Education Opportunities 

Sunday School: Atidaynu

Atidaynu, Our Future, is Har Shalom's religious school for children from ages 3 – 13 years. Parents and other volunteers lead the classes. Depending on the activity, children are divided into groups based on age and Hebrew ability. We provide a variety of learning, crafts, and recreational opportunities for our boys and girls, including an opening t’fillah (prayer) gathering in which we sing songs and chant prayers. Many parents join us for this, too. 

Younger kids spend a significant portion of their time with stories, arts and crafts, and games, all the while learning in a variety of ways— through studying bible stories, the Hebrew alphabet, and customs. As they grow older, there is increasing emphasis on learning about and acting upon Jewish values in the home and in the community. During the 2 to 4 years preceding a bar or bat mitzvah, students are exposed to Jewish history, ritual, and customs and learn to read Hebrew and lead service prayers.

A B’nei Mitzvah handbook is being developed. The training of children for their bar or bat mitzvah is under the direction of our Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi, Laurie Franklin. We are proud of the fine young congregants who have come through Atidaynu, and are confident that together we will continue to strengthen the moral character and ritual knowledge of the next generation of Jews living in Western Montana.

B'nei Mitzvah Education

We recommend beginning preparations for b’nei mitzvah at least one year before the anticipated date of the bar or bat mitzvah. Each student works with a tutor to build reading skills and meets monthly with Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin to discuss ideas and meanings in Torah, Haftarah, and words of prayer.

Engaging a tutor is the responsibility of the bar or bat mitzvah’s family.

Laurie will communicate regularly with tutors and family about each student’s progress. Students are expected to be enrolled in Atidaynu and to attend services regularly.

Each student engages in a
community service project as part of b’nei mitzvah education.

To make an appointment, contact Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin at 
laurief@har-shalom.org.

Torah Study

We meet every Saturday at 10 am to read and discuss the weekly Torah portion. We read the Torah portion in a number of different translations and do some translating ourselves. Our discussions are lively, and we welcome everyone. No expertise is required!

Adult Education, Fall 2011

This fall we will be offering two
Adult Education classes: Hebrew and Service Leading 101. To inquire about the fall 2011 offerings below, contact Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin at laurief@har-shalom.org.

Service Leading 101
Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm 
Oct 19, 26; Nov 2, 9

Each session will focus on a different part of the liturgy for Kabbalat Shabbat, e.g., Kabbalat Shabbat Psalms, Shema and its blessings, Amidah, Aleinu and Kaddish. We will learn about the history of the siddur and the content of the prayers. We will compare Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Shacharit liturgy. Workshops will be followed by internships at services. The class will be “beginner friendly” but will also be useful for those who have already led services because it will delve into the deeper meaning of the liturgy and will focus on creating transitions and introducing new material (ritual and music) to the congregation. For congregation members only. No fee.   

Adult Hebrew 

Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm
Nov 16, 23, 30; Dec 7, 21; 
Jan 4, 18, 25; Feb 1, 9, 15, 22 final siyyum (celebration)

 The 12-session class is based on the one-room schoolhouse model. Beginners will learn Hebrew reading and writing basics in a spiritual framework and learn about the mystical significance of the letters of the alphabet. We will use finger paints, charades, and other devices to practice alphabet skills. Returning students will get lots of reading practice in the siddur and from Torah and will work in chevruta (with study partners). In addition, returning students will help new students with their basic learning and, by doing so, will reinforce their own.  

To pay educational fees, send your check payable to Har Shalom, and "note" if the payment is for Atidaynu or Adult Ed. You may also use your bank's online "Bill Pay" feature – it's free. Send the payment to Har Shalom, PO Box 3715, Missoula, MT 59806.

Thank you so very much. Every donation, regardless of size, is very appreciated!