Baltimore Educational Initiative for Teens of Reform Judaism

Mission Statement

The Baltimore Educational Initiative for Teens of Reform Judaism strives to provide a quality, collaborative, supplementary, Reform Jewish educational and social experience. This school empowers 8-12 graders to strengthen their Jewish identity and enhance their participation in the greater Baltimore Jewish community and beyond.

BEIT-RJ is the post B'nai Mitzvah educational program for the Reform Jewish community in Baltimore. BEIT-RJ is a program of the Baltimore Area Reform Jewish Educational Corporation (BARJE-CO), a partnership of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Har Sinai Congregation, Temple Emanuel, and Temple Oheb Shalom. BEIT-RJ is a supplementary high school program where young Reform Jewish adults can learn and socialize with other Reform teens. Our primary focus is Jewish study, community, and identity building. Our staff is comprised of the finest youth educators in Baltimore including clergy and youth directors from each of the Reform congregations.

BEIT-RJ meets on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM. An optional dinner is available at 6:00 PM. From 6:30 PM-7:20 PM, 8-10 Graders take an elective which changes every 5-7 weeks and 11-12 Graders take their core course. From 7:40-8:30 PM, 8-10 Graders take their core course and 11-12 Graders take their elective class which changes once during the year. Students enrolled in the Credit Bearing Track take their class for the duration of the evening each week. For the 2008-2009 school year, first semester will be held at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and second semester will be held at Har Sinai Congregation. Retreats and trips will be offered for every grade level including an Israel Experience for outgoing 10-12 graders during the summer of 2010.