VTS

Viterbi Torah School K-7th

Viterbi Torah School (VTS) is Congregation Beth El's Jewish experiential education program for students from K-7th grade. We prioritize excellence through immersive programs for Early Childhood, Torah School, High School students, and their families.

We believe in learning best through experience, fostering growth in understanding, commitment, and community. Our curriculum emphasizes religious character, ethical awareness, and a love of Judaism, encouraging learners to apply Jewish values to life's complexities.

To ensure a holistic experience, we integrate families into our synagogue and school community, offering meaningful Jewish educational and communal experiences at all stages. From Beth Montessori Preschool to Viterbi Torah School to CBE Teens, we provide age-appropriate connections and opportunities for growth.

Throughout their educational journey, students interact with rabbis, educators, guest speakers, and peers, fostering a rich learning environment. Our commitment to lifelong Jewish learning reflects our dedication to excellence and our desire to be a beacon of learning within the San Diego Jewish community.

*VTS is now open for enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. Registration fees are as follows:

K-1st $1025.00

2nd-7th $1400

8th-12th (TNT/USY) $400

*We are committed to ensuring the success of your child's education, and finances should not be a barrier to participation. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance! Contact Rabbi Avi Libman at avi@cbe.org

2024/25 VTS Calendar

Why VTS?

Here's what sets us apart:

Your child will develop strong friendships with other Jewish kids
They won’t just learn about being Jewish, they will live it through meaningful experiences
Fun, joy, growth, and learning that leaves them loving being Jewish
Communal holiday celebrations through the senses – food, music, art, dialogue, dance, games, etc.
Monthly joyful Shabbat gatherings and dinners for VTS families to connect and strengthen our community
Learn to navigate life through a relevant Jewish lens that will guide them for the rest of their lives
Tikkun projects where our students experience their power to make a positive difference
Inclusive and work with different learning styles
Creative passionate teachers and involved Rabbis who all care deeply about each student

Our Curriculum

Learn Together

VTS Vision

VTS aims to establish a comprehensive center for lifelong Jewish learning, emphasizing excellence through immersive, experiential programs for students and families. We prioritize:

Engaging and meaningful Jewish education through experiential learning and quality relationships.
Imparting religious character, ethical awareness, and a love of Judaism.
Encouraging learners to apply their intellectual and spiritual curiosities.
Providing an integrated synagogue and school community for all ages and stages. We strive for an integrated vision across synagogue life, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom, is reinforced through various synagogue experiences and communications, and validated in shared real-life experiences.

Hebrew Language Objectives

VTS prioritizes practical Hebrew language skills as well as empowering our students to navigate Hebrew written and religious texts. Our course objectives include:

By 5th grade, students proficiently read and decode Siddur and Biblical Hebrew.
Students grasp key Shoresh concepts, such as Kadosh, Shalom, and Barukh, at grade-appropriate levels.
Immersion in a Hebrew environment is emphasized, with teachers and others using Hebrew words whenever possible. "Heblish" becomes the primary language for interactions, reinforced through Tefillah, music, signage, and more.
Online resources and popular Hebrew language materials are provided for individualized learning.

Liturgy and Prayer Objectives

VTS prioritizes practical Hebrew language skills as well as empowering our students to navigate Hebrew written and religious texts. Our course objectives include:

By 5th grade, students proficiently read and decode Siddur and Biblical Hebrew.
Students grasp key Shoresh concepts, such as Kadosh, Shalom, and Barukh, at grade-appropriate levels.
Immersion in a Hebrew environment is emphasized, with teachers and others using Hebrew words whenever possible. "Heblish" becomes the primary language for interactions, reinforced through Tefillah, music, signage, and more.
Online resources and popular Hebrew language materials are provided for individualized learning.

The Jewish Story

Covering The Jewish Story at VTS enables our students to be able to imagine and help create the future of the Jewish people.

Topics we cover:

Addressing Jewish History, Peoplehood, and Identity, including debates and challenges such as defining Jewishness, its significance, and fostering diversity and tolerance while empowering students to shape the future of the Jewish community.
Covering Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism, alongside comprehensive exploration of Israel, including its history, significance, Zionist movement, and contemporary society.
American Jewish Identity, encompassing Diaspora history, the intersection of Jewish values with American ideals, comparative religion, religion's role in American society, pluralism within Jewish life, and exploration of Conservative Judaism and other denominational streams.

Jewish Ethics and Values

VTS students graduate with a solid understanding, as well as learn how to embody Jewish ethics and values, through our experiential learning program.

Together we will explore Judaism's Big Ideas and living a Jewish life, including the Jewish calendar, holidays, life cycle ceremonies, personal values, home practices, spirituality, mitzvot, and tzedakah. Additionally, understanding Jewish sacred spaces such as the home and synagogue, as well as navigating Jewish practices online.

Torah Readings

Find, listen, and read along to your Torah Reading HERE.

Music Programs at VTS

Do you have a child who loves music and/or performing?

Join the CBE Meshugganah Youth Choir! Open to all 2nd – 7th graders! Rehearsals are every Sunday after VTS from 12 – 1:15 pm except on Sundays that there is a youth group event!

We will have a pizza lunch together to start our time and then dig into the joyful activity of creating music together led by music director Craig Parks!

For more info please contact Craig at craig@cbe.org

Meshuggenah Youth Choir

Ever dream of being in a great band?

Sulam is Beth El’s teen band where great music is played, friendships are developed, and leadership skills sharpened!

Open to all post b’nai mitzvah teens who already know how to play an instrument and want to play fun music with other teens.

Sulam will lead teen only Teen Shabbat Groove Friday night services and also help lead main services at times too!

Sulam rehearses every Tuesday during the academic year from 4:30 – 6 PM

For more information please contact music

director Craig Parks at craig@cbe.org

Sulam

VTS