Temple Beth Chai Religious School

“ And you shall teach your child in the way they should go and even when they are old they will not depart from it.”

The mission of the TBC Religious School is to encourage students to develop a personal connection to God, a sense of beauty of Judaism, and knowledge of the expanse of Jewish thought. This Jewish education will help students understand Judaism, its traditions and values so that our youth will find personal relevance and be empowered to make informed choices as members of the Jewish Community and the greater community. Parents continually comment that they never could have imagined their children looking forward to attending Hebrew School. We have successfully achieved one of our goals; to create an enthusiastic, informative and stimulating learning experience. The success of any Hebrew School depends on two things: the genuine Hebrew and Judaic learning that takes place and the enthusiasm of the students who are attending. The Hebrew School at Temple Beth Chai measures up on both counts.

Our staff teaches the fundamentals of the Hebrew Language, History and basic Judaic Studies, while, equally important, offering each student the opportunity to discover the Jew within them.

Religious School curriculum books can provide only a fraction of this knowledge; it must be supplemented with additional “hands-on” resources. Other integral parts of our Curriculum include peer group instruction, discussions, arts & crafts and Mitzvah Projects.

Each part is essential to complete another goal of TBC’s Religious School educated“Chai Kid.”

We welcome families from all walks of life, as we want your child to feel comfortable with our style and approach regardless of Religious background, level or observance. Our students will acquire a broad-based knowledge of Judaism in an appealing, stimulating environment. Our educators do not merely give out the facts; they relate to the children individually and take a genuine interest in their personal success.

Ultimately, students learn and have a blast. What more could you want from a Hebrew School?

Curriculum

The overall objective of the school is to promote a clear, innovative and enjoyable educational program enabling students to learn about Judaism and learn about the Jew within each of them. Through this educational process, we hope to enrich the lives and experiences of all the students. We endeavor to lay a firm foundation of knowledge and experience, on which each child will go forth throughout their lives, building and strengthening their Jewish Identity.

Religious School Staff

  • Stephanie Schwartz
    Stephanie Schwartz TBC Educator

    This is my 7th year teaching at Temple Beth Chai. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Florida State certified in grades K-6. I have been teaching in Jewish education for the past 25 years. I have 2 children of my own, my daughter is 26 and my son is 22. I am looking forward to teaching your children this year and eager to share my love of teaching and Judaism. I believe in making learning a fun and exciting adventure. I combine my passion for teaching and my engaging sense of humor to create a fun learning environment. I believe it keeps the children excited and wanting to come back for more. Every child learns differently and I aspire to meet the needs of all my students and bring out the best in them. I enjoy making religious school fun and I know your children will love coming to class every week.

  • Chelsea Kaplan Saka
    Chelsea Kaplan Saka TBC Educator

    My name is Chelsea Kaplan Saka, aka “the Rabbi’s daughter”. 

    I received my Masters at Florida Atlantic University in Higher Education Leadership and am working as a Career Counselor at the FAU Career Center. Here I am assisting individuals learn about themselves, what their interests are, and how to relate that to a college major and future career. I enjoy sharing my passion for teaching and my love for Judaism and our traditions with the children of TBC.

  • Dawn Friedman
    Dawn Friedman TBC Educator

    This is my 2nd year teaching at Temple Beth Chai, and I am looking forward to another great year with the children at TBC! I have a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and have been teaching and career counseling at Florida Atlantic University for five years. My first experience with working at a religious school was about 15 years ago when I volunteered in the 5th grade Hebrew class my mom taught! I am passionate about the history and rich traditions that come with being Jewish and love inspiring the next generation of Jewish children to discover their own connection every Sunday.