Life @BT

Jewish Life

The vibrancy of Jewish life at Beth Tfiloh revolves around the Jewish holiday calendar, the weekly welcoming of Shabbat, and a variety of milestone occasions celebrating students’ learning and growth. And ever-present is our passionate commitment to Israel and our deep connection to the nation, its land and people.

From our youngest PreSchool toddlers to our High School seniors, daily prayer, Shabbat and holiday traditions, their source and their underlying meaning, are key components of our program. Whether they are eating lunch in a Sukkah, reciting tashlich at a nearby stream, donning Purim costumes, or leading a model Seder, all of our students are able to personally experience the essential joy of Judaism.

As a proudly Zionistic school, our love of Israel is ever-present. From singing Hatikvah each morning to reciting Hallel (prayers of thanksgiving) on Yom HaAtzmaut, to writing letters to Israeli soldiers, Beth Tfiloh stands as a bastion of Israel commitment and support. The modern Jewish holidays provide a key focus for the end of the school year, with moving observances of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day), and spirited celebrations of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Reunification Day).

List of 3 items.

Lower School - Celebrating Milestones

In Lower School, special milestone programs mark key achievements in our students Jewish learning, and are shared with parents and guests. First graders receive their first siddur (Hebrew prayer book) at a Siddur Ceremony, second graders are presented their first chumash (Hebrew bible) at a Chumash Program, third graders celebrate their knowledge of Jewish values at a Midot Program, and fourth graders demonstrate their mastery of t’hillim (psalms).

Lower School Jewish life includes weekly Kabbalat Shabbat songfests for each grade, Shabbat Spirit Days, Bracha Bonanza, holiday assemblies, and the annual Israel Fair.
Middle School - Creating Community

Jewish life permeates our Middle School beginning with daily services, and including special programs marking each holiday observance. Special programs are designated for each grade, including shofar making, a Mitzvah Week where students make their own tefillin and Shabbat items, a visit to a matzoh factory.

Grade-level Shabbatonim enable students to join together with their teachers in a most meaningful Shabbat program geared to their age group. Lower School teachers extend invitations to classes to join their families at home for other holiday celebrations, including Sukkot, Chanukah and Purim. These serve as opportunities for Jewish growth as well as providing a unique bond between students and their teachers – a bond that often continues years after graduation.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the national Chidon HaTanach bible competition, where we have consistently had top rated contestants.
High School - Building Advocacy Skills

Our High School students develop Israel advocacy skills to use on college campuses and experience Israel first-hand on their class trip to Poland and Israel, as the culmination of their Beth Tfiloh experience. A student Israel Action Committee plays an active role in creating Israel awareness and activism within the school community.

High School students are able to choose from a variety of davening options and can choose from two Judaic Studies tracks. The weekly High School assembly provides opportunities to celebrate upcoming holidays. Students take a leadership role in leading commemorations for Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Rembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day).