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Hebrew High School

Hebrew High School Curriculum Overview

Our community engages in the endeavor to be lifelong students of Jewish history, ritual, tradition, and text, to encounter holiness, and to be passionate advocates for social justice and tikkun olam.

The Temple Beth El curriculum rests on the firm foundation of Torah, from learning to practices to beliefs. The Temple Beth El curriculum is in keeping with the goals of Reform Jewish Education: to deepen Jewish experience and knowledge in order to strengthen faith in God, love of Torah, and identification with the Jewish people.

Eighth Grade: The eighth-grade curriculum is divided into two semesters. The first semester is an overview of Jewish history and texts from the post-Biblical period through today. The second semester will focus on American Jewish History, especially the history of the Jewish community in the PNW. 

Ninth & Tenth Grades: The ninth- and tenth-grade curriculum is also divided into two semesters. The first semester is a study of Comparative Judaism, where students will learn about different streams of Judaism including the Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox movements. The second semester is a study of Comparative Religion, during which students will have the opportunity to learn about different world religions and visit different places of worship. 

Eleventh & Twelfth Grade: The Confirmation Years focuses on Jewish values and ethics, and what it means to confirm a Jewish life. Students will explore what living a Jewish life means to them and how it fits in the context of the mitzvot (commandments) and customs of a Jewish life. The year culminates with a Confirmation Service for twelfth graders during the holiday of Shavuot, the holiday that celebrates the receiving of Torah. 

Current Schedule

  • Noon–12:30 p.m.: Community Lunch (all welcome!)
  • 12:30–1:30 p.m.: Class

Confirmation

 

Like most Reform synagogues, Temple Beth El has a long history of celebrating confirmation for young people at the end of tenth grade. This communal ritual is usually held on the evening of Shavuot in late May or early June. The students design and lead the worship service and speak about a topic that they have studied during their Jewish education.

Madrichol

Our Madrichol program is for students who are in eighth through twelfth grade religious school, and who have shown a degree of responsibility and interest in working with our students. These Hebrew High students may apply to work in the classroom as an educational assistant in our Sunday morning religious school program or Wednesday afternoon Hebrew school program.

Madrichol are trained and supervised during religious school through weekly meetings and observations. Madrichol assist in the instructional process as needed by the teacher, offering students individualized attention when needed. This can be either a paid or volunteer position. For more information on becoming a madrichol or to sign up for the program, please contact Madi at madi@tbetacoma.org or (253) 564-7101.

Fri, April 25 2025 27 Nisan 5785