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Education & Learning

Deepen your understanding and discover the joys of Jewish education at every age.

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Beit Sefer Shalom

Greater Des Moines Jewish Federation Religious School

Provides children with a strong foundation in Jewish values, traditions, and the Hebrew language.
Promotes engaging, age-appropriate curriculum.
Engages students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Develops Jewish identity, builds community, and establishes the knowledge and skills needed to lead Jewish lives.

Complete Program Information

For program details, curricula, staff biographies, registration forms, upcoming events, and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our dedicated Beit Sefer Shalom website.

What Students Learn

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Hebrew Language

Read, write, and speak the language of the Bible.

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Jewish History & Culture

Understand the rich heritage and traditions of our people.

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Holiday Celebrations

Deepen learning through seasonal observances.

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Tikkun Olam

Live out faith through social action and community service projects.

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Community Building

Foster friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.

📝 Registration Information

Receive information about the upcoming school year
Class schedules
Available financial assistance
Flexible arrangements to ensure cost is not a barrier

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Study Programs

Comprehensive preparation for becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

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Our B’nai Mitzvah program is a transformative journey that prepares students to lead services, read from the Torah, and step into Jewish adulthood with confidence and joy.

Four Core Components

We partner in providing Jewish education alongside the Jewish Federation’s Beit Sefer Shalom. For complete program details, curriculum guides, teacher biographies, registration forms, and upcoming events, please visit our Beit Sefer Shalom website. You’ll find detailed information about each grade level, class schedules, tuition information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Prepare your Bar or Bat Mitzvah date
Work alongside your family to help get ready for this exciting milestone
Ensure all components are completed ahead of the ceremony
Design Mitzvah Project (Optional)

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Hebrew Tutoring

One-on-one sessions with our Hebrew tutor, focusing on Torah and Haftarah reading, prayer fluency, and trope (cantillation).

Duration: 12 months

Frequency: Weekly 30-45 minute sessions

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Torah Study with Rabbi

Personal meetings with the Rabbi to study the Torah portion, develop D’var Torah (sermon), and explore the deeper meanings.

Duration: 2 months

Frequency: Monthly sessions increasing to bi-weekly

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Service Leadership Training

Learn to lead prayers, understand service structure, and practice with the Rabbi.

Duration: 6 months

Frequency: As needed, intensifying closer to the date

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Mitzvah Project (Optional)

Design and complete a personal project that demonstrates Jewish values and contributes to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Duration: 3-6 months

Frequency: Self-paced with guidance

Requirements

Family membership in good standing
Enrollment in religious school through 7th grade
Regular attendance at Shabbat services
Completion of all tutoring and study sessions

Timeline & Planning

Formal preparation begins 12 months before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah date
Dates are selected approximately 3 years in advance to allow for proper preparation time
Families are encouraged to participate by attending study sessions, assisting with the mitzvah project, and growing in their Judaism alongside their child

Adult Education

Never stop learning

Your Jewish education doesn’t end at 12 or 13. We offer many sophisticated, engaging classes for adults seeking deeper understanding of Judaism, Hebrew, Torah, and Jewish life.

Introduction to Judaism

Master the basics! Perfect for anyone curious about Jewish life and practice.

Hebrew for Adults

Learn to read Hebrew and understand prayer. Multiple levels from complete beginner to advanced.

Torah Study Group

Weekly exploration of the Torah portion with Rabbi. Featuring lively discussion, multiple interpretations, coffee, and community.

Jewish Philosophy Seminar

Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish thought from ancient to modern. This semester: Martin Buber and the I-Thou relationship.

Tifereth Israel