About Nisayon at Beth Shalom Austin

Empowering Students to Learn and Grow

Our Mission

Temple Beth Shalom is a vibrant and inclusive educational community that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. We nurture Kehillah Kedosha, a holy community, where students study Torah, celebrate Jewish life, and connect with Israel and her people.

Emunah (Conviction): Empower students to embrace Judaism as a vital part of their identities.

Yetzirah v’Sakranut (Creativity and Curiosity): Create an engaging, experiential learning environment for a deep connection with Judaism.

Kol Arevim Zeh b’zeh (The Whole Community is Responsible for One Another): Celebrate Jewish culture, fostering joy in the community.

Talmud Torah (Lifelong Learning): Equip students with knowledge, skills, and values to navigate the modern world.

Kehillah Kedoshah (Holy Community): Cultivate a safe educational experience for all learners.

Ahavat Tzion (Love of the Land and People of Israel): Encourage personal Jewish journeys and deep connections with Israel.

How It Works

Afternoon and weekend programming will take place at Temple Beth Shalom, Shalom Austin, parks, museums and other locations around the greater Austin area.
Your child can participate in programming that fits their schedule.
Each Nisayon student will meet with an advisor twice a year to choose courses and check in on progress. At least one parent is encouraged to take part in these meetings. Advisors will also stay in touch through phone calls, emails and text correspondence throughout the year.
Nisayon participants will complete an end-of-semester project as a reflection and assessment of their learning journey, showcasing their growth and engagement in a meaningful way.

TORAH

Engage in meaningful discussions and interactive learning with peers, exploring Jewish texts, values, and traditions in a dynamic and enriching way.

Monthly Torah Study
Book Club
Israeli Scouts
AJFF Movie Viewing
Holocaust Museum Fieldtrips
Holiday Prep Classes
Lectures with visiting guests.

AVODAH

Experience Jewish life and sacred time by attending services and celebrating holidays as part of a vibrant community, deepening your connection to tradition and spirituality.

Attending Friday Night services in person or virtually.
Attending B’nai Mitzvah (Saturday Morning) services.
Participating in a variety of holiday celebrations throughout the year.

GEMILUT CHASADIM

Experience Jewish life and sacred time by attending services and celebrating holidays as part of a vibrant community, deepening your connection to tradition and spirituality.

Attending Friday Night services in person or virtually.
Attending B’nai Mitzvah (Saturday Morning) services.
Participating in a variety of holiday celebrations throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that choosing the right Jewish learning experience for your family is an important decision, and you may have questions about how Nisayon works. This FAQ is designed to help answer common questions about the program, including how it differs from the traditional religious school model, what the expectations are for participation, and how it will impact your child’s Jewish learning journey.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss whether Nisayon is the right fit for your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you in creating a meaningful and engaging Jewish education experience for your child!