Education - Beth Shalom Auckland

Learn Education at Beth Shalom

There are many ways to deepen your connection to Judaism at Beth Shalom, no matter your age and stage. If you have questions, please email educator@bethshalom.org.nz

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Opportunities to Learn

Yachad, ages 7 to 12
Our young learners and their families come to Yachad – Beth Shalom’s Jewish Learning Programme – a happy place where learning Jewish values, doing good deeds, and understanding Jewish culture all come to life. Here, they become mensches.

We meet fortnightly in person on Sundays to explore Jewish values and culture, and meet weekly on a weekday, online, for Hebrew language instruction. Our thoughtfully designed programme includes:

Engaging, in-depth and age-appropriate study of Jewish values, drawing from real life and the central texts of our tradition.

Singing, dancing, crafting, thinking and creative play – all while connecting with other Jewish kids and families.

Live Hebrew language lessons, attended online from home

Our curriculum is based on that from ShalomLearning.com and has been modified for the New Zealand context

Yachad serves children aged 7 – 12, flowing seamlessly into bar/bat mitzvah training, with an additional programme for teenagers.

Our curriculum, using internationally respected multimedia learning resources, is tailored to the values and goals of our community. It is quality, dynamic Jewish learning for today.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation

When young people reach puberty, they begin to shed the behaviours and mindsets of childhood. They step into their own as thinkers and doers, capable of achieving difficult things. Bnei Mitzvah Ceremonies celebrate that transition.

Our bnei mitzvah students study Torah one-on-one with Rabbi Dean, exploring the wisdom of our tradition. They learn to chant directly from the Torah with their own tutor. With Rabbi’s support, they write a d’var Torah – their own interpretation of the weekly portion. They select a mitzvah project, and realise that they have both the obligation and the power to have a positive impact on the world. They learn the prayers of our siddur, and grow confident standing before a room full of people, sharing their insights.

Typically at Beth Shalom, families sponsor an Oneg – a celebration – immediately following the service, in our hall. All are welcome (no need for a formal invitation!).

Families are expected to be members in good standing of Beth Shalom, to attend Shabbat services regularly, and to commit to fulfilling their obligations – study, practice, writing, rehearsing. Beth Shalom welcomes all Jewish youth, including those with special needs. We are glad to adapt the experience to accommodate different abilities and learning styles; we do so in partnership with parents and students.

Through the Bnei Mitzvah experience, kids and parents learn what they’re capable of, and experience the depth and wisdom that is Jewish culture.

Rabbi Dean would love to speak with you about bar and bat mitzvah, and invites you to be in touch with any questions: Rabbi@BethShalom.org.nz.
Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand

Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand is a Jewish, Zionist and Socialist youth movement run by young adults for the Jewish youth of Aoteaora New Zealand (years 3 – 13).
We have three kenim (hubs) across Aotearoa, New Zealand, where we run regular programs for the kids varying in topics. These kenim are; Auckland, Wellington and Svivot (in the regions).
Our primary goal is to provide a basic Jewish education for children who might not necessarily be able to get one elsewhere. We educate informally, meaning that most programs consist of some form of activity, physical or crafts based, followed by a discussion.
We also run bi-annual camps, in the July and January holidays. These are the highlight of the Habonim year and members from all across the country come together for this social and educational experience. Habonim Dror also sends our recent highschool graduates to Israel for a ten month Shnat Hachshara leadership course. On this programme participants further their Jewish education, meet other Jews from around the world, and receive leadership training to become quality leaders when they return to the New Zealand movement. To learn more, visit www.habo.org.nz.