JROOTS strives to inspire a love for lifelong Jewish learning, and to help students:

• Find joy, meaning, and pride in living Jewish lives. 

• Identify with the Jewish community in the United States, in Israel, and around the world.

 • Make connections between the Jewish learning and living that takes place at the synagogue and home. 

• Celebrate Jewish holidays and life cycle events. 

• Study Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and other sources of Jewish values. 

• Create emotional connections with the Hebrew language through our liturgy and texts. 

• Become familiar with the Siddur (prayer book) and become comfortable with the prayer service. 

• Translate Jewish values into actions that promote justice, freedom, and peace. 

• Be active members of our Beth Israel community

Our students’ ages range from incoming four-year-olds to graduating confirmation students. Beth Israel Congregation uses the non-denominational curriculum prepared by the Goldring Woldenberg Institute for Southern Jewish Life. 

This is a spiraled curriculum, in which students revisit key content areas with increased sophistication as they progress through the curriculum. The ten key content areas: Community, Culture and Symbols, God, Hebrew and Prayer, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Life-cycle Events, Mitzvot and Jewish Values, and Tanach (Torah, Prophets and Writings). The curriculum is developmentally appropriate, nurturing students’ Jewish identity, equipping students to live rich and meaningful lives. 

Our JROOTS group  is a caring community where everyone learns and participates in a wide variety of age-appropriate programs and activities. Our program emphasizes small classes and warm relationships, where our students will develop a positive Jewish identity through a comprehensive exploration of Judaism. Our program is enriched with music, dance, art, library visits, and youth group activities.

Tot Shabbat

Saturday Mornings (see BIC Blast for 2025 dates)

Tot Shabbat is a time for young families to get together on Saturday mornings for a program designed just for you! We'll meet in the sanctuary for a few songs and stories, then finish in the social hall for hands-on activity and some snacks. While our youngest congregants are always welcome in the sanctuary, this is a special time to get together with other young families and get familiar with the temple.

Interested in participating? Contact Co-Directors Rachel Myers and Vivienne Diaz at rsadmin@bethisraelms.org