West End Temple’s Religious School strives to encourage a strong Jewish identity. It enables children to learn about their Jewish heritage, history, and traditions through the five senses, art, and music. Because Jewish education is a life-long journey, we believe that the journey should be meaningful, challenging, and inspiring. Most importantly, we believe that it should start early.

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Overview: The multifaceted curriculum of our school builds upon a student’s previous Jewish learning experiences while introducing new concepts and experiences appropriate to the student’s development. Each grade cluster has a specific focus integrated with Torah study, Bible, History, Holidays, Israel, Life Cycle, Jewish Values, and Mitzvot. Students are invited to think about God’s role in their lives as well as their own and their family’s connection to West End Temple and the Jewish community. Students read Jewish texts, participate in Tzedakah/mitzvah projects, and explore Judaism through music and the arts.

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Religious School meets from 10am to 12pm on Sundays. Occasionally during the year, we have Shabbat B'Yachad on Saturday mornings (and do not meet on Sunday mornings those weekends.)  Parents are invited to join their children at 11:15am for Shabbat morning Tefillah, followed by a Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Religious School parents. 

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Please see our Calendar for more scheduling information.  Religious School begins Sunday, September 15 at 10am. Please pre-register by calling or emailing our office to receive registration materials.

Formal Hebrew instruction begins in third grade. Our Hebrew program focuses on providing students with synagogue participation skills. We emphasize fluent and accurate reading and vocabulary recognition as they relate to prayer, Bible, holidays, and ethics. The Hebrew language is a thread linking our West End Temple family with the world Jewish community.

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Hebrew School meets from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday evenings. Please see our Calendar for more scheduling information.

B'nai Mitzvah Boot Camp prepares students for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah. BMBC meets Wednesdays at 5:30pm for Tefillah (which they assist in leading) followed by a pizza dinner at 6:00pm.  Following dinner, students focus on the weekly Torah portion, and perfect their knowledge of the Shabbat morning Service so that they can lead the congregation in prayer at their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Students learn Torah and Haftarah cantillation together as well as for their individual Torah and Haftarah portions. 

Join Shireinu, our children's choir! Shireinu is for children from ages 7-12. Our focus is on learning music for Shabbat and holidays in a fun and supportive environment. Shireinu will perform at services and holiday celebrations throughout the year. Shireinu is directed by Student Cantor with assistance from WET Religious School alum Olivia Musumeci.

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Shireinu rehearses from 12pm to 12:45pm on select Sundays, after Religious School. Please see our Calendar for more scheduling information.