He who will not seek knowledge, knowledge will certainly not seek him.
—Midrash, Proverbs 2

Temple Beth Shalom places a high priority on education. We strive to truly be a community of learners. From the youngest children to adults in search of lifelong learning, our programs make room for all levels of study. Our Preschool/Kindergarten, serving children ages 2 to 6, integrates Jewish culture and spirituality into its curriculum in developmentally appropriate ways. It is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is highly respected in the Santa Fe community.

From preschoolers to high schoolers, our Religious School brings Judaism to life. In every grade, our students study Torah, practice tzedakah (justice), and learn to be menschen (ethical, generous individuals). Our dedicated teaching staff exemplifies L’Dor v’Dor (from generation to generation). But Religious School alone cannot turn kids into Jews. That job can only be done in conjunction with parents. Accordingly, our exciting Family Education program is designed to enhance and enrich the life of every Jewish family, whatever its shape, by bringing parents and children together in an environment of learning.

Although our commitment to children is clear, we do not neglect adult learners. Our Adult Education program offers everything from full-fledged adult b’nai mitzvah and Hebrew language courses, to Israeli and Jewish culture, Kabbalah and text study. Along the way, we invite our adult community to hear speakers such as Miles Hoffman of National Public Radio fame and scholar Danny Matt, whose translations of works such as the Zohar have received wide praise. In short, our philosophy of education can be summed up by a quote from Song Rabbah, 2:5:

“Whoever has studied, let that one come and teach and whoever has not studied, let that one come and learn.”