Doing Jewish Learning Differently
We offer a full range of Youth Learning and Adult Education opportunities.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Whether you call it Sunday School, Jewish learning, or Jewish cultural literacy, our Youth Learning program provides a non-theistic Jewish education for all students. Humanistic Judaism is a good fit for students whose families identify as Culturally Jewish, Just Jewish, Jew-ish, Jewish and . . . , Half-Jewish, Interfaith, Jews by Choice, Multicultural, Not Religious, Secular, Humanistic, Atheist, or/and Agnostic.
Our approach of “Doing Jewish Differently” includes “learning Jewish differently.” In short, we have everything you would want in a Jewish learning experience: information, experiences, fun, inspiration. We want our children to be good people who find personal meaning in their Jewish identity. What makes us distinct is our emphasis on asking questions rather than memorizing answers, making choices rather than obedience, and focusing on people rather than faith. Learn more about our Sunday School.
ADULT-TOT PROGRAMS
Jewish learning starts with family, especially with celebrating holidays. We have free monthly programs that introduce even the youngest children (ages 0-2 and 3-6) to fun secular celebrations of Jewish holidays through songs, stories and hands-on activities. Learn more about our Adult-Tot programs: “See, Sing, Celebrate!” for ages 0-2 and “Jewish Discovery” for ages 3-6.
CURRICULUM AND TEACHERS
Our Sunday School teachers are all members of Kol Hadash, comfortable with our philosophy and enthusiastic about helping children and families explore their Judaism meaningfully. Rabbi Adam Chalom, who is a fantastic speaker and discussion leader, is actively involved in our Youth Learning and leads our Adult Education programs. Learn more about our Sunday School Teachers and Rabbi Chalom.
HEBREW LEARNING
Hebrew music and holiday vocabulary is part of every grade in our educational program. Rather than memorize prayers by rote, our students are introduced in 5th and 6th grades to Hebrew as a language for reading, basic vocabulary and simple conversation in preparation for their B Mitzvahs. Learn more about our Hebrew program.
B MITZVAH
Our B Mitzvahs (a gender-inclusive term covering Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah) are profoundly personal: students may select any Torah portion or other relevant topic for their presentation, and families work with our rabbi to create a custom and meaningful service. Giving students ownership over their B Mitzvah service is consistent with our Sunday School’s goal of fostering critical thinking and encouraging students to make their own Jewish choices. Learn more about our unique B Mitzvah experience.
CONFIRMATION
Our 8th-9th grade Confirmation program helps students answer the key question, “What do I believe?” The Comparative Religion curriculum opens their eyes to the wider world while helping them clarify their own values. Learning how to ask good questions is just as important as knowing your own answers. Learn more about our Confirmation class.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TRYOUT AND TUITION
To see if our Sunday School is a good fit for your family, children of any age are welcome to join their grade for a class session with no commitment or obligation. Our Youth Learning program is both meaningful and affordable, and our innovative membership model works for any budget. Learn more about our Sunday School tryout and tuition.
ADULT EDUCATION
Our Adult Education curriculum is rooted in Jewish identity, while exploring broader issues involving history, philosophy, comparative religion, current events, literature and science. Learn more about our Adult Education programs, or you can watch past programs on our YouTube channel playlist.