Education at Shaarie Torah

Education, Bringing Tradition To Life.
Our educational programs are the foundation of Congregation Shaarie Torah. We offer educational opportunities to everyone from young children, preschool, elementary students, middle and high school student, young adults, the middle aged and our senior citizens. Congregation Shaarie Torah is a Contemporary Synagogue rooted in Jewish Tradition.

Youth Education Mission
ShaarieTorah offers youth focused programming which aims to instill Jewish identity in every child, by teaching our rituals and values in accordance with traditional Judaism through a contemporary lens. Engaging both parents and children who seek to increase knowledge of our sacred texts, while teaching their relevance in today’s world. Above all, we strive to foster in each child the ability and desire to live a jewish life, a commitment to tikun olam (repair of the world), and a sense of joy in experiencing all that our heritage has to offer.

Milt and Cissi Carl Preschool
Our Preschool introduces young children to Jewish holidays and rituals in an age-appropriate setting. Small class size allows more one-on-one time, so that special attention is paid to each child's self-expression, socialization, learning skills, and emotional well being. Our educational program includes celebrations of all major Jewish holidays, cooking, art projects, storytelling, field trips, singing with the cantor and rabbi, and special guests from the community.

Shabbat School
The Shaarie Torah Religious and Hebrew Etz Chaim School serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The elementary school meets Shabbat mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with sessions on Sunday once a month.

Wednesday Night School
Teens looking for social and educational opportunities with other Jewish teens. Youth that are interested in contemporary issues; that want to do Tikkun Olam in conjunction with gaining knowledge of Jewish traditions; that want to be prepared for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah A teen educational cabinet serves as a liaison between the education director and the teens to create programs that the youth find meaningful. Hot topics to be covered this year include gossip, peer pressure, bullying (6-8), sexuality, modesty and alcohol and drugs (9-12). Torah Lessons for Today’s Teens will examines issues such as jealousy, gratitude, and gossip and discuss it through Bible stories. Once a month, a mitzvah project will take place outside the synagogue where students will help the community at large. Four times a year special programs will include Israeli dancing and city-wide Jewish teen gatherings.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Preparation Class
Sixth and seventh grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a Bar/Bat mitzvah preparatory classes. The students will learn the Haftorah and Torah tropes, and Shabbat prayers. The meaning of the prayers in these sections will also be addressed. In addition, the children and their parents will meet periodically with the Rabbi to discuss their Torah portions and their overall Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience and to prepare the Bar or Bat Mitzvah address. This year, Rabbi Zuckerman and Dorice Horenstein will be the teachers for all of the students preparing for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Call the Education Department to discuss your family’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah needs. A monthly Torah & T’filah class has been added to enhance the understanding of this special life cycle.
The goal of this program is not only to prepare the children for their special day, but to equip the graduates with the ability to fully participate in services for years to come.

Download the 2010 - 2011 Bar / Bat Mitzvah Packet.

Social Action and Mitzvot from here to Israel
Youth grades 8+
Action matters more than thoughts. This year, for the first time, the youth educational cabinet is working with the Education Director to create J-Go, venues for teens to donate and volunteer their time with a Jewish understanding. From collecting food for the Rescue Mission and creating bracelets for youth cancer patients at OHSU to bringing toys to the Schneider Children Hospital in Israel, J-Go creates an experience of caring and action combined! For complete information please refer to the J-go youth flier.

Joy of Judaism
Through excellence and innovation in programming, Congregation Shaarie Torah Adult Education inspires members to seek knowledge of traditional Judaism and affirm Jewish heritage, culture, practice, and values.

Bringing Tradition To Life!