Children in The Gan at Beit Rabban are introduced to the joy and meaning of belonging to a Jewish community through their Jewish Studies, which revolve primarily around tefillah, Shabbat, and the yearly cycle of the holidays. When beginning their study of tefillah, children are invited to have a voice in an ancient conversation about the meaning and significance of prayer. As children are introduced to one prayer at a time, they have the opportunity to discuss the words and their meaning, ask questions, learn melodies, and create artwork inspired by that prayer, which is included in their personal siddurim, which they create and use over time as they learn. In this way, children in The Gan at Beit Rabban learn Jewish text authentically, as do the older children in the elementary school, and as have Jews for many thousands of years—they see the actual words, ask questions, engage in discussion with their peers and families, and interpret and create meaning.
Shabbat and holidays are prepared for with care and thought, giving each child the opportunity to experience authentic learning and preparation for each holiday. Children explore Shabbat and holidays with their minds and hands, discussing the meaning of Shabbat and each holiday, learning special brachot and tefillot, and preparing through song, dance, drama, cooking and baking, and art. They are then encouraged to take what they learn at school to their homes for further learning, exploration, and celebration — especially the weekly freshly-made Challah!
