DERECH: A Path to Jewish Family Learning
Welcome to a wonderful year of learning and Jewish celebration and something new and exciting!
What is Derech? Derech is the Hebrew word for path and we have created and designed a brand new innovative path to Jewish learning. Derech is a program for all families with children, Kindergarten through 7th grade, that guides you through these critical family years of your child’s development. Trained, caring Madrichim (guides) will work with your family to curate a personalized educational path for your family that includes Torah (Jewish learning), Avodah (Jewish spirituality) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of lovingkindness).
We celebrate all of the Jewish holidays and build a warm and welcoming community. Much of your family learning will take place according to your schedule. Families will learn together at home, at Beth Shalom, on-line and out in the community. The complete community calendar is attached – please mark these dates and post the schedule on your fridge.
Please note: given the current ever-changing situation with Covid-19, dates and events are subject to change.
Our educators are experienced, professional Jewish teachers who are dedicated to making learning fun and meaningful.
Rabbi Shalom Bochner serves as the Spiritual Leader and Director of Education for Congregation Beth Shalom - Center for Jewish Life in Modesto, California. He has a background in formal and informal Jewish education, including outdoor education, with more than 30 years of experience. Rabbi Shalom has a BA in Sociology and Judaic Studies from the State University of New York at Albany and an MS in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. He was ordained in Jerusalem, Israel in 2003 through Pirchei Shoshanim, a traditional text-based program. Rabbi Shalom has previously worked at synagogues and Hillels, including seven years directing Santa Cruz Hillel. He has directed and worked at residence and summer day camps, youth groups, congregational schools, day schools, and adult educational programs. Rabbi Shalom’s area of expertise is in presenting traditional texts and rituals in user-friendly, approachable, and interactive ways.
Rachel Roseman is our Educator. Rachel has been working in Jewish education for almost 30 years in classrooms, camps, administration and publishing. She holds a Masters in Jewish Studies from the Graduate Theological Union. Rachel and her family are members of Beth Shalom and live in Modesto.
Rivka Karcz is a senior Vocal Performance major at Cal State University, Stanislaus. She is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto, has served as a teacher in our youth educational programs, and has four years of experience performing Hebrew music. She is wonderful role model of Jewish identity and involvement.
What is Derech? Derech is the Hebrew word for path and we have created and designed a brand new innovative path to Jewish learning. Derech is a program for all families with children, Kindergarten through 7th grade, that guides you through these critical family years of your child’s development. Trained, caring Madrichim (guides) will work with your family to curate a personalized educational path for your family that includes Torah (Jewish learning), Avodah (Jewish spirituality) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of lovingkindness).
We celebrate all of the Jewish holidays and build a warm and welcoming community. Much of your family learning will take place according to your schedule. Families will learn together at home, at Beth Shalom, on-line and out in the community. The complete community calendar is attached – please mark these dates and post the schedule on your fridge.
Please note: given the current ever-changing situation with Covid-19, dates and events are subject to change.
Our educators are experienced, professional Jewish teachers who are dedicated to making learning fun and meaningful.
Rabbi Shalom Bochner serves as the Spiritual Leader and Director of Education for Congregation Beth Shalom - Center for Jewish Life in Modesto, California. He has a background in formal and informal Jewish education, including outdoor education, with more than 30 years of experience. Rabbi Shalom has a BA in Sociology and Judaic Studies from the State University of New York at Albany and an MS in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. He was ordained in Jerusalem, Israel in 2003 through Pirchei Shoshanim, a traditional text-based program. Rabbi Shalom has previously worked at synagogues and Hillels, including seven years directing Santa Cruz Hillel. He has directed and worked at residence and summer day camps, youth groups, congregational schools, day schools, and adult educational programs. Rabbi Shalom’s area of expertise is in presenting traditional texts and rituals in user-friendly, approachable, and interactive ways.
Rachel Roseman is our Educator. Rachel has been working in Jewish education for almost 30 years in classrooms, camps, administration and publishing. She holds a Masters in Jewish Studies from the Graduate Theological Union. Rachel and her family are members of Beth Shalom and live in Modesto.
Rivka Karcz is a senior Vocal Performance major at Cal State University, Stanislaus. She is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto, has served as a teacher in our youth educational programs, and has four years of experience performing Hebrew music. She is wonderful role model of Jewish identity and involvement.