Religious Education Center

We can't wait to learn with you!

We are excited to share with you all of the learning opportunities for K-12th Grade students in the 2024-2025 program year. Please scroll below to understand the variety of options. We can't wait to welcome your children for another incredible year together!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Silversten, Assistant Director of Religious Education, 973-671-6675 or ssilversten@tbj.org

K-12 LEARNING PROGRAM

In our Religious School, we aim to expand what is taught in supplementary Jewish education to include deep and significant explorations of self and of others through the lens of Character Strengths. Our program marries the values of deepening who we are as human beings with living full and rich Jewish lives. We have created a new Judaic Studies curriculum that weaves together the worlds of Jewish wisdom, faith, spirituality and positive psychology.

Our goal is to utilize a strengths-based philosophy to build an enduring culture of flourishing, well-being, and confidence through dynamic and meaningful experiences that connect the wisdom of Jewish tradition, the power of community and the best in ourselves to impact the world. Our strengths-based community will nurture the minds and souls of its members through the use of integrated curricula, community engagement opportunities, relationship-building, and personal quests for spiritual well-being. With an emphasis on flourishing, our model will equip our students and parents with an understanding of themselves and their Judaism that is rooted in strengths.

K-12 PROGRAMS For The Year 2024-2025

We are excited to offer so many opportunities for learning and engagement for our students.

Questions about Enrollment?
Contact Sarah Silversten
Assistant Director of Religious Education
973-671-6675 or ssilversten@tbj.org

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL

Kindergarten-6th Grade Grade Learning and Engagement

K-2 Learning and Engagement

Students in K-2nd Grade can choose between Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00 am or Tuesday afternoons from 4:15-5:30 pm.

There is also an option to extend their learning time on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:45 am or Tuesday afternoons from 4:15-6:30 pm.

3rd-6th Grade Learning and Engagement

Students in 3rd-6th Grade have the option to learn either on Sundays from 9:30-11:45am or Tuesdays from 4:15-6:30pm.

These years of growth are transformative we are so excited to help guide them on this journey of Torah and Hebrew exploration.

7th-12th Grade Learning and Engagement

click here to enroll

Click here for 7-12 Course dates

7th Grade Overview

Our 7th grade program is incredibly unique. We understand that our 7th graders are busy between secular school, preparing for their B’nai Mitzvah, and extracurriculars. That is why we designed a flexible and enjoyable program specifically tailored to each class. We offer 12 sessions throughout the year and ask 7th graders and their families to choose 7 or more from that list. Each 90 minute session consists of programming with educators, lunch/dinner, and social time. For a more in-depth look, please view our “Introduction to 7th Grade Program” video.

7th Grade Courses offered for 2024-25:

Jewish Cinema - Explore Jewish representation in film, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as Hollywood’s Jewish roots.
Addressing Antisemitism - Discuss what antisemitism is, where it is present, and how we respond.
Jews in the News - Learn about current events relating to Jews, from Adam Sandler to Benjamin Netanyahu.
Teen Tikkun Olam (TTO) - Participate in activities that repair the world. Previous TTO projects include cooking for Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors and sorting coats for the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.
Krav Maga - Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art developed by the IDF, we will learn when it is used and some of the basics skills.
Creating Jewish Art - Learn about famous Jewish art and make an art piece that represents Jewish values.
Teen Tikkun Olam (TTO) - Participate in activities that repair the world. Previous TTO projects include cooking for Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors and sorting coats for the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.
Israel: Unpacked - Learn about the history and culture of Israel.
Jews in the Wild - Learn about what being Jewish has to do with protecting the world, this class involves going outside and exploring!
Addressing Antisemitism - Discuss what antisemitism is, where it is present, and how to react.
Riddler on the Roof (a J+S Escape Room) - Escape the room by working as a team!
Jewish Cooking - Learn how to cook delicious Jewish Dishes! Previous projects have been making challah, matzah pizza, and mandel bread.

8th-12th Grade Core Programs by Grade/Cohort

TBJ has partnered with the Jewish Education Project to design a central concept that informs our Teen Programs and provides a framework by which we nurture identity building and community connections. Based on “My Aspiration Playbook (MAP) for Jewish Learning & Living,” each year of our teens’ journey aims to answer essential questions that run through each of our offerings. We are honored and excited to be on this journey with you! For more information on classes and the MAP, please contact Jay Ascher, Youth Educator at jascher@tbj.or or call 973-671-6641.

WHO AM I?
Our younger teens will be empowered to explore the question, “Who am I?” We will examine Jewish identity and find relevance in a 3000-year-old tradition. The Core Program meets on 6 Sundays throughout the year. Teens will engage in discussions on topics such as “Text Messages”, which explores popular Jewish stories relevant to teenagers, and current events that make their way into our social media and more.
HOW DO I NAVIGATE MY SPIRTUAL JOURNEY?
Confirmation has the same goal it has had for many years: to help our teenagers navigate their spiritual journey. Tenth Graders will learn about what it means to be Jewish as they learn with Cantor Lucy and Rabbi Matt. Confirmation classes meet approximately 2 Sundays per month. The year culminates with our Confirmation service in the spring.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD?
Our older teens can expect to learn about what it means to belong in communities and participate in the world. Our six Monday evening classes will center around preparing our teens to live Jewishly in their lives in High School and beyond. They will have the opportunity to learn with Clergy about relevant topics, like navigating antisemitism and how to continue forming their Jewish identities as their paths introduces them to new places and faces.

Additional Learning Opportunities, Available to ALL Teens in Grades 8-12:

Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “repairing the world”) is one of our most popular programs year after year because our teens understand the value of giving back. We spend each session participating in hands-on activities that help our community. Some of these include cooking for Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors, making blankets to donate to Urban Renewal Corp., and sorting coats that were donated to IFPO.
Our workshop-style leadership class is great for teens looking to develop their skills as program writers and forward thinkers. By engaging in thoughtful discussions, hands-on activities, and realistic scenarios, our teens learn how to be better leaders in our communities. The curriculum incorporates Jewish ideas into lessons ranging from problem solving to communicating with adults, while making sure it is fun and practical. The end goal is to get teens to run their own programs for the community.
Madrichim (Hebrew for guides) are our teen interns at TBJ. Our Madrichim program is thriving, and we are proud of our teens who want to be engaged in the Religious School journeys of our K-6 learners on Sundays or Tuesdays. They help in the classrooms and with general logistics to ensure that the school runs smoothly. Our Madrichim can be volunteers or paid once they turn 14. Teens receive leadership training during our Madrichim Seminars which run about once a month after Religious School on Sundays. The seminars help teens develop essential skills relevant to working in Religious School and to their everyday lives.
What is better than eating delicious Jewish food? Learning AND eating delicious Jewish food! Our teens gather every few weeks to learn how to make traditional and modern Jewish dishes. Everything is done by the teens, from sorting out ingredients, to making dinner for the class, to tasting how good whatever is cooked may be. In the past we have made things like Tu B’Shevat Pop-Tarts, challah, and Israeli salad. We are always trying to find innovative ways to make delicious meals!
Rosh Chodesh is for female-identifying teens to come together and spend time learning, crafting, and talking with Clergy about topics they find interesting. The sessions are a great opportunity to relax with a group and hang out at temple while casually learning about Judaism.