Jewish Learning Program

EDUCATION HANDBOOK
The Louis and Emily Slater Youth and Education Center
2015-2016

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Letter from Morah Melissa

page 3

Letter from Rabbi Kulwin

page 4

Learning Philosophy

page 5

The K, First and Second Grade Experience

page 6

Gimel-Mechinah (Third-Fifth Grade)

page 7

Club TBA

page 7

page 8

Makom (High School), Teen Tikkun Olam, BBYO

page 9

Specials and Informal Learning

Vav-Zayin (Sixth-Seventh Grade)

page 10

HaMercaz (Center for Special Services)

page 11

Parents as Partners

page 12

Parent and School: A Special Covenant

page 13

Shabbat Learning

page 14

ABCs of Policies and Procedures

page 15-16

2015-2016 Calendar

page 17

From Morah* Melissa

* morah is the Hebrew word for teacher

July 2015
Dear Families,
As I enter my fourth year here at Bnai Abraham, I look at my rising sixth graders and remember that it
was with them at the start of their third grade year that we began a wonderful journey. I love being with
the students, summers are slow, but their voices and joyfulness fill our halls with an energy and spirit
that make coming to work heartwarming and fulfilling.
There are times when I go home and wonder what meaning Jewish education has anymore. In fact, I
think my husband Rich may be quite tired of the philosophical inquiries. What long term goals do we each
share not only for our children, but for our people? What are our collective dreams? Surely it cannot
only be a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, surely my job is not just a means to an end for most families My hope is
that as we embark on another year, we recall the famous Zionist Theodore Herzl who said, Im Tirtzu
Ain Zo Agada, If you will it, it is no dream. My hope for this year is that we each stop and dream, even
just for a moment. Amidst the chaos of carpools and soccer schedules, between dance recitals and
standardized tests, what do we dream for our children? Not only for their body and minds, but for their
spirits? Whose legacy will we impart? What stories will they hold dear? To what community will they
belong? To whom will they feel a sense of responsibility and caring? These are all tenants and dreams
of the Jewish Learning Program. We seek not to be a means to an end, but the only the beginning of
helping you shape children filled with dreams that make the world a place we all wish to inhabit- a place
of goodness and spirit.
The Staff, Clergy, Board of Education and I look forward to helping each child fulfill his/her potential in a
meaningful and memorable way.
BShalom,

Melissa Weiner
Director of Jewish Learning

From Rabbi Kulwin

Dear Parents:

One of the first things we parents learn is that the clich is right. Our children dont do what we say; they do
what we do. We learn this in many ways. Our children will not be inclined to read if they only see us in front of
a computer or television screen. They will be averse to playing outside if we are confirmed couch potatoes. It
will certainly be hard to get them to eat right if our own diets are heavy on fats, refined sugars and fast foods.

This principle also applies to us as Jews: we can tell our children as vigorously and as ardently as we want how
important JLP is and how important it is to us that they become knowledgeable Jews. However, unless we
walk the walk, and not merely talk the talk, that being Jewish is important, the message will not have the impact
we want.

Every year, innumerable hours of family time are devoted to our childrens Jewish education. Car pool, time in
class, service attendancethe list goes on. We hope this investment of time and energy will reap great
benefits, namely our children learning a lot and having their Jewish identities reinforced. Yet strange as it may
seem, the most important aspect of JLP is not what takes place in the classroom. It is what takes place at
home.

Educating our children as Jews is a partnership between you at home and us at the synagogue. We provide the
classroom learning, the committed caring teachers, the curriculum that conveys the information we want our
children to absorb. But if they are to absorb that information, you have a role to play as well.

You should ensure that your children arrive on time and are prepared to learn. They must understand that good
behavior and a proper attitude are important. The best way to create that proper attitude? Let your kids see
that this is important to you.

If they see Jewish symbols in your home; if your family observes holidays and the occasional Shabbat; if you
appear eager and interested in what they learn in JLP and give lots of positive reinforcementthats how we
create a child who not only learns, but understands what is important. There is a lot more to it than carpool
drop off. This is the way we create a new generation of Jews.

The entire staff of the synagogue is here to help you and to work with you. I hope you join with us actively in
this sacred task, whether through the PTA, volunteering in the school, or simply as a concerned, responsive
parent. We cant do it alone.

Please contact me directly if there is any way in which I can be of help. I would look forward to hearing from
you.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Clifford M. Kulwin

Philosophy

The Temple Bnai Abraham Educational Program is dedicated to working jointly with our families to teach all
children the skills, knowledge, and values they will need to be life-long learners and committed Jewish adults.
We respond to the child's intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. Our program is designed to
give our students: 1) a sound foundation of knowledge about Jewish history, literature, customs,
ceremonies, and prayers 2) opportunities to explore the spiritual, intellectual, and affective aspects of religion
and tradition, and 3) "hands-on" experiences of Jewish life and learning. Our educational program works to
foster deep knowledge of and sense of responsibility toward Judaism and a commitment and connection to
Jewish life, community and Israel. Our goals include:
To Teach Our Students to:
1.Strive to create a balance of Talmud Torah, Avodah, and Gemillut Chassadim (Jewish learning,
Jewish living, and Jewish caring)
2. Decode Hebrew and gain contextual understanding of Torah and Prayer
3. Habituate understanding and practice of Tikkun Olam (acts of social justice)
4. Develop positive, celebratory experiences, and memories with Judaism
5. Learn and practice the values, rituals, and prayers of Judaism
6. Delve into the stories and history of the Jewish people
7. Approach Jewish living as active, joyous participants
8. Be responsible and caring members of our congregation, k'lal yisrael, the Jewish people, and the
broader community in which we live.
To Nurture Jews who:
1. Are strengthened in their Jewish identity and connect themselves to the Jewish people by word
and deed.
2. Celebrate Shabbat and the festivals and observe the Jewish ceremonies marking the significant
occasions in their lives.
3. Foster a love of Eretz Yisrael and bridge the connection between Diaspora Judaism and the
Jewish homeland.
4. Recognize the holiness of their own person and the person of others; their own family and the
family of others; their own community and the community of others.
5. Support and participate in the life of the synagogue and local Jewish Community.
6. Understand Jewish learning as a lifelong process.

We seek to provide a safe and sacred space for our children and their families to discover the joys, the

values, the knowledge, and the tools of Jewish life and living.

Grades K,1, & 2

Young children easily warm to the beauty of Judaism. While not mandatory, the importance of early education
demonstrates that young children quickly absorb and engage in meaningful ways with their faith. We strongly
encourage participation in our Primary Experiences.

Kindergarten (Gan)




Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
This early introduction to Jewish topics exposes our children to the message and meaning behind important Jewish
concepts. The class covers the celebration of Jewish holidays, with an emphasis on the symbols and blessings that
help us welcome Shabbat on Friday night. They learn to recognize the importance of the Torah: A Special Book, they
explore the very first stories of the Bible (Creation, Noah, & the Tower of Babel). The class also begins an
exploration of personal faith and spirituality using a storybook Godtalk curriculum designed to help students begin a
dialogue about faith and belief. The introduction of the Hebrew aleph-bet begins.
First Grade (Aleph)




Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
In first grade, our children continue the exploration of Jewish holidays building upon their kindergarten experience.
More emphasis is placed on learning the rituals associated with each holiday. Students learn about the first Jewish
family and other major Jewish personalities from Bereshit (Genesis). Students will have a basic introduction to the
Land of Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people (past and present). A re-introduction to the basic Hebrew
alphabet and phonetics is presented through readiness activities. An exploration of basic Jewish values also begins in
this grade. The class also continues the exploration of personal faith and spiritually using a storybook and a Godtalk
curriculum designed to help students begin a dialogue about faith and belief. We are also excited to introduce a
curriculum created just for our students entitled, Seussical, Jewsical! Using beloved Dr. Seuss stories, students will
explore ethical and important Jewish themes such as kavod av vam (honoring your mother & father) and communal
prayer.
Second Grade (Bet)



Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
Jewish Heroes! You can be one too! Students review the heroes of the Bible and their special stories, including:
Moses, Joseph, Deborah, David, Solomon, and Elijah. Students use the journal, The Giving Book to explore
tzedakah, gemilut hasadim, and other Jewish middot (values). Using games, and readiness activities, students begin
Hebrew letter, vowel recognition, blending and reading. The class also continues the exploration of personal faith and
belief. The class also learns basic brachot, and explores the meaning and reasons behind choosing to do mitzvot.

Grades 3, 4, 5

As children enter Elementary School Education, we begin learning and loving the Hebrew language. The goal of
our program is not only to enable our students to pray in Hebrew, but also to engage them in thoughtful
explorations of prayers, meanings and spirituality. Our Judaics components continue to envelop our
children in the warmth of ritual, the diversity of our history and the triumphs and challenges of
living Jewishly today.

Gimel-Third Grade


T/Th or M/W from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
In third grade, our students learn to read and write Hebrew using a new series called Alef-Bet
Quest and Kol Yisrael that comes with interactive CD for home use. All students will
acquire Hebrew reading readiness in preparation for learning the prayer
service. Students begin a dialogue with God by exploring the stories of
Genesis and the relationship of our patriarchs and matriarchs to God and history. Students
explore modern Israel, holidays, being a mensch, tzedakah, and more. Students in this age
group will be presented with their first Siddur, and work to understand the order of a service.
Students also experience a special Consecration during Shavuot. The class also continues the
exploration of personal faith and spirituality using the book, Who Knows God? designed to help
students continue a dialogue about faith and belief.
Dalet-Fourth Grade T/Th or M/W from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
Children in fourth grade continue their mastery of Hebrew reading. They learn the Shema section of the
Shabbat morning service and begin work on the Amidah. Children learn about the Mezuzzah, Tefillin, and Tallit.
The Torah continues to be studied with a special documentary series called Walking the Bible which utilizes text,
stories, video and more to expose the class to the stories and places scholars believe our Torah history
happened. Students will be exposed to the pshat (plain meaning of the text) and the drash (explanation or
interpretation of the text.) The book Partners with G-d designed to help students continue a dialogue about
faith and belief.
Hey-Fifth Grade

T/Th or M/W from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 pm
The Hebrew portion of this class focuses on the Amidah section of the Shabbat Shacharit
Service. Shabbat is explored once again through Havdalahs rituals and symbols. Students will
also take an in depth look at the Land of Israel, utilizing the Yachdav curriculum through the
Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, that partners our students with children
from Israel who are also completing the same material. Utilizing SKYPE and other interfacing
technology, our students connect to their Israeli counterparts. Students also study the history of
diaspora & American Jewish history. Additionally, students take part in a four week curriculum based on
Hanas Suitcase: A Holocaust Story.
Club TBA
(2 times a month) Wednesdays and Thursdays, after JLP
The formal educational program of our JLP is supplemented by students involvement in Club TBA, our Junior
Youth Group, for third through six graders. Club TBA usually meets one Wednesday and one Thursday evening
a month, directly following JLP, with an occasional Monday event out of the building. The programs are an
enjoyable social way for Jewish kids to have fun while socializing, eating pizza and participating in games and
activities with their JLP friends.

Grades 6 & 7

Vav-Sixth Grade
T/Th or M/W from 4-5:30 pm or 4-6 or Tuesday evenings 6:15-8:00 pm
Sixth grade begins the Bar and Bat Mitzvah course of study. In preparation, students learn to read and chant
the Haftarah blessings. During this year, major emphasis is placed on the Jewish life cycles and ritual
observance. Students participate in in depth examination of the mitzvot as students
work at both knowing and doing. Each child will explore their Bar/Bat Mitzvah portion
and gain an understanding of its place and role within the context of the Torah. Students
explore their feelings and concepts about G-d and spirituality. Sixth grade also will have
the opportunity to learn with our Israeli Rishon. The Rishon, a young person from Israel,
defers army service for one year, to serve as a living bridge to the State of Israel.
Mechinah Class-Seventh Grade


Tuesday Evenings, 6:15-8:00 pm
As students approach the teenage years, our focus switches to both academic knowledge and community
building. Incorporating dinner, learning and informal experiences, the Mechinah class strikes a balance
between formal learning and choice based learning. Students participate two main core classes through out
the year: Facing History in Ourselves: Holocaust and Human
Behavior which explores issues of identity, genocide,
propaganda, convenient hatreds and more through the lens of
1931-1945. Later in the year, with the help of our Israeli
Rishon, students are exposed to Israel through both a historical
and critical lens. Additionally, we share with them the beauty
that is the modern state of Israel. Every three weeks, students
participated in these core classes. The fourth week is a Camp
day. Students are invited to wear there TBA Camp t-shirt and
participate in a night dedicated to camp and Jewish heritage.
Typical schedules will include: Ahrochat Erev(Dinner), Limmud (Learning), Tefillot (Prayer)and Chugim
(Electives) and of course smores.
Mechinah Class Individual Student Volunteer Requirements
Fifteen (15) total volunteer hours are required for each Mechinah Class studentas follows:
5 synagogue volunteer hours
5 community volunteer hours
3 additional hours of student's choice either synagogue or community
2 hours working at the Purim Carnival on Thursday, March 5, 2015.
OR
Students may complete an approved mitzvah project with direct consult with the JLP staff
Volunteer Voucher forms are available on our website, www.tbanj.org. The forms are completed by the
Mechinah Class student and signed by the volunteer sites adult supervisor. Students return completed
forms to their homeroom teacher. A Mitzvah Opportunities list will be regularly updated and e-mailed home
with suggested volunteer opportunities.

Post Bnai Mitzvah

Temple Bnai Abraham is dedicated to making sure that our teens stay affiliated with Jewish education both
informally and formally. Students may opt to stay connected through a formal education programs and/or
our BBYO youth group program.
MAKOM: The Place for Jewish Teens (Pre-Confirmation to Confirmation)
Makom is an opportunity for students in 8-12th grade to commit to a more formal continuation of their
Jewish learning. Makom offers a Pre-Confirmation experience that helps teens begin
to think about their role within the larger Jewish community but also within the
context of the secular world. Students will be asked to think critically about political
and ethical implications of decisions we make collectively and individually. Class is
taught by Rabbi Dantowitz and is intended for teens in grades 8-9th grade.
Confirmation, is the culmination of formal learning at Temple Bnai Abraham. Rooted
in textual study, Rabbi Kulwin helps our young adults cement their connection to Jewish rituals and tradition,
while helping them to ascertain the kind of Jewish life they would like to lead.

TEEN TIKKUN OLAM

_______________________

TBD
The Teen Tikkun Olam Group is run by students in the TBA High School program.
Meetings are twice a month, once during the week and once on the weekend to design,
implement, and coordinate community action events. Students beginning in eighth grade
can contribute in meaningful and spiritual community mitzvah projects such as the
Thanksgiving Midnight Run, Habitat for Humanity, Car Wash For Cancer Funding, and
more. Past training has also included a mini Teen Leadership Institute that trained our students in leadership
and philanthropy.
MADRICHIM: TEEN TEACHERS______________________________________________M,T,W,Th____________
Teens in 8th through 12th grade are welcome to work study or volunteer in the Jewish Learning Program as
assistant teachers and classroom shadows. Please contact Melissa Weiner at 973-994-3950 for an
application.

B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO)

For grades 9-12.

Alternating Tuesday Evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm

AZA: AZA's unique programming for young men includes social programming with B'nai B'rith Girls and other
AZA chapters, community service projects, athletic tournaments and Judaic enrichment
programs. The diversity of programming, coupled with the sense of camaraderie and
leadership training, provided by AZA simply cannot be paralleled by any other youth
organization.

BBG: BBG offers young women the opportunity to enjoy social, athletic, community service and Judaic
programming. BBG is a place where all Jewish teenage girls can have fun, develop relationships, embrace
tradition and community, and find something inside themselves that only the B'nai B'rith Girls can bring out.

Enrichment and Specials

Music
Every other week, our music specialist, Jill Kimmelman works with our students on a
variety of familiar and contemporary songs to enhance the curriculum in the
classroom. This fun format encourages further Hebrew language acquisition and
appreciation for the many beautiful melodies of our people. With younger
children, Jill incorporates movement. With all children, percussion based
instruments are utilized to make music appreciation interactive and fun!
Tefillah Together
Every other week, students engage in Tefillah Together, a short prayer service designed to expose children to
the beauty of the prayer service. In addition to becoming familiar with the nusach (tunes) used at Bnai
Abraham, it allows children the opportunity to understand the order of the prayers and the context of the
liturgy. Songs, stories and movement are also intermingled. The service is lead by the staff including guest
visits from our clergy.
Hebrew Through Movement
is based on ways that children learn naturally:They learn by moving about and doing.
They learn in an environment of positive emotional support.They learn when they feel safe from the
embarrassment of not knowing. They learn when they can move forward at their own pace. They learn
best when learning is joyful and playful. They learn through songs, chants and rhythmic activities. Hebrew
through Movement, a language acquisition strategy in which students learn Hebrew by hearing and
responding to Hebrew commands.
Color Wars









Each child (K-6) will be assigned a Tribe. Then, watch as we become GIBORIM (heroes) competing in
monthly challenges related to Mitzvot* (commandments) to become the Tribe that is awarded the coveted
Triumphant Torah Trophy.
Special Events
At TBA, we understand that we have an obligation to impart knowledge and experiences to the students.
Throughout the year, students take part in a variety of celebrations and events intended to spark their
creativity and understanding of Jewish life. A students may walk through the Gates of Jerusalem, build a
Recycled Garden of Eden, and even enjoy a visit by Noah and his Petting Zoo. These events occur frequently
in our calendar and parents and guests are always welcome to join in the fun! Please make sure to save the
dates for these events which are available in your back to school mailing.
Rishonim
The 2015-2016 school year will have a special visitor, a youth emissary from Israel. The
Rishon will be spending many quality hours engaging our students in topics about Israel.
Every grade will have a chance to meet with the Rishon monthly, and some grades will
reap the benefits of weekly visits. The Rishon serves as a living bridge to Eretz Yisrael.

Special Needs at the JLP

Rabbi Eliezer says: Let other peoples dignity be as precious to you as your own. Pirkei Avot 2:15

HAMERKAZ (The Center)

M, T, W, Th
HaMerkaz, the special services program of The Temple Bnai Abraham JLP, is a warm, nurturing Jewish learning
environment dedicated to children with learning and physical differences in grades K-6, with consideration given
to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah process. Each child is encouraged to maximize his or her learning potential and is
instilled with a lifelong love of Judaism. The children learn about Jewish holidays, Israel, and the Hebrew language
in a fun and creative atmosphere. Some children benefit from a self-contained classroom, while others are
partially or completely mainstreamed with support. Their needs are varied, but we are committed to engage
every child and help them to live a meaningful Jewish life. Programming specifically designed to benefit your child
will be developed with your participation and using your child's IEP to facilitate and build on successful secular
experiences. Flexibility is built into the program to allow for changing needs
and abilities. Our professionals carefully and lovingly work with each child
to his or her ability. If you feel your child might benefit from special
services, please do not hesitate to contact the Director, Melissa Weiner at
973-994-3950 or mweiner@tbanj.org.

PureheART Special Needs Judaic Art Enrichment M

PureheART provides students with a nurturing environment for self
expression. Our experienced, fully certified special education
teachers provide creative empowerment with a focus on Jewish
themes, holidays and values. For children ages 5-9 years of age, in
consultation with the JLP staff and teachers.

Parents Are Our Partners

Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan stated that ...to educate a child without educating the parent, is like
heating a room with the window open.
Parent Education Days






TBD
The Religious Education Program firmly believes that Jewish Learning is a lifelong endeavor. With that in mind, we are pleased invite our parents on a regular
basis to participate in special days with their children.
At least one day a year, each grade level has a PACT (Parent and Children
Together) program. Please check the school calendar to reserve these special
days.
Class Services





TBD
Each year, every grade level participates in at least one grade level Shabbat
program to help our students acclimate to the experience of participating in and
leading a service. The prayers covered in class will be presented in a joyful and
meaningful way from the bima. Please check the school calendar to reserve
these special days.

Adult Learning





Many adults are also looking for an opportunity to enrich their Jewish learning, and
perhaps gain a refresher that might help them as they guide their children on this
wonderful Jewish journey. Throughout the year, classes are taught by our
clergy, educators, wonderful guest teachers and scholars, all who are eager
to share their passion for Judaism. We are also delighted to welcome
community members to attend our classes, and are proud to offer two
Florence Melton Adult Mini-School classes this year. You can join us once or
many timesthe choice is yours and we encourage you to let the year 5775
be rich with learning. Some offerings include: Parashat HaShavuah, The Melton
School, Book Groups, A Year of Bible, The Five Scrolls Lunch and Learn, and
Sisterhood Rosh Hodesh. For more information, please consult the TBA
Congregational Learning link on the tbanj.org website.

A Special Covenant

Pirke Avot instructs all Jews to get a teacher. A childs first teacher is his or her parent. Judaism begins in the home. At
TBA, we regard our relationship to parents as an essential partnership capable of encouraging our children to succeed,
and develop a positive relationship to Jewish values, rituals, and community. Throughout the year, classes will have
Parent Participation Days and School Events. We encourage your full participation in these cherished moments of
learning. Our doors and classrooms are always open to you, please just contact your child to let them know you will be
coming. Here are additional practices you can assume to make our educational program even more successful:
o Encourage a positive attitude towards religious education.
o Stress the need for regular attendance.
o PRACTICE HEBREW AT LEAST 5 MINUTES A DAY! Help with special projects.
o Make sure your child is on time and prepared.
o Encourage your child to work to the best of his/her ability.
o Become familiar with our school and curriculum.
o Share in Jewish experiences with your children on a regular basis at home,
in the synagogue and in the community.
o Dont be a stranger! We are committed to ongoing dialogue with parents.
Please become an active partner in your childs Jewish education.
In addition, please know that our doors and ears are always open. We
pride ourselves in being a compassionate and warm community. The
clergy, staff, and teachers want to be made aware of how best to help
your child. If your child has an IEP, a special learning style, emotional
challenges, or difficult life circumstances of which we should know, please
reach out. The information will be held in the strictest confidence. In
addition to each of the educational components of our school, we want
to make sure that the children (and their families) know that they are
valued and supported by their community.

Shabbat Learning

More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept Israel.
-Ahad Ha-Am, Hebrew Essayist
Junior Congregation
The Board of Education requires every student in 3-6th grade to attend at least eight (8) Shabbat/Holiday or
Mens Club Sunday morning minyan services during the year. Shabbat Junior Congregation Services are
counted. Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services are not counted toward this requirement. Beginning in
third grade, our students attend Junior Congregation. It is a special
time that allows students to put into practice the elements of Tefillah
(prayer) that they have learned in the classroom. Services are held
downstairs in the Brody Youth Lounge from 9:30-11 am. Students
should come in appropriate Shabbat attire. Boys should wear collared
shirts and trousers; girls should wear Shabbat attire. Please do not
wear sneakers. A small snack kiddush is provided. Parents are
always welcome to enjoy Junior Congregation or the Main Sanctuary
Services and join the congregation for our festive Kiddush. The
requirement can be met through Junior Congregation or attendance at
Friday and or Saturday service. In order to receive attendance credit, each student is responsible for signing
the attendance book located outside of the upstairs coat room and downstairs in the youth lounge. The book
will be removed ten minutes after services begin on any Friday or holiday service, and fifteen minutes after
Shabbat morning services begin. Each student must sign in only for him/her self to receive attendance credit.
Credit will also be given for attendance at certain holiday services other than Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Incentive programs will be held each year for students meeting attendance requirements. The dates for
2015-16 are as follows:
Saturday, 10/10 (Special Third Day Buddy Day)
Saturday, 11/14 (Special Third Day Buddy Day)
Saturday, 12/12 (Camp Shabbat-wear your Camp clothes)
Saturday, 1/9 (Tu BShevat Shabbat, wear green & brown to celebrate the trees)
Saturday, 2/6 (AHAVAH, Love, SHABBAT-wear red)
Saturday, 3/12 (Purim Shabbat)
Saturday, 4/9 (Exodus Shabbat)
5/12 (Israel Independence Day-Wear White and Blue)
Tot Shabbat
Throughout the year, preschoolers and their parents are encouraged to join us for a lively Tot Shabbat
service. Led by our rabbi, cantor and Director of the Early School, Debbie Aronson Ziering, we welcome
Shabbat with singing, clapping, stories and celebration! Tot Shabbat is usually followed by a dinner, craft
project, or special dessert. Fridays 6:00-6:30 PM. Check synagogue calendar for dates.

Policies and Procedures

Third Grade and New Student Orientation

This year Orientation will be held on students and Tuesday, September 9 for T/Th students and Wednesday,
September 10 for M/W. Both days from 4-5:30 pm.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Requirements
In order to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple B'nai Abraham, students must be in good academic and
attendance standing. Excessive absences, late and early dismissals may necessitate private tutoring at the
parents expense. Approximately six months before the student becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and all Temple
and JLP requirements and are being met, the student will begin preparation with the Cantor or the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah tutor. The Cantor or Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor will contact you to begin lessons.
Birthday Celebrations
It is a Temple Bnai Abraham tradition for our students to celebrate their birthdays with Rabbi Kulwin and the
Congregation during Friday evening services. When children attending this special service are celebrating their
birthday, they are invited up to the Bimah to receive a special birthday blessing and gift. For complete
information including all dates of Birthday Shabbat celebrations, visit www.tbanj.org to view the monthly
calendar. You may also contact the JLP Director to make sure your child gets special recognition!
Class Placement
Placement of students is based upon promoting the best learning environment for all students and fostering the
growth of congregational and communal bonds. While we strive to place each child with at least one special
friend based on mutual request, but the responsibility rests with the JLP administration to determine the best
placement for your child. There is a two-week waiting period in the Fall before any class changes will be made.
Communication
E-mail is our main form of communication with you. Please keep us updated as to all of your current e-mail
addresses and telephone numbers.
Dismissal
The Jlp offers two dismissal times. Please inform Brenda Small at bsmall@tbanj.org if your child will be departing
at the 5:30 pm dismissal or 6:00 pm dismissal.
Early Dismissal
Should an occasion arise for which you need to pick up your child early, for safety reasons, adults only (no
siblings) need to come into the JLP office, sign the Early Dismissal book, and wait for the classroom teacher to
be contacted to send the child to the office. Please do not remove an entire carpool of children if only one child
needs to leave early. Make-up work and/or private tutoring at the parents expense will be necessary if an
excess of school work is missed.

Policies and Procedures

Emergency Closing
In the event that the Livingston Township Public Schools close, dismiss early, or cancel after school activities,
the JLP will be closed. All families will be notified of closures via email. Postings will be made on our
Facebook as well as the synagogue website (tbanj.org). If you are in doubt, call the school office (973)
994-3950 ext: 295. The JLP voice mail message will indicate the latest information regarding school
closings.
Progess Evaluation
Evaluations are issued at the beginning of January and at the closing of the year.They are only used as a
tool to track progress and success. We do not test the children, only monitor for progress.
Transfer Policy for New Gimel - Mechinah Students
Prospective students will have their Hebrew reading ability evaluated before placed in a Hebrew class. If the
students Hebrew reading is at grade level, he or she will be placed in the appropriate age and grade level
class. If the student is not reading at grade level, Temple B'nai Abraham will do its best to quickly help a child
catch up to be at grade level. To that end, a parent may secure private tutoring to assist in the transition.
Tutoring Policy
All students are expected to practice their Hebrew at home.The staff of our program will work with each
child to achieve proficiency during our program. If a student still has difficulty in achieving the Hebrew reading
goals, a tutor from the Temple Bnai Abraham teaching staff may be recommended for private tutoring at
the parents expense. The goals for students needing private tutoring are determined by the childs
classroom teacher in conjunction with the JLP Director and the family.

Tzedakah
We encourage our students to perform the mitzvah of helping those who are less fortunate by bringing in
tzedakah money. The students choose which charities to support each year through various presentations.
Website
This interactive tool can be accessed at http://tbanjeducationprogram.weebly.com. In addition to viewing
the calendar and upcoming events, visit this site to practice prayers, study what you missed in the event of
an absence, and communicate with our school. You can also like us on Facebook at https://
www.facebook.com/tbanjjewishlearningprogram.

Calendar 2015-2016

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Notes

Sept
8
New Student
Parent/Child
Orientation

9
Opening Day All
Students
New Student
Parent/Child
Orientation
16
23
30

10
Opening Day for
all Returning
Students

14
21
28

15
22
29

1
8

12

13

14

15

19
26
2
9
16
23
30

20
27
3
10
17
24

21
28
4
11
18
25

22
29
5

19
26

1
8

2
9

3
10

14

15

16

17

21
28
4
11
18
25
1
8

22
29
5
12
19
26
2
9

23
30
6
13
20
27
3
10

24
31
7
14
21
28
4
11

15

16

17

18

22
29

23

24

25

1
8

2
9

3
10

14

15

16

17

21

22

23

24

28
4
11

29
5
12

30
6
13

31
7
14

18

19

20

21

25

26

27

28

May

Jr Cong 5/12
5/6 5th Grade
Shabbat

10

11

12

16

17

18

19

Oct
Jr Cong 10/10
3rd Grade
Consecration
10/23

Nov
Jr Cong 11/14

Dec
Jr Cong 12/12
Hanukkah
Program 12/11

Jan
Jr Cong 1/9

Feb
Jr Cong 2/6
6th Grade In
Service 2/25

Mar
Jr Cong 3/12
Purim Carnival
3/10
Third Grade
Shabbat 3/18
(4/8 Snow
Date)
Apr
Jr Cong 4/9
4/8 4th Grade
Shabbat

17
24

12-No K,1,2

3-Last 7th
Grade