BET SEFER MISSION

“By three things is the world sustained: by Torah, by Avodah, and by Gemilut Chasadim.” (Pirke Avot 1:2)

Bet Sefer is an innovative Jewish educational program that inspires our children with a lifelong love of Jewish learning. By combining traditional and progressive approaches, we encourage a commitment to Torah (study), to Avodah (prayer and spiritual growth), and to Tikkun Olam and Gemilut Chasadim (repair of the world and acts of lovingkindness).

In a learning environment that is meaningful and fun, each student is encouraged to think, question critically, and interact with others with respect and kindness.

BET SEFER OVERVIEW

In 1995 a small group of parents created Bet Sefer, Shaarei Shamayim’s children’s education program. In the first year five kindergarten students gathered for a 12-week program in parents’ homes. Fourteen years later, fortyeight students are enrolled in the school, which offers classes, Hebrew tutoring, children’s Shabbat services, and social programming for children in Kindergarten through seventh grade. The congregation has hired a director, developed an extensive curriculum with an innovative Hebrew tutoring program, and laid its foundation for growth with a B’nei Mitzvah program, teacher’s assistant training program, and youth group.

Download the Bet Sefer Calendar 5770 (2009-2010) as a PDF.

CURRICULUM

The Bet Sefer curriculum revolves around the major themes of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim/Tikkun Olam each year and includes the following components:

Torah: Stories from the Torah, Prophets, and Writings; Talmud and Jewish philosophy; Jewish history with a focus on the Holocaust and creation of the State of Israel; Hebrew reading and comprehension.

Avodah: Jewish prayer with a focus on Shabbat; Jewish holidays; Jewish views of God; Jewish life cycle; Jewish spirituality; Jewish rituals and practice; branches of American Judaism and contemporary Jewish culture.

Gemilut Chasadim/Tikkun Olam: Jewish values and contemporary social issues; ethical dilemmas; Reconstructionist decision-making; giving tzedakah.

Bar Mitzvah Celebration

HEBREW TUTORING PROGRAM

Shaarei Shamayim has developed a unique method for Hebrew learning. Each student is assigned a Hebrew tutor for half an hour a week, either on Sundays or mid-week. As a result of this program students have excelled in Hebrew acquisition and have deepened their commitment to both prayer book and modern Hebrew. Coupled with our Sunday morning Judaica program, students receive individual attention from a tutor and also benefit from the strong communities that are formed in the classroom.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND CELEBRATIONS

Children and teenagers are involved in a variety of Shaarei Shamayim services and celebrations throughout the year. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, children celebrate together with services targeted to their age.

Our teenagers lead significant parts of these services, giving them leadership experience and allowing them to serve as models for the younger children. Children and teenagers also participate in the congregation’s Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B’shevat, and Purim celebrations.

In addition to these services and celebrations, our children and teenagers also attend several Shabbat services throughout the year. This gives them experience in both participating and leading the services, and it helps to familiarize them with the customs and rituals of Shabbat.

BET SEFER IN THE COMMUNITY

Through Bet Sefer students become involved in the larger Madison Jewish community. Students and their parents participate in events sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Madison, including Yom Ha’atzmaut and the Hanukkah Tzedakah Night. They also hold an annual Hanukkah party for the residents at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community, and reaching out beyond the Jewish community volunteer at the Goodman Atwood Community Center food pantry.

B’NEI MITZVAH PROGRAM

Shaarei Shamayim celebrates five to eight Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies each year. These are special community events, and many members of the congregation attend so that they can support the students and their families on that day. The process entails studying the Torah and Haftarah portions, exploring traditional and contemporary Torah commentaries, learning the Shabbat morning service, and completing two service projects, one within Shaarei Shamayim and one for the larger community. Our Rabbi oversees the students’ studies and works closely with them throughout the process.

TEACHER’S ASSISTANT PROGRAM

After students become Bar/Bat Mitzvah they are eligible to work as teachers’ assistants at Bet Sefer. Our Children’s Education Committee has created a program to teach and mentor these young people so that they are prepared to take on increasing responsibility in our school. They receive training from our Director, as well as parents who are professional teachers, and they are coached by the teachers with whom they work each week.

YOUTH GROUP

Our youth group is the newest component of our program. In 2008, six high school students created Shaarei Shamayim’s youth group, and the congregation hired an advisor to support them in their activities. The youth group has now grown and provides a framework for the students to join together to do volunteer work, hold social events, learn about Jewish life on campus, and express their unique voice in the congregation.