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Shorashim Limmud (Learning)

Learn what Shorashim is all about!

Beth Am Israel’s Shorashim Limmud is offered for children in grades K-7 on Thursdays. Shorashim Limmud features fun, creative, child-centered experiences, including outdoor nature education in our Ya’ar/Woodlands and an innovative curriculum rooted in Torah and Jewish values.  It is designed to connect your children to their Jewish identities, culture, and “roots” — and to engage them in living joyful, meaningful Jewish lives.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Shorashim Limmud with Cantor Jenn’s Blog!

A Typical Day at Shorashim

Each day at Shorashim includes learning in our Ya’ar (woodlands), tefilah (prayer) with our clergy, Hebrew learning, and a moment of hitbodedut (reflection in nature).

Grades K-4
4:00 Students arrive, have snack, and meet up with their class
4:15-4:45 Tefilah in the Ya’ar with Hazzan Harold
4:45-5:55 Hands-on learning in our Ya’ar with Teachers
6:00 Dismissal

Grades 5-7
4:00 Students arrive, have snack, and meet up with their class
4:15-5:00 Hands-on learning in our Ya’ar with Teachers
5:00-5:30 B’nai Mitzvah Prep with Hazzan Harold (grades 5/6)
5:30-5:55 Tefilah in the Ya’ar with Hazzan Harold and Rabbi David
6:00 Dismissal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Our staff is made up of caring and dedicated Jewish educators. All of our staff have undergone training to teach outdoors and communicate the Jewish values that we wish to impart to our students. Our madrichim (teen helpers) also play a critical role as teachers-in-training.

A guide to safety at Shorashim Limmud will be uploaded soon.

Shorashim is an outdoor program, and we invite you to dress for the weather. Layers when it is cold, footwear that can get muddy, and long pants and socks for hiking. In the event of rain, we make use of sheltered areas or indoor spaces. In the event of severe weather- high winds, thunderstorms, flooding, freezing temperatures, or any other situation deemed unsafe for Shorashim to be held outside- we will be inside and make use of our indoor spaces.

Ticks do live in our woods. We have our students check themselves for ticks after class, and each teacher has a tick removal tool should one be found on a student. We will contact you if a tick is found and do our best to preserve the tick should you want to get it tested. We ask that you check for ticks each night when your child comes home as well. Wearing long pants, long socks, and long sleeves will help reduce the possibility of a tick bite.

Everyday Gear Checklist

  • Long sleeve shirt/long pants
  • Closed toe shoes and long socks
  • Sunscreen/bug spray – apply before
  • Hat, scarf, gloves, coat, boots (weather dependent)

Rainy Day Checklist

  • Rain coat
  • Synthetic/quick dry layers (no cotton)
  • Synthetic/quick dry pants or rain pants
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • Water-PROOF shoes
  • Change of clothes
  • Non-cotton hat, scarf, gloves (weather dependent)

Students will receive a light snack when they arrive to Shorashim, such as a piece of fruit, carrot sticks, graham crackers, and/or chips. If your child needs a more substantial snack, please send them with a nut-free kosher option. Food allergies and sensitivities will be accommodated.

Please read out Parent Guide to Shorashim Limmud for all the information!

Our tuition allows us to hire the staff we need, pay our teachers fair wages, and supply our students with the materials necessary to flourish in our program. All third-seventh grade students will have Hebrew tutoring included in the cost of tuition. We have created the following tuition schedule:

  • K-2 $995
  • 3-4 $1150
  • 5-7 $1400

There are multiple payment plan options included on the registration form, and cost should never be a barrier to participating in our program. Any families in need of financial assistance can contact Cantor Jenn Boyle.

Yes, financial assistance is available. Please contact Cantor Jenn Boyle for more information.

Not a problem! Please contact Cantor Jenn Boyle at 610-667-1651 or education@bethamisrael.org.