Religious School FAQ

At The Rabbi Felix Aber Religious School, we are committed to providing a meaningful, engaging, and inclusive Jewish education for every child. Our program is built on a foundation of inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We focus on skill-building at every level, particularly in Hebrew and Jewish literacy, so that students gain the confidence and knowledge to fully participate in Jewish life. Our curriculum emphasizes immersion in Jewish texts, encouraging students to engage critically with Torah and rabbinic teachings through creative discussions, debates, and chavruta (partner) study.

Jewish learning at TBE is deeply experiential—students don’t just learn about Judaism, they live it. Through hands-on tikkun olam (social justice) projects, field trips, and all-school ritual and holiday events, students actively connect with Jewish values, history, and traditions in meaningful and lasting ways. Whether participating in community service, exploring Jewish spaces beyond the classroom, or celebrating holidays together as a school, our students develop a personal and immersive relationship with Jewish life.

A core part of our program is building comfort and empowerment with tefillah (prayer). Through engaging and age-appropriate prayer experiences, students develop the skills, understanding, and confidence to participate in Jewish prayer in ways that feel meaningful to them. Whether leading prayers, exploring the structure and themes of the siddur, or discussing the personal and communal aspects of prayer, we help students cultivate a connection to tefillah that is both accessible and enriching.

Our dedicated and passionate faculty are not only skilled educators but also caring mentors who nurture each student’s Jewish identity. Above all, we foster a warm and welcoming community, where students and families build lasting connections and a strong sense of belonging. Choosing TBE means giving your child a Jewish education that is rich, dynamic, and deeply rooted in tradition and community—we would love to welcome your family!

Sending your child to religious school is a big decision, and there are many reasons for doing so! Some of our families want their children to experience opportunities to explore and question Jewish culture, rituals, texts, and values. Other families hope their children will develop an appreciation for Jewish spirituality, liturgy, and prayer. For others, religious school provides their children with a Jewish framework for how to engage with life’s tough questions, while still others view it as a place for their children to develop a positive Jewish identity. Most families are seeking to be part of a Jewish community, for their children and themselves. We would be more than happy to discuss this decision with you. Please contact Calle Schueler to set up a time to speak!

Absolutely! Students are welcome to enroll in our religious school at any time. Our leveled approach to Hebrew ensures that all learners progress at their own pace, so your child will be placed in a group that meets them where they are. Additionally, our spiraled holiday and tikkun olam curricula ensure that students are continuously engaging with Jewish traditions, values, and rituals—meaning no one ever "misses out" on key learning. For older students, we work closely with families to support Hebrew decoding skills and ensure preparedness for B’nai Mitzvah.

No matter when your child joins, they will be welcomed into a warm, engaging community where they can build Jewish knowledge and connections!

Our preschool program, Nitzanim, meets once a month on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Our Gan (kindergarten) and Aleph (1st grade) students meet weekly on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Our Bet-Zayin (2nd-7th grade) students meet weekly on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Our optional Gesher (“bridge”) program provides our Bet-Zayin students with after school care from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesdays. To get the most out of religious school, especially our Hebrew curriculum, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.

Midrasha (serving teens in 8th through 12th grade) meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and includes dinner.

Our daily schedule is designed to provide students with a balance of both formal instructional time and experiential learning opportunities that empower them to put their Jewish values and Hebrew language skills into practice.

Nope! Everyone is welcome to attend our school. Please note, however, that non-members will be billed a $100 surcharge for enrollment in K-7^th grade.

We highly encourage our religious school families to explore synagogue membership, especially as children approach the age of B’nei Mitzvah. New members are always offered a dues rate of $18 per household for the first year of membership, and finances are never a barrier to full membership and participation at Temple Beth-El. To learn more about the membership process, click here.

Of course! We would be more than happy to have your child visit our school to get a taste of what we have to offer. Simply email Calle Schueler to set up a visit.

Yes, and no. Our curriculum is designed to give students a firm grounding in Jewish life, with emphasis on Jewish texts, rituals, and communal values. We empower our students to take ownership over their learning so that when it comes time to become a Jewish adult, they are ready for the challenge! But while religious school is a great way for students to build their Jewish identity and find a Jewish home, it is not meant to be a one stop shop for everything Jewish. We strongly encourage families to come join us in services on Shabbat and holidays, as well as to make Jewish life a regular part of your home. TBE is invested in supporting you and your family in building a rich Jewish life. Check out our calendar to see what events are coming up soon, or reach out to Calle or Rav Caleb to talk about how your family can get more plugged into the TBE community.