Religious School

Lower Elementary School (Pre-K – Second Grade)

Sundays, 9:30AM-12:15PM

Our youngest students experience Judaism within the flow of our Jewish calendar. In our arts-integrated Religious school, students discover the meaning and joy of the holidays through visual art, drama, dance, and music.  During age-appropriate hands-on activities and experiences, kids learn Hebrew vocabulary associated with the holidays, celebrate together and with their families, and become familiar with holiday blessings, songs, foods, and crafts. Through stories, students learn Jewish values. Additionally, First grade students explore a yearlong theme of discovering myself in the Jewish Story. Second Grade students engage in a yearlong theme of I am part of the Jewish people, and begin to learn Hebrew letters and sounds. Each session begins with a spirited musical Mishpacha, Minyan, family service, led by our CBI Clergy, Educator, and musicians.

Upper Elementary School (Third Grade – Fifth Grade)

Sundays, 9:30AM-12:15PM

Upper elementary students continue to participate in the arts specials and holiday celebrations, and begin their Hebrew language and prayer studies in earnest.  Students participate both in person on Sundays and virtually during the weekday in a short, small group Hebrew lesson. Yearlong Jewish studies themes for these grades include Holiness, Being part of a community, and Reform Judaism. Each session concludes with a special participatory T’filah, learning service, led by the CBI teachers, Clergy, and staff.

Middle School: Midrasha & B’nei Mitzvah Program (Sixth and Seventh Grades)

Sundays, 9:30AM-12:15PM

*Middle School Midrasha Learning Service from 10:30-11:00AM

6^th and 7^th grade students get the best of both worlds as they prepare for their upcoming B’nei Mitzvah and learn more about their Jewish identity. 

Core Learning Classes focus on applying Jewish values on a larger scale through Mini Mitzvah projects, creating a class Tallit, and visiting the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE).

During the week, students who are preparing for their B’nei Mitzvah have the opportunity to work with one of our Cantor-approved Hebrew Tutors in a Virtual Hebrew session! These virtual sessions are included in your student’s Middle School tuition and comes at no extra cost.  For more information about our Virtual Hebrew sessions, connect with Elisabeth Pierson. 

High School: Midrasha (Eighth Grade-Twelfth Grade)

Sundays, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

8th grade and High School students are ready for the next step on their Jewish Journey, and to begin establishing their leadership within our community. They start their day with lunch and socializing with friends and then break off by grade to explore subjects such as Jewish identity, comparative religions, Jewish history and social justice.

In grades 8-12, there is advanced study of what it means to be on a Jewish Journey and the emergence of becoming a Jewish leader in the community.

• Topics include dealing with social and religious ethics, open discussions with clergy and teachers on political issues and other items of concern to Jewish teenagers today.
• Beginning in 8th grade, students may choose to work as Madrichim (classroom aides) in lower grades to gain valuable background and experience that can be applied to future roles in education. Students are required to complete the Madrichim In Training course led by our Education Director prior to working in the classroom.
  • If your student is interested in working as a Madrichim, connect with Elisabeth Pierson on how to sign up for this training course!
• Religious Action Center’s L’Taken Seminar to Washington D.C. is offered to students 10th grade as well culminating the end of the year with the Confirmation ceremony during the festival of Shavout.
• 11th and 12th grade students are eligible to participate in a trip to the South where they get a taste of southern Jewish life, learn about the Civil Rights Movement and solidify their lasting relationships as well as becoming eligible for scholarships to travel to Israel on teen NFTY trips.
• A beautiful Graduation service created and led by seniors takes place at the end of the grade 12 year.

Details on our year-round opportunities for families to learn together coming soon!