Religious School

The Edith and Irving FriedmanAcademy of Jewish Learning
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children."

Read the Religious School Director's monthly message
Find out about the upcoming Bring a Buddy Open House, on Nov. 2

Mission
The educational mission of Congregation B'nai Israel's Academy of Jewish Learning is to work in conjunction with the family to provide our students with the skills, knowledge, guidance, atmosphere, values, beliefs, experiences, and opportunities necessary to live a full Jewish life. I addition, we strive to provide the moral foundation for a lifetime of Jewish living.We understand that this mission begins at birth and continues throughout one's life. Our purpose is to facilitate and to nurture our students' Jewish identity, participation, and identification with our local Jewish community and with the whole of K'lal Yisrael, throughout the world.

After B'nai Mitzvah
August, 2005

Keeping our children connected to Jewish life after their B’nai Mitzvah challenges even the most innovative congregations and the most clever Education Directors. After the last “thank you” note is written, the final photo archived, the last sigh of relief heaved – now that the event is over – parents must ask themselves this question: Is it really worth three more years of driving to shul, dropping off, picking up and schedule-re-arranging, or can I guiltlessly pull the plug on formal Jewish education for my child? Or should I send my child to the Confirmation Academy?

If we are to have a thriving Jewish community in Albuquerque, the answer must be a resounding YES!

Traditionally, Bar/Bas Mitzvah ceremonies prepare young people for adult roles in the synagogue. Confirmation classes continue the job, offering adult learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing Jewish environment which prepares them to stay connected to Jewish values – and other Jewish kids- during the tumultuous years of high school. Confirmation class can be the Jewish life-line for teens, especially in communities such as ours, where Jewish kids often feel isolated from one another. Our Confirmation Academy promises to respond to the relevant questions kids ask about their own lives and how Jewish values impact upon them.

The Confirmation Academy also builds upon the relationship youngsters have begun with the Cantor and the Rabbi. We are very fortunate to have on board religious leaders who possess both the good common sense and the strong funds of Jewish knowledge needed to help guide the decision-making process along. Their presence is a powerful and invaluable resource that has helped countless graduates of our confirmation classes over the years. This year, Rabbi Flicker will teach the 10 th graders; Cantor Bromberg will teach the 8 th graders, last year’s Bar/Bas Mitzvah students.

A third reason for continuing post-Bnai Mitzvah education is perhaps the most self-evident of all: a good, solid Jewish education will be the result of three years of classes. This year, the Confirmation Academy is offering a Guest Speaker Series. Over twenty experts in various fields, all touching on the Jewish world, will participate in class discussions that promise to “keep ‘em coming back” from week to week. A list of the topics appears in this issue of the Shofar, and members of the B’nai Israel community are invited to attend!

The Confirmation Academy offers the only opportunity for young adults to stay involved in Jewish education and Jewish community life. If we want to build and sustain a community of committed and knowledgeable young people to carry on our faith and traditions, let’s support it in every way we can.

Edith and Irving Friedman Academy of Jewish Learning
4401 Indian School Rd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 266-0155
Rabbi Art Flicker