At Temple Beth El we strive to provide meaningful, enjoyable Jewish education for children ages five through sixteen. We emphasize Hebrew language skills for learning prayers and blessings, Jewish values and customs and holiday traditions. We try to help every child and family develop a strong, positive sense of belonging to the diverse local, national and international Jewish community. Together we explore the joys and challenges of our relationship with Israel. We both preserve and reinterpret ancient traditions to enhance contemporary family life and develop Jewish identity.
We’re thrilled to announce that enrollment is now open for Tikkun Olam Religious Academy of Humboldt (T.O.R.A.H.)!
This inclusive new parent-run children’s educational program in Humboldt County is sponsored by Temple Beth El, but is open to all Jewish children (families do not need a temple membership to participate).
The program will incorporate all of the foundational aspects of Jewish religious education, including Hebrew, holidays, culture, history, ethics/values, Torah stories, hands-on activities, songs, food, arts and crafts, Torah service/prayers, family-oriented holiday events and monthly Family Shabbat for all ages (including babies/tots and teens)**.
Classes for children TK-6th grade (age 4-12) will be held every other Sunday morning from 10am-noon (alternating weeks for a total of 18 sessions from Sept 2025-June 2026). Most classes will be held at Temple Beth El in Eureka, with several off-site/outdoor “Jews in the Wilderness” style activities and field trips throughout the year. For the first 50 minutes, the children will break into groups for Hebrew lessons, and then following a yummy snack and wiggle break, they will come together during the 2nd hour for a Jewish-themed activity.* Additionally, all enrolled students and their families are welcome and strongly encouraged to participate in the 12 family programs, including monthly Family Shabbats.**
To register, please complete this enrollment form (if you are registering multiple children, please complete a separate form for each child.)
Registration for the year 5786 is $350 for Temple Beth El members, and $400 for non-members, and includes 18 classes/activities plus 12 family events. There is a 10% discount for siblings. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
*For students that wish to participate in the activity portion ONLY (no Hebrew) from 11a-noon + family programs, it would be $300 for members, $350 for non-members.
**For those interested in the Family Program only (great for families of tots and teens! 12 events per year including monthly Family Shabbats), the fee is just $100.
PLEASE SUBMIT REGISTRATION FORMS BY AUG. 29.
Once your registration form has been submitted, we will follow up with an email confirmation which will contain a link to the T.O.R.A.H. program calendar and other details.
QUESTIONS? Send us an email at torahforhumboldtkids@gmail.com
Celebrating your Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth El
Religious education for young people at Temple Beth El culminates in a festive Bar or Bat Mitzvah, usually at age thirteen or older. Each student assists the Rabbi in leading parts of the prayer service, reads from the Torah scroll using traditional trope melodies, and gives a thoughtful teaching on the Torah reading. Our Adult Education program also offers B’nai Mitzvah training and celebrations for adult students. Both youth and adult students may choose from a range of formats for their teaching, including a speech, readers’ theatre, artwork, poetry and fiction. Students of all abilities are encouraged to become B’nai Mitzvah though our highly individualized program. For children within 18 months of B’nai Mitzvah, TBE also offers a separate B’nai Mitzvah prep program with Rabbi Naomi Steinberg. Email templebetheleureka@gmail.com to receive information about the program and to sign up.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to enter the B’nai Mitzvah program at the minimum age of 10.5 years with the pre-requisite skills listed below. (Please note suggested remediation below.) At least one parent, grandparent, or guardian must be a member of Temple Beth El. Current program fees are available from the office.
Pre-requisite skills to enter B’nai Mitzvah Program……Remediation:
- Phonetic reading of Hebrew…………………..Tutoring (additional cost)
- Familiarity with Shabbat prayers………………Attendance at services
- General knowledge of Torah stories………….Family reading
- Familiarity with major holidays………………..Attendance at TBE events
Contact the temple office at templebetheleurekaca@gmail.com for details of this program.