Congregation Netivot Shalom is a community that prides itself on its rich opportunities for learning. There are programs for people of all ages, from pre-school to adults. Explore the options below for information about our youth programs and adult classes.

Our Audio Guide for Davening has sound files for Shabbat morning, Kiddush, grace after meals, and Havdalah.

Netivot Shalom Preschool

Netivot Shalom Preschool offers a high-quality Jewish Early Childhood Education that provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children ages 2 through pre-K. Our program is developmentally appropriate, play-based, and immerses children in a rich Judaic environment. The curriculum naturally aligns with the Jewish calendar, thoughtfully responding to the children’s emergent interests and needs.

Our daily activities emphasize middot (Jewish values), fostering each child’s exploration of their Jewish identity while nurturing their holistic growth. We are committed to developing the whole child—socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and cognitively—in a community that honors compassion, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our core program runs from 9 am – 1 pm, with an option to extend for a full day until 5:30 pm. Early morning care (8 am – 9 am) and extended care (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm) are also available. Our preschool offers rolling admission for children ages 2-5. Our kehillah (community) is open whenever you are ready to join.

Coming Soon: 18-Month-Old Toddler Program at Netivot Shalom Preschool!

Are you looking for a warm and nurturing environment for your little one? Netivot Shalom Preschool is excited to announce that we have openings in our 18-month-old toddler program!

🌟 Why Choose Us?

  • A loving and safe space guided by Jewish values.
  • A play-based, emergent curriculum designed to support your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
  • Engaging and age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and learning through play.
  • Flexible schedules to accommodate your family’s needs, including core-hour and extended day options.

👶 Program Highlights:

  • Small class sizes for individualized attention and care.
  • Experienced and compassionate educators dedicated to helping your child grow and thrive.
  • A community-centered approach that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Enroll your child today and join our loving preschool community.

✨ Come see the difference at Netivot Shalom Preschool—where learning and love go hand in hand! ✨

📞 Contact Us: For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Karen Llamas, the CNS Preschool Director, at preschool@netivotshalom.org or call 510-549-9447, ext. 110.

 

Children’s Shabbat Programskidsshabbat2

Netivot Shalom welcomes people of all ages on Shabbat with great excitement and delight! When we are no longer sheltering-in-place, we will resume offering a range of child care and programming for children ages two through high school. For more information, see Children’s Shabbat Programs.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah – Amitim (6th and 7th Grades)

Amitim, meaning friends and fellowship, is Netivot Shalom’s B’nai Mitzvah program. Amitim provides a community where students and families share a special learning and growing experience together. This program helps to provide a foundation of Hebrew and synagogue skills, as well as engaging students in social action and Tikkun Olam.

The Amitim curriculum is divided into two components: Jewish Studies and Synagogue Skills. The Jewish Studies component is then further divided into trimesters for each of the two years of the Amitim Program. The topics for each year include: 

Jewish Studies Year 1

  • Where Do I Stand? (Judaism’s Great Debates)
  • Mentsch Training Academy (Social Justice & what it means to be part of a Jewish community) 
  • Torah & Haftarah, culminating with 2-3 group sessions on how to write a drash *facilitated by Rabbi Chai* at the end of the year

Jewish Studies Year 2

  • Kevah & Kavanah (What/Who is God and what is my relationship with God)
  • Na’aseh V’nishmah (Social Justice and Tikkun Olam)
  • Where do I Stand? (Philosophy)

2023-24 Amitim program information will be available soon.

Amitim meets on Tuesdays. Click here to register for Amitim. For more information, contact Hillary Fox, Youth and Family Programming Coordinator, at youth@netivotshalom.org.

Amitim students: click here to hear recordings of prayers and trope.

TEENS

We offer a variety of teen programs for post-B’nai Mitzvah through 12th grade. 

Aleinu focuses on Social Justice.

Teens in 8th grade through high school are encouraged to participate in any/all of our teen programs including youth group, madrichim, monthly youth gatherings, as well as, local and regional USY events. Click here for more information.

Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha

Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha is an exciting, innovative, inter-congregational supplementary school cosponsored by Netivot Shalom and nine other synagogues. Midrasha engages Jewish teens through educational, social, and spiritual programming in order to strengthen their ties with their heritage and their community. It offers a broad range of interesting and challenging courses to students with a strong Jewish background and to those with little formal training or knowledge—classes range from Talmud and Hebrew to Jewish films and drama. Midrasha provides a warm social environment in the classroom and at weekend retreats.

Midrasha meets on Sundays from 3:30 – 6:00 pm at Netivot Shalom. For more information, check out the Midrasha website.

For more information, contact Hillary Fox, Youth and Family Programming Coordinator, at youth@netivotshalom.org.