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Home > Learning > SULAM (Educational Program)

SULAM (Educational Program)

In the fall of 2017, Beth El introduced a new approach to Jewish education, a result of two years of exploring current educational trends and listening to our children and families. With new leadership at the helm, SULAM Beth El takes a hands-on, minds-on, and hearts-on learning to a whole new level, challenging our children to Seek, Understand, Learn, Act, and Marvel as they engage in our Jewish tradition and the world around them.

A sulam in Hebrew is a ladder. In Genesis, we read about Jacob who, in a dream, sees angels ascending and descending a ladder. He wakes from the dream, realizes that God, too, was in that place, which he calls Beth El, the home of God. Our SULAM Beth El represents the ladder of learning where each child is encouraged to energetically ascend at his or her own pace.

 

How do SULAM Beth El children learn? Forget traditional classrooms with desks and blackboards. SULAM Beth El is centered in learning spaces where our children explore individually, in pairs and small groups. They think, discuss, challenge, and grow. They draw, they dance, they sing, they cook, always working toward a specific educational outcome.

Join our SULAM Beth El Facebook group for the latest information!

Preschool and Pre-K Programs at SULAM

Gesher (Bridge)

Sundays from 9:30-10:30 when SULAM is in session

Beginning December 3, 2023, from 9:30-10:30am at Beth El during SULAM, we will be starting a new
class for parents and their little ones! The class is called Gesher, which means bridge. This new Mommy/Daddy-and-me class is for parents and children ages 0-3.

This new educational opportunity will be taught by new Beth El member Morah Rachel Eckman. Parents and little ones who sign up are welcome to join us for our SULAM family service from 9:00-9:30 and then go to the Gesher class or arrive just for the Gesher class at 9:30am. The class will be held in one of our downstairs classrooms, and we will provide a snack each week. Gesher will meet when SULAM is in session. A little about Morah Rachel:

"I was born and raised in NY, and just moved here to West Hartford from El Paso, TX, where I've been living since 2011. I'm a single mom and my daughter, Ellie, is 3 years old. I work from home, and Ellie stays home with me as well. We love going to museums, zoos, and aquariums, so we are very excited to be in an area with so much to explore. At home we love to build and fix stuff (Ellie has all her own tools, but she still loves to take mine), go on bike rides, garden, and bake! We also love to watch movies, and in our house when the credits start to roll, you have to get up and dance!"

With questions about this new learning opportunity, please email Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org. Thank you for your participation!
 

Pre-Gan at SULAM (pre-kindergarten)

Sundays from 9:00-11:30 when SULAM is in session

All potty-trained little ones are invited to join us for our new Preschool program at SULAM called Pre-Gan. Gan means kindergarten and this new opportunity for learning for our 3- and 4-year-olds will be play-based and fun. Move around, sing songs, create beautiful age-appropriate artwork, and bond with new friends! Taught by Morah Sarah, this class will be geared towards making learning relevant and meaningful. We are excited to welcome the class of 2038 to our SULAM community! Learn Torah and more about Judaism together in a student-centered and joyful environment.

Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with any questions.

Wed, April 30 2025 2 Iyyar 5785