Education Overview

Our joyful educational programs cultivate a lifelong love of Torah and a deep understanding of Jewish history, traditions, values, and ethics. They nurture our Jewish identity and spiritual development. Jewish education and the development of Jewish identity are a lifelong process. Congregation Emeth provides programs for members from kindergarten through high school. We also encourage our students to participate in summer camps, day camps, and camp weekends. These programs provide opportunities for the students to experience a wholly Jewish environment and schedule.

2024-25 Education Registration is Now Available

Registration is due September 13, 2024.  To submit your registration packet for the 2024-2025 year, please:

• Download the education packet (follow above link)
• Print and complete the packet
• Scan and email the Youth Education packet to Barry Freund at controller@emeth.net. 
  • Alternatively, print and mail to:
    Congregation Emeth
    17835 Monterey Road
    Morgan Hill, CA 95037
    Attn: Barry Freund (Youth Education) 

Beit Sefer (House of the Book) Programming for students from Kindergarten through B Mitzvah

Our congregation’s religious school uses curriculum that is creative, fun and forward thinking. The lessons provide a range of content from Jewish culture, history, and stories and are interactive and values-based, providing tenets that we all share, such as “Using your inner strength to do what’s right” and “Taking responsibility for your actions.”  Students explore Jewish texts, history, and tefillah, and learn about holidays and rich traditions. As the grades progress, lessons incorporating Jewish values enable students to build positive relationships and make responsible decisions. 

Hebrew Studies

Starting in third grade, students learn the skills to master prayer-book Hebrew, culminating in the ability to chant Torah.

B Mitzvah (Bar & Bat Mitzvah) Instruction

The year before B Mitzvah, students enrolled in Emeth’s Beit Sefer receive instruction specifically geared to becoming B Mitzvah. This includes increasing their prayer base, strengthening their ability to lead a Shabbat morning service, and finding their place in the larger community.

Teen Programming

Students enrolled in grades 8–12 learn Jewish ethics and values. They have opportunities to socialize with one another and the Rabbi, and periodically with teens from other temples.

Madrichim (Student Teachers)

Following B Mitzvah, our students may have the opportunity to become part of the education staff as student teachers, gaining new responsibility and acting as role models for the younger students. Availability of student teaching opportunities will vary year-to-year depending on the size of the school and teacher needs.

Confirmation

Youth enrolled in Emet Dor Kef at the end of grade 10, 11, or 12 may participate in a confirmation ceremony after a program of study with Rabbi Dantowitz.

Adult Education

Adults deepen their understanding of and involvement with Judaism. Programming varies from year to year. Examples include:

• Adult Bar & Bat Mitzvah instruction
• Beginning Hebrew
• Torah study
• Introduction to Yiddish
• Mussar – an ancient Jewish approach to personal growth through ethical study
• Special interest lectures or seminars

For additional information about adult education programs, please contact our adult education chair.  info@emeth.net

Library

Jewish resources appropriate for all ages are available to borrow from Emeth’s library, adjacent to the sanctuary.