Posnack JCC Kadima East at TBE made presentations; and the ninth graders enjoyed guest speakers about comparative Judaism – just to cite a few highlights! Of course, our annual Family Chanukah Festival was a huge success, followed by another amazing concert with Cantor Manny and Luisa Lubell. We genuinely appreciate the Congregation’s efforts to support our Youth Programming through a variety of fundraising events. In the last Bulletin, I introduced our new faculty members. Now, let’s hear from our returning teachers, in their own words:

Barbara Bell (Music Specialist): I am currently the music teacher at Temple Beth El, and have also taught kindergarten and 7th grade here. I am an AP History teacher and high school volleyball coach. I've been a song-leader since my NFTY and Camp Coleman days in the early 90's. I've had the privilege of teaching and song-leading at every Reform synagogue south of Lake Okeechobee, but my heart lies with Temple Beth El!

Efrat Daniely (Grade 1): I have been a teacher for many years, both in Israel and Florida. This is my second year teaching the first grade at Temple Beth El. During the week, I’ve taught Hebrew language to middle school and high school at the Hillel/Kesher program for over 14 years. I have extensive experience in Special Education. At Temple Beth El, my goal is to make learning fun, productive, and interesting for the first graders. Our students have formed a very nice community! I look forward to each student's progress this year. As always, thanks to the parents for your cooperation, support, and involvement.

Frieda Eshet (Grade 4): This is my tenth year teaching at Temple Beth El. I enjoy every moment with my students. The fourth graders are learning Jewish Traditions and Values, Holidays, Torah, Israel Studies, and Hebrew and Prayer reading. I strive to make classes enjoyable, interesting, and stimulating. I was born in India and went to Israel with my family when I was 9 years old. In Israel, I studied, served in the army, and was an English-Hebrew translator for seven years before coming to the US. I became certified as a Hebrew Teacher. I also teach Pre-K classes elsewhere during the week, and am working toward an Associate degree in Early Childhood. I have one modest request: Please make sure your child brings a pencil and notebook to each class.
Donny Irwin (Art Specialist): I have been teaching art in a variety of Jewish settings –including religious schools, day schools, and camps – for 32 years. Primarily, I teach art based on Jewish themes to ages preschool to adult. My method involves using Jewish content – including Torah, holidays, and Jewish artists – to promote the students’ individual interpretation and expression. I also do many group collaborative projects. My goal is to educate while fostering creativity. I give positive reinforcement, no matter the final product. In addition, I am the father of three amazing grown children!

Robin Stern-Schwartz (Grade 3): I have been teaching children for many years in the community. I am excited about my seventh year as the third grade teacher at Temple Beth El. We are reading and writing Hebrew, and studying t’fillot (prayer) and Judaics. I feel honored to have the opportunity to teach your children. I make every effort to make learning enjoyable and interesting in a warm, respectful environment. I value your input. If you’d like to speak with me, please leave a message at the Religious School office.

Melinda Ruben (RS Director): I have been a leader in a variety of Jewish educational settings for over 20 years. This is my third year at Temple Beth El and I am thrilled with how the school is continually evolving and improving! I am very proud of our staff, curriculum, and programming. I am also the proud mother of three grown children, Michael, Andrew, and Abigail. As always, I welcome your input. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 954-920-8225 or melinda@tbehollywood.com.

Nov-Dec 2010
What a wonderful beginning to the new Religious School year! The first months of classes went very smoothly. The Sukkot Family Festival was an amazing event with a variety of fun activities for all ages. Also, everyone had the opportunity to perform the mitzvot of being in a sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. At our joyous Simchat Torah service, we Consecrated 13 new students who are beginning their Jewish studies at Temple Beth El. Our Religious School faculty is an exceptional group of experienced educators. We welcome new teachers as well as many familiar ones. Here’s some background information about our new staff members, in their own words. In the next bulletin, we’ll feature write-ups from our returning teachers.Tal Benezra: I am glad to be a part of the faculty here at Temple Beth El, and already have had enjoyable classes with the sixth graders. I was born in Tel Aviv, but grew up primarily in the United States. I moved from Chicago to live in sunny Florida and am not moving back! I studied art in college and continue to do freelance graphic design work. In addition, I have over 5 years experience in the field of education, working in Pre-K through High School.

Sylvie Feinsmith: I am so excited to facilitate Youth Group programming as Beth El Temple Youth (BETY’s) Group Advisor. I have many years of experience in informal Jewish youth activities and education. Previously, I served as the Youth Advisor of Temple Sinai of Hollywood. I’ve also been a Senior Camp Counselor at Camp Re’im. I earned my undergraduate degree in International Diplomacy at Herzilya’s Interdisciplinary Center in Israel.

Sheri Marcus-Newman: I am the new Pre-K/K religious school teacher at Temple Beth El. I’ve been in Early Childhood Education as a teacher and director in Broward County for the past 20 years, and currently I also teach at Hillel. I’ve completed my second Bachelor of Science (this one) in Early Childhood Education at FAU, and presently working on a Masters degree in child development and brain research. I grew up in South Florida and recently got married and relocated to Aventura. I’ve have three wonderful sons! I am so excited about the new school year and look forward to working with your child.

Deanna Rapp: I am very pleased to be the new Religious School Secretary this year! I have been active in PIE (the Parent Information Exchange) as a volunteer for many years. I have a fourth grade son and a sixth grade son attending Religious School here.

Oshrat Shevah: I am delighted to teach fifth grade this year at Temple Beth El. I was born in Israel, am married, and have lived in the United States for three years. I earned a Bachelors Degree in education. In addition, I have over 10 years experience as a physical education teacher. As a teenager I was the top ranked tennis player in Israel. Now, as an adult I still play tennis and teach individuals and small groups. I have a certificate of teaching children and adults that have learning disabilities utilizing the renowned "Raviv Method". Finally, I’ve developed a program called “Hebrew in Motion” which integrates teaching Hebrew with sports activities. Marci Wiseman: I am excited to become the new second grade teacher. I currently work as the Director of Educational Resources at the Miami Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education during the week. I also have many years of experience as a Jewish family educator and classroom teacher. I earned a Master’s degree in Judaic Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and spent a year at a leadership program in Jerusalem. I look forward to bringing my passion for children’s Jewish education to Temple Beth El’s Religious School.

We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding staff. I’m confident that our education team will ensure productive and enjoyable learning as well as community-building for our Religious School students.

About Our Director

Our Religious School Director, Melinda Ruben, comes to Temple Beth El with enthusiasm, experience, and passion for Jewish Education. As a young adult, Melinda was valedictorian at Hebrew College’s Prozdor High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Then, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature at Harvard University. As an adult, she completed a Master’s Degree in Education at Lesley University. Melinda has taken advance course work in supervision, curriculum development, and special needs at Hebrew College and Brandeis University in Boston. She actively believes in life-long Jewish learning, and strives to transmit Jewish values to students of all ages.

Melinda has worked in a variety of Jewish settings for over twenty-five years. She began as a part-time classroom teacher at Temple Israel in Sharon, MA. Then, she taught full-time at the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School in Stoughton, MA, where she implemented an integrated Hebrew and Judaic curriculum. Melinda became the Assistant Director of the Religious School at Temple Israel, Boston, MA. Following her tenure there, Melinda became the Director of Education at Temple Chayai Shalom in Easton, MA where she served for seven years, and grew the school from 150 to 260 students.

Melinda is justifiably proud of her three beautiful children: Michael, Andrew, and Abigail. Michael is a graduate of the University of Miami and works as a Financial Advisor. Andrew earned two degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: one in Systems Engineering and and one in Finance at the Wharton School. He works for Deutsche Bank in Manhattan. Abigail is a Junior majoring in Psychology at the University of Tampa. Melinda is also blessed with two wonderful parents who spend the winters in south Florida.

Philosophically, Melinda subscribes to the thinking articulated by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan; that teaching Judaism without family involvement is like heating a house with the windows open. As Religious School Director at Temple Beth El, she strives to bring the joys of Judaism into the life of every child, youth, and family. She explains: “We strive to create a warm, safe environment in which our children will be introduced to the beauty and richness of our heritage, rituals, and sacred texts. Our plan is to challenge and stimulate our students and parents both in the classroom and outside in the community. To accomplish these goals, we create a variety of learning experiences and utilize the most modern textbooks, materials and techniques. Whether reading from the Bible or discussing ethical issues, children are encouraged and motivated to ask questions and analyze stories. When we teach about the holidays, we want the students not only to have the knowledge of the rituals and ceremonies, but also to experience the holiday fully. When we teach Hebrew, we want our students not only to read and chant fluently, but to understand the meaning and history of the prayers.” Melinda is confident that these goals can be accomplished with the partnership of home, school, and community.

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