HATS
Hebrew and Torah Studies
Since the 1990s, Congregation Kona Beth Shalom (KBS) has provided a Hebrew educational program for children and youngsters in our Jewish community. Our program has varied in structure but has always been devoted to certain basic principles.The mission of KBS is to promote the enduring and fundamental principles of Judaism and to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people; to enable its adherents to develop a relationship to God through communal worship, study and assembly; and to apply the principles of Judaism on the values and conduct of the individual, family and society in which we live.
Our Hebrew School program was dubbed “HATS” by our students, meaning Hebrew And Torah Studies. Its purpose is to provide an education to the young people of our Jewish community that gives them what they need to take on the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood in today’s and tomorrow’s world. We also wish to inspire them to become part of the Jewish community here on the Big Island. This process includes study of the Hebrew language (reading, writing and speaking skills); understanding Jewish customs and ceremonies (including our festivals and Shabbat); study of Torah and Bible; and learning about Jewish history and Israel from ancient to modern times.
KBS is also able to provide education and training needed for Bar or Bat Mitzvah with us. This program is separate from the HATS program but is coordinated with it to fit the needs of the students.
The shape of our school varies as does the shape of our Jewish community, depending on the numbers and ages of our students.
At the present time, we are pleased to have Trina Yerlick as the primary teacher for the HATS program. Trina grew up in New York and attended Brandeis University as an undergraduate. She studied Education at San Francisco State University where she received her Master's Degree. Trina taught and lived in Israel for almost 5 years where she became fluent in Hebrew and grew to love the language as well as the history of Israel. After returning to California she became a full time mom and part time Hebrew school teacher. She taught all grades but especially became expert for fourth and fifth graders, important years before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies. She teaches both Modern and Siddur Hebrew as well as history and holidays. It is her hope that every Jewish child on the island learns what it means to be Jewish and has fun while learning.
Classes meet twice a month, for 1 ˝ hours at a time, at Trina’s home in Holualoa. Students are between the ages of 5 through 12. One (or both) parents/grandparents must be members of Congregation Kona Beth Shalom (Family Membership). Membership in KBS is open to Jewish persons and families. The suggested donation for Annual Family Membership is $288; and for Annual Sustaining Membership (for those feeling more generous) it is $396. Reduced rates are available whenever needed.
In addition, the tuition for the HATS program is a suggested donation of $30 per month (advance payment is preferred). There is no refund for classes not attended. Reduced rates and scholarships are given whenever needed. From time to time there may be an additional charge for materials, payable directly to Trina Yerlick.
For more information, contact Trina Yerlick (tyerlick@gmail.com) or Shari Berman (konabethshalom@gmail.com).