Jewish Learning at Beth El

Get the latest religious school information and schedule changes by checking our Beth El Calendar .

Download these key dates for each religious school class.

Download the parent religious school calendar

Beth El's education programs provide opportunities to study and learn at all times during one's life. Whether you seek to learn new skills, share your own experiences or build a new foundation upon which to grow and learn, you can find classes and activities here at Beth El. Come, join us!

Religious School Mission and Description
Contact: the education director Barry Smith (pictured below) or call (703) 370-6644.

Clergy, staff, teachers, parents and students all strive to create an enjoyable and meaningful Jewish learning experience at Beth El. From nursery workshop through post-confirmation, Beth El's children are provided with the tools of Jewish living. Through the study of Torah, Hebrew, history, ethics, prayer, social action and tzedakah, we teach our youth the Jewish faith and tradition and work to forge a long-term bond and commitment to Jewish culture.

Our teachers provide a warm, positive and fun environment that fosters enthusiasm for Jewish learning through an interactive classroom setting, art, music, family programs, and field trips.

Children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2008 and older are welcome to join our Religious School classes, which include kindergarten through post -confirmation.

Families who are not former or current members of Beth El Hebrew Congregation may enroll children in Religious School from Kindergarten through second grade at a higher tuition.

Community Learning (for adults)
Contact: Deb Smith-Cohen

New! JCCNV Preschool at Beth El!
Contact: Dina Backer

Outreach Programs (for interfaith families and potential converts)

Contact: Deb Smith-Cohen or call 703-453-0450

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Peracheya's said:
Find a teacher, acquire a study companion and when you judge people give them the benefit of the doubt. (Avot 1.6)

Rabbi Ben Zoma asked:
Who is wise? He who learns from all people. As it is said, 'From all my teachers, I have gotten understanding.' (Avot 4:1)