Bet Sefer

Our Program - Curriculum - Calendar

Shaarei Shamayim's children's education program, called Bet Sefer, is a lively program run by our Rabbi, Laurie Zimmerman. More than 40 children age 3-13 attend Bet Sefer.

Our early education program for 3- and 4-year-olds meets every other week during the year. Children and parents attend class together and form their own classroom community within the larger school.

Students in kindergarten-7th grade meet every Sunday. Additionally, students in 3rd-6th grade meet with a private tutor once a week for half an hour to learn Hebrew. Students in 7 th grade meet with a B'nei Mitzvah tutor for one hour a week.

Sunday classes run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Parental Stress Center (part of the Family Centers), 2120 Fordem Ave.

Bet Sefer Mission Statement

 "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.

Inclusivity at Shaarei Shamayim

Shaarei Shamayim strives to be inclusive of all kinds of relationships and family configurations. We welcome families with parents who are gay or lesbian, single and/or divorced, and in interfaith relationships.

Teens at Bet Sefer

Our teenagers play a central role at Bet Sefer. Each year we have some teenagers working as teachers’ assistants. This gives them valuable work experience in the classroom, and it gives our children the opportunity to connect with enthusiastic, creative teenagers who can help them with projects, read them stories, and teach various topics.

We also have a madrichim program, whereby our teens learn how to become teachers by discussing various topics with a teacher and then walking into the classroom to try out their ideas.

Lastly, our teens help out throughout the year at holiday celebrations and children’s services. As post-Bar and Bat Mitzvah young Jewish adults, we encourage them to take leadership roles in the community.