youth




		SOUTH WEST ESSEX AND SETTLEMENT REFORM SYNAGOGUE


		EDUCATION AND YOUTH The underlying aim of the SWERS Children and Youth Education programme is to stimulate a positive Jewish identity. This is founded on developing an awareness of our traditions and beliefs, supported by a knowledge of Hebrew and Israel. In our experience this process motivates our young people to consider SWERS as a natural focus for friendship and social life. Education and Youth activities are managed by a committee which reports to Synagogue Council.



	Studying hard at the religion school.



	The Religion School, with about 100 children, is housed in purpose-built classrooms. It flourishes under its Headteacher, Linda Lester, and a dedicated staff of teachers. The school is supported by an administrator, Gillian Goodman. The Youth Centre building provides classrooms for use on Sunday mornings. Structured for age groups 6 to 16, the SWERS Religion School communicates the essential aspects of Reform Judaism, to encourage a lifelong dedication to our heritage. Pupils attend on Sunday morning from the age of 7.

The Hebrew curriculum is devised to promote familiarity with Hebrew as a living language. Starting with an oral programme, children progress to reading with understanding and will eventually attain the ability to participate fully in Services.

Young people are taught to read and understand Hebrew within the context of the Religion School, but preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an adjunct to this. While equality of the sexes is promoted, statistics show that not all parents have a progressive attitude yet.





	Above: children participating in a service. Right: our children participate in a model seder. Immediately above: fascination with the youth torah.

We have a popular post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah group, known as the B'nei Torah (children of the Torah) Scheme. This enables and encourages youngsters to stay involved and to become assistant teachers, lay readers, youth leaders and to go on trips of Jewish interest to popular locations in Europe. Graduation is usually celebrated by the group, but the graduate may also opt to individually lead a whole Shabbat morning service. Participants can choose from a whole range of projects available, including leading part or all of a Shabbat Service, helping to set up and run the youth club for their own age group and helping a Bar or Bat Mitzvah pupil to prepare for their big day. Those who fulfil a satisfactory number of these projects will be eligible for rewards including a subsidy towards a trip of Jewish interest, a personally engraved Kiddush cup and our specially designed B'nei Torah Scheme Graduation Certificate. The programme is as varied as possible throughout the three years and culminates in a graduation service in front of the entire Religion School and invited special guests.

Junior Choir
SWESRS Junior Choir sings at all Family and Communal Services, some Festivals and the Religion School Graduation Services and at outside venues. Girls and Boys aged 6-12 are invited to come along to rehearsals which take place on Sunday mornings when Religion School is open.

Drama & Music Group
Our newest group is a small musical drama group which works on presentations once a term e.g. for Chanukah and Pesach.

The Parents' Group
Parents' Group is a group of parents of Religion School children. The group's main function is to provide a tuck shop - drinks and savoury snacks - at Sunday morning classes. Members also stock and run the Judaica shop in the foyer of the administration building.