B'yachad (Together) Program for Grades 6-7

​Temple Beth Shalom offers a unique program for students in grades 6 and 7, to strengthen their Jewish knowledge and identify during this formative period in their lives. Our Sunday morning program is described below. See links at the bottom of this page for other aspects of this program, including the Hebrew program, youth engagement activities, and opportunities for music and t'filah (prayer).

Sunday Morning Program

Curriculum
Adolescent years are a critical time for our students to engage in meaningful Jewish learning as they explore their own religious identities and decide how Judaism fits into their increasingly busy lives. Students in 6th-7th grades learn what it means to be a part of the Reform Jewish community and will explore our sacred texts at a deeper level.

Through elective courses they will also learn about Israel from a historical perspective, Israel through a human behavior perspective, and will participate in tikkun olam or Hebrew skill strengthening. The organizations and curricula we draw on include Facing History and Ourselves, the I-Center for Israel Education, Makom, Hebrew Union College, and much more. Students continue their Hebrew studies throughout 6th and 7th grade in preparation for their bar/bat mitzvah. For more information on electives, visit www.bethshalomaustin.org/learning/youth/byachad-electives.

Curriculum spiral used in religious school. For alternative text, please contact Temple Beth Shalom.

To learn more about what your child is learning this year, select their grade level below:

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

 

Structure

B’Yachad happens on Sunday and all students come to second session, which takes place from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
 
The session is divided into two courses: a grade-specific core and multi-age elective. Students spend the first hour (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in their grade-specific core class. Students spend the remaining hour (12:30-1:30 p.m.) in multi-grade elective classes. Instead of a dedicated weekly music lesson, music is integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year.
 
Schmooze and Food (7th Grade Only)
All 7th grade students arrive at 11:00 a.m. for Schmooze & Food, where teens socialize and participate in team building exercises while noshing on delicious food!
 

See the Religious School Schedule and also the comprehensive
Youth Programming Calendar for 5779(2018-2019 school year).

 

Also for students in 6th-7th grade:

Hebrew Program
Youth Engagement Activities
Music Opportunities
T'filah (Prayer) Opportunities