Education

Beth Israel Center is proud of its highly effective religious school under its education director, Dr. Perry Haalman. Dr. Haalman has been involved with Jewish education in the Pittsburgh area for many years. He directs a staff of qualified teachers. The Sunday School curriculum includes the study of Jewish history, ethics, holidays, and rituals. Hebrew School students not only learn the Hebrew language and prayers, but also the meaning of these prayers. They have the opportunity to practice what they have learned at periodic Friday night and Saturday morning services. They receive private weekly lessons starting six months before their Bar/Bat Mitzvot. Most students conduct Friday night and Saturday morning services. Every student is given every opportunity to reach his full potential.

The school provides many enrichment experiences for the students. Twice a year the students, with the guidance of the faculty, prepare Friday night dinners for their parents and the members of the synagogue. There are seders each year for Passover, Tu B’Shevat, and Yom HaShoah. As well as a Purim Seudah. Each one is a unique experience. A Maccabiah is held, as well as well-attended Purim carnival. In the fall of 2001 many students of the religious school and their families traveled to Washington D.C. To visit the United States Holocaust Museum. This fall the students will be visiting New York City in search of our Jewish roots.

The education committee works with Dr. Haalman to oversee the activities of the religious school, as well as to maintain the high standards of education Beth Israel Center members have always expected from the school.

Please visit the Religious School and Adult Education pages for more information.