The Ivriah Religious Education

 

     We welcome your interest in The Ivriah and are happy to give you a bird’s-eye view of our school.  Founded in September 1982, we are the combined religious school of Temple Beth El (TBE-Reform) and Congregation Beth Israel (CBI-Conservative).  We are a supplementary school, teaching both Reform and Conservative Judaism, with a very strong emphasis on respect for, and appreciation of, diversity in Jewish life.  We are financially supported by the Flint Jewish Federation, TBE, CBI and tuition paid by parents.  Any child whose family is a member of either TBE or CBI is eligible to attend The Ivriah.  The Ivriah is governed by a Board of Directors, the members of which are designated by each of the two congregations respectively, and includes the Rabbi of each congregation.

 

SCHOOL FACULTY

 

     The Ivriah has a full-time Director, and the majority of our staff are professionally trained teachers.  They are hired for their teaching skills, knowledge, sensitivity to children, ability to relate to both children and parents, and the degree to which they can be positive role models for our students.  They are skilled teachers whose warmth, sensitivity and caring reflect the best of Jewish values.  

SCHEDULE

 

     Our school serves children from the age of four years through Tenth Grade.  Through Second Grade, our children are in classes on Sunday for two hours.  From Third through Seventh Grade, they come for two hours on Sunday, and for one hour and forty-five minutes on each of two weekdays.  Our High School students (Grades 8-10) come only on Sunday, anywhere from two to four hours, depending on their grade and congregation.

 

CURRICULUM

 

     The Ivriah teaches both Hebrew and Jewish Studies subjects.  Hebrew is taught through Seventh Grade, with an emphasis on liturgy and synagogue skills rather than on conversational Hebrew.  Our Jewish Studies curriculum through Seventh Grade includes Bible, Israel, Prayer, History, Holidays, Kashrut, Holocaust, Tzedakah, Diaspora Jewry, Current Events, Ethics and Values, and Life Cycle Events.  Some of these areas are covered every year, and others are assigned to specific grade levels.  Our Eighth-Tenth Grade curriculum includes the study of many areas not previously covered, such as Holocaust (in depth), Israel and Zionism, Jewish Literature, Women in Judaism, Neviim (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings), Jewish Personal Living, Famous American Jews, Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), Comparative Judaism, Comparative Religion and others.

 

     Our Sixth and Seventh Grade Hebrew curriculum includes preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and part of our Tenth Grade curriculum is devoted to preparation for Confirmation.  Although Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation are congregational, not Ivriah, events, our students are trained for these Jewish milestones within the context of The Ivriah. 

  

TUITION

 

     Our tuition for the 2004-2005 school year ranges from $438-$531 for the year, the exact amount depending on a child’s grade level.  Parents are billed by the congregation in which the family has membership, and tuition is paid to the congregation.  Scholarships are available, and no child is ever denied a Jewish education because of financial difficulties.  Requests for financial assistance may be made through The Ivriah Director.

 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

 

     The Ivriah considers parents to be the most important avenue for teaching Judaism and Jewish values, and they are an integral part of our school.  We call upon parents for help with various projects and programs, we invite them to participate in school events, and we appreciate their input and feedback in the form of questions, comments and suggestions. 

 

     Student progress is communicated to parents “formally” through report cards and “informally” throughout the year with notes, phone calls, etc.  Our teachers and Director are always happy to speak with parents.

 

     If you have any questions or would like additional information about The Ivriah, please feel free to call us.  We look forward to hearing from you - Please contact us!