Our philosophy toward religious education as well as the scope and sequence of our curriculum are based upon the Goals of Reform Jewish Education and suggestions from Rabbi Lawrence N. Mahrer and Debi Mahrer Rowe in their book A Guide to Small Congregation Religious Schools.

The goal of Congregation Brith Sholem's Religious School is for students to build a Jewish identity and increase involvement in the Jewish community by:
1. learning about Jewish heritage, holidays, texts and life cycle events and how to observe them;
2. developing a knowledge of Hebrew which will allow them to read fluently and master basic prayers;
3. becoming familiar with worship services and synagogue life throughout the world; and
4. learning and practicing the principles of tikkun olam ("perfecting the world").

Because our school meets only once per week and because of our small class sizes, we have combined-grade classrooms and a two-year rotating curriculum for grades preschool, K/1, 2/3, 4/5, and 6/7. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a basic Jewish education, covering a wide range of topics over the years each student spends in religious school. Hebrew instruction is focused on liturgical Hebrew. The curriculum is divided into five content areas in addition to Hebrew. These content areas are God, Torah, Israel, Celebrations, and Ethics. A description of what is to be covered at each grade level is available from the Religious School Coordinator.

In 5769 (2008-2009) Congregation Brith Sholem's Religious School will be in its 11th year of operation. Classes will be held this year most Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30. In addition to our dedicated teams of volunteer teachers, we look forward to having our student rabbi meet with the children at the religious school on each of his visits to Ogden this year.

For more information about Congregation Brith Sholem's Religious School, please contact the Religious School Coordinator, Pam Schneider, at pamschneider@comcast.net. To access the registration form for the 2008-2009 year, click here.