Religious School & Hebrew Lab
WHERE LIVING & LEARNING JUDAISM IS A JOY!
TBO Religious School Opening Day:
September 8, 2024
TBO Hebrew Lab Opening Day:
September 11, 2024
TBO Religious School:
Sundays, 9:30 AM - 12 PM
TBO Hebrew Lab:
Wednesdays, 4 PM - 6 PM
LEARNING AT TEMPLE BETH OHR IS . . .
At Temple Beth Ohr, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders through our engaging youth education programs for children and teens from TK through 10th grade. Our curriculum is designed to foster a deep connection to Jewish heritage, blending traditional teachers with contemporary relevance. We offer a diverse range of educational experiences, including interactive classroom activities, cultural events, and hands-on learning opportunities that make exploring Judaism both meaningful and enjoyable.
Our programs cover essential aspects of Jewish life, such as Jewish identity, Community, Israel, the Torah, and Jewish Holidays. We are proud to create an inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported, including those with learning disabilities and diverse needs. Our experienced educators create a supportive environment where students can delve into these topics, develop critical thinking skills, and build lasting friendships. From early childhood through the teenage years, we aim to instill a lifelong love for learning and a strong sense of community. At Temple Beth Ohr, we believe that investing in our youth education empowers tomorrow’s leaders to uphold and enrich our cherished traditions and values.
B’NAI MITZVOT
At Temple Beth Ohr, we are honored to support and celebrate 13-year-old+ students as they prepare for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, embracing an inclusive approach for all learners. Our comprehensive preparation program is designed to accommodate students with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities, ensuring that each individual receives personalized support and guidance. We focus on helping students build a deep understanding of the rituals, prayers, and responsibilities associated with their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, while fostering a strong sense of community and connection to their Jewish heritage.
CONFIRMATION
At Temple Beth Ohr, our 10th grade Confirmation program offers a unique and enriching experience for students as they explore Jewish myths and contemporary hot topics. This program provides a comprehensive education through critical thinking and deep engagement. As part of their Confirmation journey, students have the exciting opportunity to travel to Washington DC, and participate in the L’Taken Seminar through the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, where they can advocate for social justice and make a tangible impact on important issues.
YOUTH GROUP
At Temple Beth Ohr, our youth group welcomes students from 8th-12th grade, offering a vibrant and inclusive environment where they can connect and have fun. We host a variety of exciting events, including laser tag, bowling, escape rooms, and more, ensuring that all participants, including those with diverse needs, can enjoy and engage in our activities. These events are designed to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, providing a supportive space where older students can build lasting friendships and make cherished memories together.
OUR SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Alyssa Freedman-Finch is starting her second year as the Youth & Education Director at Temple Beth Ohr. Before becoming the Director, she began working in Hebrew Lab in 2015 and then moved to become a Religious School teacher in 2018. In 2022, Alyssa also began working as the BOLTY Youth Group Advisor. Alyssa holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Loma Linda University. She also holds two bachelor’s degrees in Cognitive Studies and Health Care Administration. She currently full-time works as a Speech Language Pathologist with TK-6th graders at Lowell Joint School District in La Habra/Whittier. Alyssa loves working with children, teaching them about Hebrew and Judaism, and fostering an engaging and inclusive environment for all children.
OUR EDUCATORS
Linda Selander has taught kindergarten and 1st grade students for over 20 years in the Norwalk/La Mirada Unified School District. Throughout these years, her goal as an educator was for her students to feel excited about coming to school, become self-confident and develop habits that enable them to become lifetime learners. Currently, Linda is teaching TK, kindergarten, and 1st grade at TBO. Her students learn in a positive and welcoming environment about their wonderful Jewish heritage. The curriculum includes interactive learning about the Torah, Jewish Holidays, Acts of kindness, caring, and respecting others, and Tzedakah. Students actively participate in their learning with stories, crafts, and music.
Laura Milhander teaches the middle elementary grades (4th-6th grade) in both Hebrew Lab and Religious School. Her curriculum focuses on biblical and modern ties with Israel, important characters in the Torah, and Jewish values. Laura, her husband, and children joined the TBO family in 2014 and she joined the teaching staff a year later. She has been teaching in Jewish and general education environments for over 35 years. She loves sharing her joy of celebrating Jewish customs and learning with children. Laura looks forward to teaching for many years to come.
Shoashanah Tobias is the religious school teacher for the 5th through 7th grade class. Teaching has been a lifelong passion of hers, and she has been grateful to teach in many different capacities. She began working at preschools, became a Holocaust educator, and is now teaching Torah and Midrash at Temple Beth Ohr. With a bachelor’s degree in Modern Jewish Studies from California State University, Long Beach, Shoashanah has a strong background of Jewish knowledge. Jewish topics are her favorite to facilitate as she loves the depth and richness of Jewish history and culture and the numerous perspectives that can be found.
Robert Freedman-Finch is the 8th-10th grade religious school teacher for Temple Beth Ohr, and is ecstatic to be working with his group of students. Robert has been working with children since 2016 in multiple after-school programs and summer camps with the Jewish Community Center of Long Beach and has enjoyed being able to enrich the lives of children with engaging activities that build life skills and strong connections with their peers. Robert is also a teacher, teaching both elementary and middle-school students concepts connected to the field of science.