THE PROGRAM

A special element of this branch is SCJ’s partnership with The New Shul, which offers families an opportunity to be part of this vibrant, artistic and progressive Jewish community ~ one of the building blocks of Jewish life.

Hebrew, Holidays, Torah & Values

As we familiarize children with the Hebrew alphabet (aleph-bet) and language — no matter their level —we will explore the Hebrew calendar and life-cycle and delve into traditions that have characterized Jewish life through the ages. Encountering Judaism’s life-flow and examining ideas from some of the greatest Jewish thinkers and texts will give students not only a chance to explore the meaning and purpose of life, but also a sense of how the Jewish framework interacts with the present.

Ma’agal & Midrash

Our ma’agal (Hebrew for “circle”) will emphasize communal singing. We feel that the strength of Jewish-based communal gatherings is in the ability to lift our collective voices and create a whole bigger than the sum of its parts. No matter our individual belief system, communal singing lifts the soul!

Using melodies new and old, and led by SCJ’s Music Director Yonatan Gutfeld, we will learn some classic liturgy and explore a themed midrash (ancient story), drawing from the 2,000-year-old well of Jewish moral storytelling and justice-building.

History, Identity and Social Justice

Social justice and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are intrinsically woven into the fabric of Jewish life ~ informed by the past yet geared towards the present and future. We seek to empower children to interpret the world around us and translate that into action through connection with our ancient traditions. Who am I, and how can I help make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.