Family Education & Engagement at Beit Midrash

Student & Family Tefillah

All students start their day at Beit Midrash with Tefillah in our beautiful sanctuary. We ask that a parent or guardian stay with younger children for this time. By making this a family learning time, parents can connect with other families and model the importance of Jewish learning for their kids. This is also a great opportunity to become familiar with the prayers and melodies used during Shabbat services.

Sunday Schmoozes

Parents/guardians are always invited to stay and schmooze (chat) in the social hall after Tefillah. Generally these gatherings are impromptu but occasionally we may organize a group discussion about Jewish parenting issues and someone might bring bagels and coffee or donuts. It’s a time to build community and be together.

Beit Midrash Shabbat

At least twice during the school year, we encourage Beit Midrash families to gather for special youth-oriented Shabbat service. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to become familiar with the flow of the Torah service that they will eventually lead as part of their B'nai Mitzvah.

Mitzvah Days

Mitzvah Days are a central part of the Beit Midrash curriculum, when students get to see their Jewish values put into action. Family participation on these days helps to underscore the importance of service learning and we can do more in the community! We also welcome help planning the many logistics of Mitzvah Days.

Volunteering

We are always in need of volunteers! Each year there will be many opportunities for parents (and teens) to support Jewish learning at Beit Midrash. We often need folks to assist with purchasing snacks, keep our building tidy, help teachers prep special projects, and help supervise during occasional trips to the forest sanctuary or Arnold Park. Please plan to volunteer for something at least twice a year.

Closing Circle

As always, families are invited to participate in Closing Circle, which begins about 5 minutes before pickup. This is a chance to come together for songs and sharing before lunch and Hebrew classes begin.

Pizza Lunch

What began one year as a teen fundraiser for the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) has now become an integral part of the Beit Midrash experience. Pizza lunch signup is at the door each Beit Midrash morning and Woodstock's Pizza is delivered after Beit Midrash ends, just in time for lunch. Everyone who wants is welcome to stay and socialize over pizza (or any vegetarian lunch you want to bring). Pizza slices are reasonably-priced, and all proceeds benefit the teens' Corvallis chapter of BBYO.

Kitah Keshet

Kitah Keshet is the epitome of family engagement! This special program is open to infants and toddlers (and occasionally older siblings not yet ready for a Beit Midrash classroom) along with their caregivers, to explore Jewish songs, dancing, crafts, and play and engage with other self-identified Jewish families. Kitah Keshet runs at the same time as preK-7/8th Beit Midrash classes but uses a different registration form. More information and registration forms can be found under the "Kitah Keshet" link.