Upcoming Events:Friday, June 19th, 2026, 6:00 PM - TBS Legacy CelebrationUpcoming Events:Friday, June 19th, 2026, 6:00 PM - TBS Legacy Celebration
Young people on the bimah during a service at Temple Beth Sholom

Education

Religious
School

Jewish pride, Jewish identity, and embracing heritage through engaging, student-centered programming.

Inquire About Enrollment

Our Program

A Warm, Engaging Jewish Education

RJCC Rockland

RJCC Rockland, 450 W Nyack Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994

Grades & programs

Religious School K–7; teen program grades 8–12; Confirmation as part of our teen program—so families can grow with us for the long term.

Jewish pride and identity are the heart of our religous school. We offer an academically strong program with direct, clear information about curriculum and focus: student-centered programming, engagement, and exploring connections between heritage and daily life.

Our Religious School is community-centered and among the largest in Rockland County. Children are seen, valued, and encouraged to grow through traditions, Hebrew, values, and meaningful relationships with teachers and peers.

Explore our program descriptions by grade below for curriculum, experiential learning, and Hebrew, and when you are ready, we would love your child to experience our school on the path to B'nai Mitzvah.

Your Child Will Learn

Hebrew language and prayer

Building skills at every level

Torah and Jewish History

Stories and lessons from our ancestors

Jewish values and ethics

Tikkun olam, kindness, and community

B'nai Mitzvah preparation

Guidance, confidence, and celebration

Music and creative arts

Singing, art projects, and holiday crafts

Three smiling girls showing off their 'I love Temple Beth Sholom' hand stamps

More Than a Classroom

Why Families Choose TBS

Building Identity

Our students develop Jewish identity and pride through authentic learning. Judaism is a lived experience that shapes us every day.

Immersive Learning

Music, art, stories, and hands-on activities make Jewish education come alive through experiential, student-centered programming.

Community Connection

Students build lasting friendships and connections, and recognize their role as valued members of our larger Jewish community.

Family Involvement

Jewish life is centered around family. Holiday programs at TBS-RS bring our families together for joyful celebrations.

Curriculum & programming

Program Descriptions

K-2 Program

One Sunday per month

Learning about Judaism and establishing a connection to Judaism is so important for younger kids as they grow and begin to find their place in the world. Our K-2 program is an excellent opportunity for students to begin their Jewish learning and to build friendships with other Jewish kids their age. Students get to know our TBS clergy and are introduced to Jewish learning through fun programs and activities.

Our K-2 students participate in a short tefillah with grades 3-5 and then enjoy a program led by a loved and experienced educator that includes learning Shabbat blessings and short prayers, Jewish holiday crafts and experiences, Torah stories, and much more! They learn songs, play educational games, and enjoy hands-on learning activities.

3rd-5th Grade

Sundays

Our student-centered program focuses on experiential learning and activities that allow our students to enjoy our traditions together in a fun and supportive environment. In individual grade-level classes, students explore Jewish life and learning, focusing on Judaism that is relevant and accessible to their age and grade-level.

Curriculum:

Our TBS-RS Curriculum is based on the interaction of learning the values of Judaism and experiencing Jewish life.

Students receive instruction in:

  • Jewish holidays
  • Torah/Bible
  • Tefillah/Prayer
  • Israel
  • Hebrew language
  • Jewish history
  • Jewish values and culture

Students experience Jewish life through:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Movement
  • Cooking
  • Holiday events and carnivals
  • Synagogue-based programs

Small-Group Hebrew

Hebrew literacy is an important component of Jewish education, as well as an essential part of B'nai Mitzvah preparation and success.

Our small-group Hebrew program consists of 30-minute lessons once per week, tailored to each child's Hebrew literacy level. This program allows our teachers to provide the individualized and directed instruction your student needs to successfully learn to read Hebrew.

In-person or on Zoom, students meet in groups of up to 4 students. Families will be given multiple day and time options to sign-up for the lesson that works best for them on a first come/first serve basis.

6th and 7th Grades

Tuesdays

As students begin middle school, their need for Jewish learning and connection grows as they begin to mature and find their place in the world.

Our 6th and 7th graders engage more deeply with Jewish texts, values, and traditions, to form a stronger sense of Jewish identity. TBS-RS provides a supportive space for our students to explore their beliefs, build community with peers, and connect their heritage to real-life experiences, laying the foundation for a meaningful and lasting relationship with Judaism.

Curriculum:

Our TBS-RS Curriculum is based on the interaction of learning the values of Judaism and experiencing Jewish life.

6th Grade Curriculum:

  • Jewish holidays
  • Torah/Bible
  • Tefillah/Prayer comprehension
  • Tefillah/Prayer skills
  • Israel

7th Grade Curriculum:

  • The Shoah and its lessons for Jews today.
  • B'nai Mitzvah prep and creating a connection to the this important tradition and ritual.

6th Grade Hebrew and B'nai Mitzvah Preparation

6th Grade:

Students continue to build their Hebrew skills in our once-weekly small-group lessons, either in person or on Zoom. These sessions focus on decoding fluency, prayer reading, and developing comfort with the structure and language of Jewish liturgy.

7th Grade:

In their B'nai Mitzvah year, students transition to weekly 30-minute one-on-one tutoring with a skilled B'nai Mitzvah educator. These individualized sessions focus on Torah chanting, prayers, and personal preparation, helping each student gain confidence, mastery, and a deeper connection to their B'nai Mitzvah experience.

A Sacred Milestone

B'nai Mitzvah

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is one of the most meaningful moments in a young person's Jewish journey. At Temple Beth Sholom, we guide each student with care, warmth, and personal attention as they prepare to lead the congregation in worship and take their place in the Jewish community.

Our program blends Hebrew skills, Torah study, and personal growth. Each student works closely with Rabbi Doug and Cantor Anna to prepare their Torah portions, and develops a meaningful community service project that connects Jewish values to real-world action.

  • Personalized Torah preparation with clergy
  • Hebrew reading and prayer skills
  • Community service project (tikkun olam)
  • Leading Shabbat services
B'nai Mitzvah celebration at Temple Beth Sholom

Get in Touch

Inquire About Enrollment

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A joyful moment during a holiday program at TBS

Interested in Enrolling?

We would love to tell you more about our Religious School and help your family find a home here. Reach out anytime.