Our program is diverse, fun, interactive, and creative.  We use informal, active, and experiential lessons to make Judaism come alive, and to connect Judaism to the lives of our students and families.

We encourage students to question and challenge their beliefs. Students learn about the complexity of Torah and Israel through debate and constant inquiry. They become exposed to the rhythms of the Jewish calendar and Jewish holidays by living them and relating them to their everyday interests.

One of the most important goals of our program is not only to empower Jewish learners, but also to create community among our students and families.  In our program, families experience the joys and challenges of life alongside one another, and we strive to make sure that students of all backgrounds and abilities are welcomed and included, celebrated and cherished.

We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
Rabbi Lisa Berney

As our youngest families begin their Jewish journey, we, at Leo Baeck Temple are there every step of the way.  We offer programs for families with children from birth to 5, whether it be our Prek or TK program, our monthly Tiny Tots program for 2- and 3-year-olds, or through our partnership with the Aaron Milken Center at Wise. Monthly Tot Shabbats also welcome our youngest families to campus to enjoy community, singing, and fun celebrations of Shabbat (and the Jewish holidays).

Our program for elementary school-aged children has it all! Our Religious School program meets weekly on Sundays and features specialties, such as gardening, music, Israeli dancing, and art. We also offer mid-week Hebrew learning options to meet the needs of all learners and busy family schedules! If students are looking for social opportunities in a Jewish setting, our youth group begins in 3rd grade to offer endless fun in a safe and nurturing environment.

As our students get older, our program, likewise, grows with them. The  opportunities for our teens in grades 7-12 range from learning, to social justice, to building community through social events. A signature program for our teens is our trips, which include our 10th grade DC trip and 11/12th Jewish New York, a Civil Rights Trip to the South, and culminating with our 10th-11th graders'  Confirmation Trip to Washington, D.C.
 

Our Religious School Shabbatot on Friday nights at 6:15pm feature our Shabbat band and Religious School students leading the service. We will sing, dance, eat, and celebrate our incredible community together at five Shabbatot celebrating new students, Chanukah, Purim, and our end-of-year teacher appreciation.

Our retreats – from the 3rd–7th Grade Religious School Retreat to our all-ages Community Retreat – create unforgettable opportunities for learning, bonding, and celebrating Jewish life together. 

We believe lifelong Jewish learning enriches our lives, strengthens our bonds, and empowers us to make a difference. Whether with our clergy's Women's Torah Study or Topical Torah, through Adult B’nai Mitzvah, during retreats, or at our Annual Day of Learning, Yom Limmud, there’s always something to spark curiosity and deepen connection.

A cornerstone of our Religious School program is experiential learning, gathering, and community that occur off campus on our various trips: 8th-9th Immigration Trip to Arizona with Tzedek America, 10th grade DC trip with RAC,  and the 11-12th Jewish New York. 

For our elementary students in grades three through six, we offer approximately five activities a year.  These range from BBQs to pizza parties, and are guided by a professional staffer trained specifically to work with this age group.

For student in middle school grades seven and eight, activities are planned monthly. Sporting events, Laser Tag, social action work, trips to local recreation centers, and other bonding activities engage this age group.

Leo Baeck Reform Temple Youth is our senior youth group, affiliated with the Southern California region of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). Students in grades nine through twelve are invited to join.