Early Learning
Kitonim Pre-k (age3) to Kindergarden (age 5)
A Joyful Start to Jewish Learning
At this level, we focus on building a strong and meaningful foundation in Judaism and Hebrew—all in a warm, nurturing environment where learning is fun and hands-on.
Here’s what our young learners experience:
- Hebrew Fun: Learn the Aleph-Bet through playful, hands-on activities.
- Jewish Holidays and Traditions: Celebrate and explore through crafts, stories, and music.
- Tikkun Olam: Understand kindness and giving by taking part in social action projects.
- Jewish Values: Build pride in being Jewish and learn what it means to live with purpose.
- Everyday Hebrew: Discover words for numbers, days, months, weather, and more.
- Interactive Learning: Engage with stories, songs, movement, yoga, and dance.
- Shabbat Connection: Get introduced to Shabbat Services and the Shema prayer.
We plant the seeds of Jewish identity with love, laughter, and learning—one joyful experience at
a time.
Kitah Aleph – Grades 1 and 2
Deepening Jewish Learning and Identity
In Kitah Aleph, students build on their early foundation in Judaism and Hebrew through fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate learning. Here is what they will experience:
- Hebrew Growth: Continued Hebrew immersion with students learning at their own pace.
- Weekly Torah Exploration: Read, act out, and discuss the weekly Parsha in creative ways.
- Jewish Identity and Values: Learn what it means to live Jewish values and be proud of who they are.
- Holidays and Traditions: Dive deeper into the meaning and customs of each Jewish
holiday. - Music and Prayer: Learn prayers through music and participate in Shabbat Services.
- Service Leadership: Students help plan and lead parts of services.
- Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah: Practice kindness and giving through Mitzvah Day projects.
- Intro to Israel: Discover Israel’s people, places, and culture in a fun and age-appropriate way.
- Family Connections: Families are invited to join in on Shabbat Services, Family
Dinners, Education Days, and more!
Kitah Aleph blends learning, creativity, and community, helping each child grow in their Jewish journey with joy and confidence.
Kitah Bet – Grades 3 to 5
Building Confidence in Jewish Learning and Identity
In Kitah Bet, students deepen their connection to Judaism, Hebrew, and Prayer as they grow into proud, knowledgeable young Jews. Learning is interactive, meaningful, and fun—with a focus on preparing for future milestones like Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Here’s what students experience:
- Hebrew Immersion: Continued Hebrew learning with an emphasis on prayer fluency.
- Prayer Focus: Learn and practice key prayers, including:
- Candle Blessing
- Shema
- Aleinu
- Bar’chu
- Kiddush (short)
- Motzi
- Service Leadership: Students help plan and lead parts of Shabbat Services.
- Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah: Engage in meaningful conversations and actions that help others.
- Jewish Holidays and Traditions: Explore the history, meaning, and rituals in a hands-on way.
- Torah Study: Dive deeper into the lessons and stories of the Torah.
- Learning About Israel: Discover Israel’s history, people, and culture.
- Jewish Music: Sing, move, and celebrate with music that brings learning to life.
- Family Engagement: Families are invited to join us for Family Shabbat Services, Education Days, and Shabbat Dinners.
Kitah Bet helps students grow in knowledge, faith, and community—all while having fun and feeling proud to be Jewish.
Kitah Gimmel – Grades 6 and 7
Preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Leading with Confidence
In Kitah Gimmel, students take big steps toward Jewish adulthood by deepening their connection
to prayer, Torah, and leadership.
They will:
- Plan and lead Shabbat services
- Learn key prayers, including:
- Mah Tovu
- Chatzi Kaddish
- Nissim b’chol Yom
- Yotzer
- Michamocha (Morning)
- Yism’chu
- Kiddush (Friday evening)
- Kaddish
- Torah Service Prayers
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation
“Bar Mitzvah” means “son of the commandment,” and “Bat Mitzvah” means “daughter of the commandment.” At this stage, students become responsible for Jewish life and begin leading parts of the service.
Through our One-to-One Program, each student works closely with their teacher and Rabbi to:
- Learn and practice their Torah portion (Parasha)
- Understand the structure of the service
- Build confidence reading and leading from the bimah
- Take part in leading services for the Hebrew School
Kitah Gimmel helps students feel ready, capable, and proud as they take on this important milestone in their Jewish journey.
Confirmation at Temple Israel
A Meaningful Next Step in the Jewish Journey
Confirmation is a powerful tradition that takes place on Shavuot, where teens come together to affirm their commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people. Students lead the service, share personal reflections, and receive blessings from our congregational leaders.
This moment marks a transition from formal Jewish education to lifelong Jewish learning
and leadership.
Why Continue After Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
At Temple Israel, we believe continuing through Confirmation is a sacred part of growing up
Jewish. It’s a chance for teens to explore deeper questions and connect Jewish values to the
world around them.
What Students Will Do:
- Reflect on their relationship with God, Torah, and Israel.
- Participate in our Mitzvah Core Program—hands-on service and learning.
- Explore teen life through a Jewish lens:
- Tikkun Olam (repairing the world)
- Tzedakah (giving)
- Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness)
- Social action, Jewish values, antisemitism, Israel, ethics, and more
- Make personal connections to Jewish ritual, responsibility, and identity.
- Join a meaningful class trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.
A Lasting Impact
Confirmation strengthens each student’s Jewish identity and inspires a deeper understanding of their place in the Jewish community—and the world.
For more information contact us:
