Welcome to the Gershwind Family Religious School.
Our 2019–2020 Religious School program offers:
Grade K-6: Welcome to Tosefet!
Tosefet means “more” in Hebrew. Tosefet builds on the success of Merkaz Ivrit. We know that we can consistently show stronger decoding skills, prayer proficiency, Hebrew skills, and synagogue literacy and connections with a second day of classes.
Tosefet offers more conversational Hebrew, more learning of Hebrew songs, playing more Hebrew games, gaining more prayer proficiency, gaining more leadership experience, creating personal relationships with our rabbis and cantor, and engaging with me in the classroom.
As in the past, school is held every Tuesday from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Families may choose their second day, Monday or Thursday. The Monday or Thursday session is held from 4 to 6 p.m. Attending the full two-hour second day program will offer maximum results. We understand that due to scheduling and transportation the two hours on a second day may be a challenge, so families may choose to only attend one hour if needed. Be in touch to discuss your needs, we will do our best for you!
Tosefet is the K-6 program of the Gershwind Family Religious School at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck
Tuesdays, 4 to 6:15 p.m.
Mondays or Thursdays, 4 to 6 p.m.
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Hebrew High Students
7th Grade
Classes are held on Tuesdays from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. and include a pizza dinner.
Instructors: David Woolfe and Morah Orit
The 7th grade will incorporate a 10-10-10 structure. The first ten sessions of the year will be devoted to the Jewish Teen Funders Network philanthropy curriculum. The second ten sessions of the year will be focused on devising individual philanthropic/mitzvah projects and the final ten sessions will be a Biblical exploration of the mitzvah of giving—of oneself, of one’s wealth and of one’s time.
Hebrew and prayer proficiency will continue to be a significant part of the 7th grade year.
The 7th grade will also be part of the High School Rosh Chodesh programming.
8th to 12th Grade
Classes are held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Grades 8 & 9
Rabbi Muhlbaum is delighted to be teaching 8th and 9th grade again this year. In her class, students will use a wide range of learning modalities, like debate, mixed media arts, persuasive speaking, and creative writing. They’ll explore different issues and build their Jewish literacy. With Rabbi Muhlbaum, they’ll strengthen their bonds with each other and the Jewish people.
10th Grade: Confirmation
Rabbi Tara creates the opportunity for our Confirmation class to explore how Jewish themes and identity enriches this pivotal year in their lives. The year culminates in a beautiful Confirmation Service at Shavuot.
11th Grade
Our 11th graders will be engaged in the Jewish Teen Funders Network philanthropy curriculum. In addition to exploring what philanthropy means and, specifically, what Jewish philanthropy means we will focus on the skill of fundraising to support philanthropic efforts. (Part of the curriculum requires our students to explore and research organizations to which they will give a substantial charitable gift.)
12th Grade
Our Graduating seniors will have the opportunity to truly “wrestle” with the questions and content that Judaism presents. Rabbi Meir will guide these explorations with our students and looks forward to greeting them on our bimah as graduates!
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Makom-TBE Special-Needs Program
Classes are held on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.
As Temple Beth-El is committed to creating an inclusive community, Makom is a program for students who have special needs or require accommodations beyond a typical classroom setting. We welcome you to contact us for more information.
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For questions, more info or to register, call 516-487-0900 or email David Woolfe, Religious School Director, at
dwoolfe@tbegreatneck.org or Joy Allen, Religious School Administrator, at jallen@tbegreatneck.org.
There is no better time to be a part of all that is happening at Temple Beth-El. 
