Philosophy and Goals
The goal of Jewish education at Congregation Beth Chaim is to produce Reform Jews who:
- Express pride in their heritage, are excited about being Jewish and about our traditions;
are familiar with the rituals and customs of Shabbat and holidays and who understand the
reasons for these observances.
- Can describe the different ways Jews have conceptualized God throughout history and
who can affirm a personal perspective of God and spirituality.
- Have a clear understanding of the nature of prayer and are comfortable with the structure
and contents of the prayer book.
- Can explain the important values and mitzvot which have guided our people for 4,000
years (e.g. Tzedakkah, K’lal Yisrael; the centrality of family; the importance of study; the
Ten Commandments; justice for all peoples; etc.), who understand the Jewish devotion to
these values and who, themselves, are committed to live by these values.
- Understand the place of Hebrew in Jewish tradition.
- Have an understanding of the special rituals we, as a people, use to mark significant life
cycle events and who desire to observe these events in their lifetimes and in the life
passages of their families.
- Enthusiastically support and participate in the life of the synagogue, the Jewish
community and the community at large.
- See themselves and their actions as important links in the chain of “Am Yisrael,” the
Jewish people.
- Affirm their historic and enduring bond to the Land of Israel.
