Based upon our awareness of the academic and educational burdens imposed on teachers and students, the diversity that exists between schools, and the differing needs and the multiple organizations offering projects and plans for the schools, we have adopted two basic principles in building our programs:
a. Our programs fit into the existing programs in school and do not constitute just another supplement to the existing ones.
b. The focus of each program will be determined in collaboration with the school staff, according to age of the student, the subject, the event, the school’s needs, and the existing policy of the school. The program will be guided by facilitators on behalf of Kehillat Ra’anan.
The following are examples:
a. A Jewish-Zionist connection to existing programs in the school such as:
- Connecting the program to texts in Judaism. For example, “integrating it into the existing program which deals with the relationship between Jewish texts and Jewish sources”
- Delving into Jewish texts to explore the kinds of questions raised by students who are about to enter their mandatory military service, such as: which orders are blatantly illegal, military ethics, leadership and more
- Connecting social programs to Jewish texts, such as: community volunteer programs, groups and individuals, etc.
- Establishing a Jewish text study hall for parents/teachers/students.
- Classroom sessions for parents and students, which enrich the teaching and learning experience of Jewish heritage, according to the curriculum in grades 7-8
- Studying Jewish sources related to Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- Reviewing Jewish sources as a prelude to class trips to Poland (which include visits to concentration camp sites)
- Preparing and conducting Shavuot night study sessions for parents and students
- Dealing with Jewish texts in the Education Ministry’s program “To Be a Citizen,” which is directed towards tenth grade students
- Activities before the holidays, including learning and experience.
- All subjects the school deems appropriate to relate to the Jewish texts
b. Students volunteering based upon their own personal commitment or volunteering according to specific school policy for different ages. As part of Kehillat Ra’anan’s existing volunteer framework, we can invite some students to join our existing Kaballat Shabbat programs for special needs communities in Ra’anana. We undertake to instruct the students how to be active participants during these activities. * Kehillat Ra’anan volunteers once a month at our neighbor “Beit Peri,” a facility for autistic adults functioning at different levels. We conduct Kaballat Shabbat services, including song and fun activities. Our volunteers also provide Kaballat Shabbat services for the “Agam” care facility that addresses children with medium and severe mental disabilities.
c. Final level work: students (whose final level work is done at the 4-5 study units level) are invited to use existing staff for training, as well as use of our rich Jewish library collection.
d. Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Boys and girls celebrate the Jewish traditional ceremony of “coming of age.” There is no difference between the bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, including reading from the Torah, writing a personal commentary (a Drasha or Dvar Torah), reciting blessings and mostly – having a great time being the center of attention!
At Beit Samueli these ceremonies are personalized and planned with each individual family. Each member of the family has the opportunity to take an active part during the event. Live music and singing add color too.
Each boy or girl and at least one parent (or another adult chosen by the family) attend a series of eight classes featuring an “Introduction to Judaism” in addition to the private preparation undertaken with one of the teachers on the list of tutors Beit Samueli recommends.
Our rabbis meet with each family and lead the services either at Beit Samueli or the place of your choice.
e. Ceremony for students about to enter their mandatory military service: 12th grade students
f. Ceremony for “To Be a Citizen” program: 10th grade students
These festive and moving ceremonies are held at Kehillat Ra’anan in the evening. The ceremony’s program reflects the school policy and values as defined by the school and the teachers. Attendees include students, their parent, and family members.
Lectures for teachers and parents on diverse subjects such as: the Hebrew calendar, Israeli ceremonies and festivals, Jewish and democratic identity in Israel today, equality between the sexes, life-cycle ceremonies, blessings and prayer services.
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