Children's Programs & Youth Programs
Garinim Montessori Preschool
- Shabbat Programs
- Religious School
- Benei Mitzva Program
- Kadima & USY
- Library Collections
Shabbat Programs
Children's Shabbat Ḥavura
The Children's Shabbat Ḥavura meets every Shabbat morning from 10:45a to noon in the Claire Goodwin Youth Room. Designed to address the spiritual and social needs of preschool children, the Ḥavura meets concurrently with K-2 Kehila, Junior Congregation and Cosmic Conversations for older children, a Learners' Minyan for adults and the main Sabbath service. Following the half-hour of songs, stories, prayers and dance, the children have their own qiddush refreshments and then enjoy supervised play until they join the adult worship for the Concluding Service and qiddush.
The Ḥavura enjoys strong support from parents and the Synagogue. Currently about 60 children and their parents actively participate in the Ḥavura. Visitors have come from across New England to observe this program as a model for their own synagogues.
Meeting the spiritual and social needs of preschool children is an obligation of the Jewish community and an important part of the Synagogue's mission. The Ḥavura (Friendship Circle) links the children to one another, to other concerned Jewish parents, and to the Synagogue. The Ḥavura enjoys the active participation of parents who themselves are enriched by the experience. For many adults, the Children's Shabbat Ḥavura serves as their introduction to active participation in the Synagogue Community.
If you are interested in learning more about the BEKI Children's Shabbat Ḥavura, come any Shabbat (Saturday) morning at 10:45a and see for yourself. Or contact Miriam Benson at mirbenson@aol.com, who coordinates the program.
K-2 Kehila
K-2 Kehila is a "junior-junior" congregation for children in grades K-2, and meets every Shabbat morning from 10:45a to noon. Children are welcome to come once or every time. K-2 Kehila is run cooperatively by talented and dedicated parents. For more information contact Miriam Benson at mirbenson@aol.com.
Junior Congregation
Junior Congregation meets every Shabbat (Saturday) morning from 10:45a to noon to address the spiritual, educational and social needs of children in grades 3-6. The Junior Congregation is lead cooperatively by a group of talented and dedicated parents and educators. For more information contact Miriam Benson at mirbenson@aol.com.
Cosmic Conversations for People in Middle or Junior High School
Several times a month, youth meet to discuss the Torah portion in an open way.
Religious School
The Religious School provides formal religious training two days a week for students in grades K-7. The School is open to children regardless of synagogue affiliation. The School stresses excellence in supplemental education and maintains small class size. The School is under the direction of Principal Dorothy Bowser, pictured at right. The School (then under the direction of Dr. Lauren Kempton) was named a "Framework of Excellence School" by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in 2005.
Pictured at left: Charles & Violet Ludwig help students with a Tu BeShevat project, Spring 2002
The School initiated a Special Education Program as part of its program in 1995; it was the first program of its kind in the region. Special Education at BEKI is supported by the Department of Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and by The Borick Family Endowment for Special Education for Youth at Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel.
The School brings together a diverse and unique group for the purpose of learning the fundamentals of living a full Jewish life, such as Hebrew language, Jewish history, holidays and prayer.
The School has a curriculum that is both traditional and innovative. It is traditional in that we take Jewish learning very seriously. The innovations include a developmental emphasis, the use of multi-age grouping for some classes and activities, a uniquely individualized Hebrew language program, family education programs, and a special Kindergarten curriculum for the youngest students. The faculty is dedicated to education and development, and the students are happy and enthusiastic about learning.
Parents are encouraged to participate as fully and as often as they are able, doing everything from shofar blowing to juice pouring to performing at the Purim Festival. Family involvement helps the students connect more strongly with their own Jewish education and identity.
During the school year, classes are in session on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday afternoons. Most children in grades K, 1, and 2 attend on Sundays only, while the older students attend Sundays and Wednesdays.
For registration information call the BEKI office at (203) 389-2108 x14 or email the office at office@beki.org. To arrange a visit or for more information, call the Religious School Principal Dorothy Bowser at (203) 389-2108 ext. 13 (dbowser@beki.org).
The Religious School is supported by the The Gladys R. Lipkin Fund for the BEKI Hebrew School, The George & Leah Posener Endowment for the Jewish Education of BEKI Youth, by tuition, and by the Congregation. Scholarship assistance is provided by the Louis Friedman Scholarship Fund and the Rabbi Andrew Klein Scholarship Fund.
Pictured at left: Mr. Louis Friedman, of blessed memory.
Donations to the School may be made at www.beki.org/donate.html.
For a brief history of the School, see The BEKI Bulletin, March 2000 - Adar 5760.
Benei Mitzva Program
Pictured at right: Benei Mitzva Class, Late 1960s, with Rabbi Andrew Klein z"l.
Bar- and Bat-Mitzva are celebrated within the context of a caring community that emphasizes the mitzva over the "bar." Students meet individually and in groups with their teachers and with Rabbi Tilsen. Celebrants lead parts of the services, perform mitzva projects and study for its own sake. A comprehensive
Guide to Benei Mitzva Observance at Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel (PDF: 600 KB/60 pages) is available at this site or in printed form from the BEKI office. A companion Guide to Shabbat Morning Services at BEKI is also available at this site.
For more information contact Rabbi Tilsen jjtilsen@beki.org.
See Recent & Upcoming Benei Mitzva at BEKI.
Kadima and USY
Kadima (grades 6-8) and United Synagogue Youth (BEKI–BJ USY) (grades 9-12) enable youth to plan and hold educational, public service, worship and social events with adult guidance and supervision locally, regionally and nationally. BEKI youth share a chapter with neighboring Congregation B'nai Jacob in Woodbridge.
The Kadima and USY chapters have won numerous awards in recent years.
Pictured: Youth preparing pies to be sold as a benefit for local and international charitiesKadima and USY are supported by the George G. Posener Kadima & United Synagogue Youth Fund, the Tillie Dworski Horwitz & Edward Horwitz Endowment, and the Gilah Benson-Tilsen Fund for Youth, which are endowments managed for BEKI by the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven.
For more information on Kadima and USY please contact Youth Commission Chair Rena Cheskis-Gold r.cheskis-gold@snet.net, Kadima Advisor Ruthie Greenblatt kadima@beki.org, or the USY Advisor Shiri Friedman and chapter leaders at usy@beki.org. To donate to these youth groups, see the instructions at Donate.
Library Collections for Children & Youth
Books, tapes and films for children and youth are a focus of BEKI's libraries. See Library information for details and holdings. The Ari Nathan Levine Children's Collection and the Hebrew Video Collection are of special interest.
More Programs for Youth
High Holidays Children's & Youth Services
Yamim Noraim High Holy Days Children's and Youth Services are provided in the form of several age-appropriate programs while parents may be in the main service. These services enjoy an excellent reputation for creativity and popularity. In addition, babysitting services is provided during designated hours. During the years 5758-5768 (1997-2007) these Yamim Noraim High Holy Day Children's and Youth Services are sponsored by Rabbi Murray Levine in memory of Rebbetzin Malka Levine of blessed memory.
Ezra Academy Shabbat
Ezra Academy Shabbat annually recognizes the 50 BEKI kids enrolled in the local Conservative day school. Ezra Academy is less than 3 miles from BEKI outside of the eruv in a placid quasi-rural setting.
Holiday Celebrations for Kids
The Sukka Crafts Hour, Simhat Torah Gala, Hanuka Party, Purim Extravaganza, LaG BeOmer Kumsitz, Shabbat Family Dinners and other special programs bring families together in shul to celebrate.
KOACH Outreach to College Students
When students leave the community to attend college or graduate school, the Congregation keeps in touch with them through KOACH mailings and other contact. We want them to know that we value their continuing involvement in the Jewish community.
Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT USA 06515-1724
(203) 389-2108
Fax (203) 389-5899
Return to BEKI welcome pageEmail to the BEKI office: office@beki.org
Email to Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen: jjtilsen@beki.org