Three Bold Steps: Expanding Our Vision for Jewish Learning

In his writings, modern theologian Rabbi Ed Feinstein describes the character of each book of the Torah. He calls the next-to-last book, Be-Midbar (In the Wilderness, also known as Numbers), “perhaps the noisiest in the Bible.”  Filled with complaint, dissention and rebellion, he describes this period in the Israelites’ journey as the time when “every tie that binds Israel falls apart….” 

In contrast, he characterizes the final book of the Torah, Devarim (Words, also known as Deuteronomy), as a time of “fundamental consensus and shared direction.” He continues:

"…Torah offers this wisdom and comfort: Be-Midbar is not the last word. Periods of Be-Midbar chaos and wandering will inevitably be followed by the consensus and calm of Devarim, just as chaos is overcome by Creation. That’s our ultimate faith."

Last year, I wrote about the journey of the Reimagine Religious Task Force: Looking Inward, then Looking Outward, and our current phase, Moving Forward—or to use Rabbi Feinstein’s metaphor, the Devarim phase, in which we develop consensus around the direction we will take Jewish learning for children and their families. We are compiling everything we’ve collectively learned and experienced over the past year and a half and are making decisions for our congregation and our learners that will affect both for years to come. We are embarking on the first stages of creation.

We began with refining our educational 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. Read more about our mission here.

Our second important decision is to implement an alternative educational model. The Task Force will present this model to the Temple Beth Shalom board soon, followed by learning and discussion opportunities for families and all congregants to learn more.

Finally, our third important decision is to affirm three new initiatives for our children and their families, to be introduced this year.

Initiative 1: Expanded Family Holiday Programming

Building on the success of our Days of Awe Family Program and Mitzvahpalooza, we are delighted to announce a series of eight family holiday programs. These events will provide hands-on learning and opportunities for families to connect with each other and our clergy and staff. Upcoming programs include a Selichot Family Program exploring the meaning of the High Holy Days, Sukkot and Simchat Torah programs for the entire congregation, a Family Tu B’Shevat Seder, and a Mimouna Celebration (a Moroccan Jewish festival celebrating the end of Passover).

Initiative 2: Dallas Holocaust Museum Trip

Our 6th and 7th graders will travel to the Dallas Holocaust Museum, along with 6th and 7th graders from Emanuel Houston. Our students will enjoy a fun Saturday program and sleepover, followed by a meaningful morning at the Holocaust Museum for an age-appropriate, immersive learning experience about the Holocaust while fostering friendships with peers from across Texas.

Initiative 3: Jr. Israeli Scouts Club

This monthly club will offer students from third to sixth grade an opportunity to explore Israel's unique geography, taste its delicious foods, learn about its wildlife, delve into its rich history, and spend time with the Shinshinim (Israeli teen ambassadors). The Jr. Israeli Scouts Club will provide students with a deeper understanding of Israel in a fun and interactive way, while also allowing them to form connections with their peers in a smaller group setting.

We are enthusiastic about these new programs and the opportunities they present for our students and families. By making our Religious School experience more engaging, hands-on, and inclusive, we aim to foster a deeper connection to our traditions and each other.

We look forward to your participation and feedback as we continue to reimagine and enhance our Religious School. Stay tuned for more updates and details about our full program rollout.