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Family Connection

Fostering Jewish identity and creating inter-connectedness among our youth, families and the congregation through Jewish learning and shared experience.


Jewish life today is vastly different from that of a generation ago. Our homes and families have become increasingly diverse and are exploring how to live Judaism in the 21st century, a time in which Jewish identity is continually evolving.

At Beth Ahabah, we provide opportunities for our students and their parents to find Jewish meaning and Jewish connection, through shared experiences, community and family learning. The Family Connection helps Beth Ahabah families grow roots within the Beth Ahabah community and integrate their Jewish lives at home with what students are learning in Religious School and in the synagogue.

There are six components to the Family Connection. While they often overlap, each one has an important role. Click on each section title below for more specific information:

Religious School: The Barbara and William B. Thalhimer, Jr. Religious School works to enhance our children’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Judaism from preschool age through the 10th grade. In ways that are appropriate for each child, our curriculum focuses on Jewish identity and values; family, synagogue and community; Shabbat, festivals and holidays; Hebrew and prayer; covenant and commandments; and Jewish peoplehood within the land of Israel. At Congregation Beth Ahabah we believe learning should be experiential and personally meaningful so that our youth are able to live Judaism with a deep sense of pride and belonging.

Teen Education/Beit Midrash: The teen years are a special focus at Beth Ahabah. The Temple offers multiple ways for teens to be engaged. We combine an exciting program of core classes and electives for students in 8th, 9th and 10th grades with informal education, social activities and social-action events. 

Confirmation Program: Beth Ahabah’s formal Religious School program goes through 10th grade. We offer our Confirmation program every two years. Students completing the year are called Confirmands, and they are honored, or confirmed, at a Shabbat service in May.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program: Becoming a B’nei Mitzvah means accepting the responsibility of being Jewish. This life-cycle event is paramount to one’s Jewish development and a milestone in the Jewish life of the family as a whole. Planning and preparation for  B'nei Mitzvah starts long before the big day! The B'nei Mitzvah Family Support Guide provides information about  the B'nei Mitzvah process. The B'nei Mitzvah process is individualized for every student and family.

Beth Ahabah Teens and Temple Youth (BATTY): A lifelong Jewish identity is created through fun activities and strong friendships as well as a better understanding of Jewish life. Beth Ahabah offers youth group opportunities for 2nd - 12th graders. Recent activities include service projects, trips, and holiday celebrations. Tenth - 12th graders are encouraged to apply for BATTY board positions to help plan and implement programming for the 8th - 12th grade group. 

Credit:
Photo: Sara Jane Longstaff.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784