Register for JCA Kesher Programming
The role of family in each child’s Jewish experience is a critical component of our Kesher Program. There are many opportunities throughout the year for parents and extended family to engage in learning, holidays, special events, and celebration alongside their children.
Classes
Preschool (Ages 3-5)
Sundays – Shalom Tots
Grades K-1
Sundays – Midot
Home Shuling
Grades 2-5
Sundays – Midot
Wednesdays – Electives
Home Shuling
Grades 6-7
Sundays & Wednesdays – B’nai Mitzvah Program (includes Midot and Electives)
Sundays – Midot
Wednesdays – Electives
Read on below for descriptions of our class offerings
JCA School Educational Philosophy
Shalom Tots
There are a variety of opportunities available for preschoolers to begin to explore congregational life and formal Jewish education with their families.
Click to learn about programming for children ages 3 to 5
Midot (Values) Classes
Students meet weekly to build community with their peers, develop a basic foundation of Jewish literacy, and celebrate Judaism together. In these classes, students focus on Jewish Values (Midot). We teach Jewish values using experiential and project based learning techniques. We interact with these values over the course of the year in relation to Jewish holidays, texts, prayers, rituals, and weekly Torah portions.
Learner’s Minyan
Once a month we come together as a school on Sunday at 10:00 am for Learner’s Minyan where we learn about and practice the basics of t’fillah (prayer) and perform the rituals of Havdalah. Parents are requested to join us for this important school community time.
Our Hebrew Philosophy
Hebrew learning is incorporated into the Midot Curriculum. We honor the principles of sound-to-print learning, applying four learning pillars: Hebrew Through Movement, Enriched Hebrew t’fillah (worship), Integrated Jewish Life Vocabulary, Delayed teaching of decoding. Read more about our Hebrew Philosophy.
Electives
Jewish Experience, Wisdom, and Lifestyle: Project Based Learning
Students explore and engage with their Judaism in an innovative way through activities that interest them. They study hands-on with Jewish texts, history, and values in ways that excite them and entice them to continue learning. Different options are available each semester and can include classes such as:
- Codes and Mysteries
- Robotics and Programming
- Green Screen Film Production
- Visual Art Techniques
- Cooking
- Outdoor Adventures/Gardening
- and More!
Current Elective offerings will be posted here
Home Shuling
If your student cannot participate in classroom based learning due to family scheduling conflicts, special learning needs, or any other reason, then join our structured and guided Home Shuling option. Please speak with the Director of Youth and Family Education for more details.
B’nai Mitzvah
B’nai Mitzvah is an ancient rite of passage. At the JCA we seek to provide a vibrant and multi-dimensional experience for Jewish adolescents that requires them to engage with themselves, Torah, community, and the world. Click to read about our B’nai Mitzvah Program.
Overview
JCA membership is required for Midot and B’nai Mitzvah classes. You do not need to be a member to register for Shalom Tots & Electives.
| Class Type | When | Grades |
| Shalom Tots | Sundays 10 am – 12:30 pm | PreK |
| Midot (Values) | Sundays 10 am – 12:30 pm | K-5 |
| Electives | Wednesdays 4 – 5:30 pm | 2-7 |
| Home Shuling | On your schedule | K-5 |
| B’nai Mitzvah | Sundays 10 am – 12:30 pm & Wednesdays 4 – 5:30 pm |
6-7 |