Long-Time Teacher Becomes New Principal at Beth Am Religious School

Starting this school year, long-time teacher Karen Herskowitz became the new principal at Beth Am Religious School in Pearl River. The school is also introducing a new program in which students will get the opportunity to lead Shabbat services at least three times a year. This will allow them to become comfortable with being at the bima, thus preparing them to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Beth Am Temple has served a Reform congregation since its founding in 1963. The Beth Am Religious School, established in conjunction with the temple, teaches children in Kindergarten through grade eight. Through small class sizes and hands-on engagement, the school seeks to nurture in students an enthusiasm for Jewish tradition and values.

Classes are held on Sundays from 9am-11am. From 4pm-8pm on Wednesdays, a second session is offered for kids in grades four through eight. Students in each grade have the chance to learn about the various aspects of Jewish history, culture, and language, which is introduced in Kindergarten and integrated throughout the school’s curriculum. By eighth grade, students are able to recite specific Hebrew prayers and practice the Ashrei.