Within a congregation of our size, there may be adults who want to strengthen their Jewish education acquired as a child, refresh their awareness of Jewish texts and traditions, or acquire Jewish knowledge that was not available to them. Learn about the various ways you can engage your curiosity and grow your jewish understanding here. Explore the potential to have your adult B'nei Mitzvah, listen to speakers in our People of the Book series, enroll in out Intro to Judaism course, participate in our weekly Torah study with Rabbi Stanley Davids during Chevrah Torah, engage in the monthly Current Events class with the Senior Rabbi as well as many other classes taught by our clergy and arranged by our Sisterhood.
Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)
Each of our classrooms has dedicated teachers and a curriculum specifically designed to meet our children's needs, encourage and stimulate their curiosity, and fulfill their dreams. We utilize an individualized educational program that encompasses a kindergarten readiness approach. Our early childhood program provides an environment full of fun, laughter, self-expression, creativity, music, art, and Jewish awareness. Our preschool drop-off program begins at 24 months and is for children ages 2-5 years old. The "Butterfly" Parent-Toddler Class is for children 15-24 months. Learn more, schedule a tour, and fill out an application for our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) here.
Religious School
We are thrilled to be part of your child’s Jewish journey. Our goal is to help our students discover and develop their personal and spiritual growth. Our curricular programs aim to deepen our students’ connection to Jewish traditions, culture, and community. In addition to classroom instruction, students learn about Jewish values, history and language through experiential activities.
For the 2020/21 school year we will focus on intentional distance learning with in-person opportunities as allowed and permitted following the state and local health guidelines.
Our combines online real-time learning, interactive print and digital Hebrew learning, and the fun of monthly subscription-style boxes filled with activities that will be available for pick up.
We’ve also crafted a flexible schedule for families. All students will meet weekly online with their Judaica teacher for 1 hour. Our 4th-7th Grade students will meet online twice a week for small group Hebrew classes.
To Learn more, see our calendar and schedule, and register for our program click here.
Bar & Bat Mitzvah (B'nei Mitzvah) Training
The joy and pride of watching your child become a bar or bat mitzvah at University Synagogue is hard to describe in words. Students say that the b’nei mitzvah experience at University Synagogue is both challenging and rewarding, and becomes a moment in their life they are so proud of! Parents describe the b’nei mitzvah program as one of the “most special things we do at University.”
Click for More About Our B'nei Mitzvah Program
Bar and Bat Mitzvah mean, literally, "son and daughter of the commandment." Bat Mitzvah is Hebrew, while Bar Mitzvah, historically a much earlier ceremony, is Aramaic. The word Bar is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ben (son of). While Bar and Bat Mitzvah are often used to refer to the ceremony, the terms also refer to the child. Thus, a boy if referred to as a "Bar Mitzvah" and a girl as a "Bat Mitzvah."
Historically, first Bar Mitzvah and later Bat Mitzvah represented a ceremonial recognition that a young person had reached the age when he or she was no longer a minor according to Jewish law and thereby took on new religious privileges and responsibilities of an adult. For boys, this age was 13, for girls, 12.
Post B'nei Mitzvah through Confirmation
The religious education does not stop once we have had our B'nei Mitzvah service and celebration. In fact it continues throughout our lives and UniSyn provides a vibrant learning environment with our various programs for teens. Learn about our exciting new Tichon program.
Tichon is an elective-based program- electives, such as, art, history, social justice learning, and Jews in Hollywood.
Adult Education
Adult learning at University Synagogue recognizes the desire to learn and grow in order to develop both Jewish literacy and an appreciation of how Judaism affects all stages of life. University Synagogue’s adult education program provides accessible Jewish education to adults of all educational and religious backgrounds.
Tue, July 14 2020 22 Tammuz 5780