Program Overview
Upcoming Events | Hebrew School | Services for Families & Children | Our Educators
“To educate a child without educating and involving the parents and the entire family can be compared to heating a house while leaving the window open.” – Mordecai Kaplan
We believe that Judaism is an ongoing search for meaning and that this search starts in childhood. We believe that the family and the synagogue can work together to nourish developing Jewish identities, and that the best way to convey the joy and beauty of being Jewish is to provide new and creative ways for children to explore Judaism at each stage of their development.
In keeping with a synagogue that is inclusive, diverse and egalitarian, we would like to invite the families of children with special needs and disabilities to participate in any of our programs, thereby providing access to a meaningful Jewish education for all our congregants.
Our programs reflect these beliefs, and aim to create experiences that will enrich both the “at-home” and “in-synagogue” Jewish experiences of children and families.
For more information, please contact Director of Education for Youth and Family, Ivy Schreiber.
Upcoming Family Events
Bim Bam
10 Fridays, January 22-March 26 | 10:45-11:45AM | 88th Street Frankel Hall
Bim Bam is a pre-Shabbat class for children ages 3 and under to sing songs, hear stories, give tzedakah, and engage in fun games and learning activities. We end every class with Shabbat blessings including lighting the candles, kiddush and hamotzi. Registration is now open for our Winter Session.
Cost for class is per family: $100 for members, $150 for non-members. Early Bird Discount (sign up by January 4): $72 for members, $136 for non-members. Scholarships are available for BJ members who are in need of financial assistance. Families who join as new members before January 15 will receive free registration. Please print out the Bim Bam Registration Form and return it to Emily Walsh by fax at 212-496-7600 or mail at 2109 Broadway, Suite 203, New York, NY 10023.
Torah Reading Class for Parents
Thursdays, beginning January 21 | 5:00-6:00PM | BJHS Hebrew School
Have you always wanted to know how to read Torah, but never found a place to learn? We have the class for you! For 8 Thursdays, beginning January 21 join us to learn the ins and outs of troupe and Torah reading with Shira Wallach, Cantorial Intern. Then put your newfound skills to work in Junior Congregation. No previous Torah reading experience necessary, but you must be able to read Hebrew. Register here. Materials fee is $40 and the class is limited to 10 people. 8 Thursdays (January 21 through March 25; no class on 2/18 and 2/25)
New and Expecting Parents Group
Mondays beginning March 8 | 3:30PM | BJ Office Conference Room
Please join us in a member’s home for a new opportunity for New and Expecting Parents. All those expecting babies in the next 9 months or who have had children in the past year are invited to participate in this group to get to know one another, share ideas on Jewish parenting and begin to build community. The group is led by Sarah Guthartz, social work intern and mom. For more information, please contact Sarah.
2nd Grade Families Cooking for the Shelter
Tuesday, April 13| 5:00-6:30PM | 88th Street Frankel Hall
2nd graders and their families are invited to cook for the BJ/SPSA Shelter. Every month, a different grade of students and their families prepare a meal for the guests of the BJ Shelter. Together, we cook, set and decorate the table, and engage in age-appropriate study and discussion about the Jewish value of feeding the hungry. This is a community-wide program; all families of 2nd graders are invited to participate, no matter where your children receive their Jewish education. To R.S.V.P. and sign up for what you’ll bring, please contact Ellen Bender. You must R.S.V.P. to participate.
6th Grade Retreat
Friday, April 30 – Sunday, May 2 | Camp Ramah Nyack
The highlight of the year is just around the corner! All 6th graders, regardless of where they receive their Jewish education, won’t want to miss this amazing retreat! Students will participate in exciting programs that bring them closer to becoming b’nai mitzvah while building community with each other. Transportation will be provided. All meals are kosher, and include snacks and dinner on Friday through breakfast on Sunday. Cost is $225; register online by April 8. Discount is $175 for those who register by March 22. Please contact Emily Walsh with any questions. Register and learn more!
BJHS Prospective Parent Open Houses
Thursday, April 29 | 4:00-5:00PM | 88th Street
Monday, May 3 | 4:00-5:00PM | 88th Street
Thursday, May 6 | 4:00-5:00PM | 88th Street
Thinking about Jewish Education for your child for the 2010-2011 school year? Join us to learn more about the B’nai Jeshurun Hebrew School! Meet the Director of Education, Ivy Schreiber. Learn about the Hebrew School’s vision and mission. Tour the school and see classes in session. Hear about curricular goals and special programs. Meet other parents considering Hebrew School for their children. Please register for April 29, May 3, or May 6.