Learning is an integral part of who we are. We believe that Jewish education should begin with our youngest children and that lifelong Jewish learning encourages us to live an ethical and moral life and to wrestle with life’s challenges. At B’nai Vail, exploring challenges at any age is important to us so we’ve created something for everyone. Regardless of your prior Jewish knowledge or stage of life, we invite you to learn with us.
Religious School
In our religious school, we strive to build relationships that foster each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in a safe and nurturing Jewish community and offers a variety of programs for children ages preschool through Bar Mitzvah.
B’nai Vail’s religious school is a vibrant, engaging program tailored to suit the needs of the mountain lifestyle for children ages 3 through 12 years as we meet for ten consecutive sessions to accommodate the active ski schedule in the fall, with monthly learning activities through the winter and spring. We are proud to provide a strong Jewish educational foundation for all who attend.
Our classes are deeply engaged and immersed in learning about the Jewish holidays, Torah, Israel, tzedakah, mitzvot, and Jewish history, studied at an age-appropriate level. Experiential learning opportunities abound and give students the chance to have meaningful Jewish experiences that have a profound and positive impact on their learning.
The goal of B’nai Vail’s Religious School is to foster a love of being Jewish, and a sense of belonging to our Jewish community, as well as making a connection to the global Jewish community and Israel. We want all of our students to be proud of their heritage and to continue to help make this world a greater place for all.
Hebrew School
Our Hebrew School meets weekly on Thursday afternoons and follows the Eagle County public school calendar. Students ages 10 – Bar Mitzvah learn to read, write and recite prayers in order to lead the Shabbat service. Accommodations are made for all learning styles so all students can achieve their learning goals.
B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a milestone on the road of a child’s or adult’s spiritual, intellectual, and emotional Jewish journey. It is truly the beginning of each person’s ability to think more deeply about God, Torah, and their role in making the world a better place.
At B’nai Vail, B’nai Mitzvah training is individually tailored for each student. Six months of private tutoring is arranged to meet the student’s schedule and skills, culminating in a student-led service.
Teen Youth
B’nai Vail’s Youth group is a part of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization program to inspire young leaders through active engagement and dynamic programs that develop lifelong friendships and a love for Judaism. BBYO is a leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement, aspiring to involve Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. With a network of hundreds of chapters across North America, our chapter, Ernest Scheller III, connects with 70,000 teens delivering fun, meaningful and affordable experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people. Many of our teens have become involved at the national level, learning lifelong leadership skills.
Adult Education
We offer a variety of adult learning opportunities throughout the year — from ongoing classes to individual programs and guest speakers. Everyone is welcome to join us!
If there is a class topic that interests you, but you haven’t yet seen it offered, reach out to Rabbi Newman to share your interests.