Education

A New Model of Jewish Education

There are so many ways to be a Jewish family. Some of us are drawn to synagogue affiliation, and some of us are not. Some of us prioritize sending our kids to Hebrew School, and some prioritize the value of our kids enjoying Jewish activities with their friends.

Jewish Journeys is a new program for children in Kindergarten through 7th grade where joyful, creative, experiential Jewish learning is open to everyone.

We provide a rich and stimulating Jewish education that gives kids the freedom to discover Jewish learning based on their own passions and interests under the guidance of experienced Jewish educators.

Students can sign up for a full year of learning. Or, 3rd-7th graders can take 12-week elective classes that suit their interests. Jewish Journeys gives families the flexibility to choose what’s right for them.

Jewish Journeys

Jewish culture, religion & identity through joyful, creative learning

Jewish Journeys is “Hebrew School” reimagined.

Our purpose is to inspire joy in being Jewish so that children experience Jewish life, learning and community as vibrant and meaningful parts of who they are.

Students explore Jewish culture, holidays, rituals, values, prayers, texts, and Hebrew language through art, drama, music, cooking, creative writing, game design, and more.

We meet one day per week. Younger students, in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, attend an introductory program while those in 3rd through 7th grade select from a menu of 12-week elective classes in Jewish Studies and Hebrew.

We welcome kids from Jewish, interfaith and secular families who are curious and want to learn more about Judaism.

Jewish Journeys is where we come together for joyful, creative experiential Jewish learning. We welcome you to join us!

The Program

Grades K-2 – “Aleph Tav”

In our full-year introductory program, “Aleph Tav,” students enjoy playful, hands-on learning about Jewish values, holidays, Torah, and Hebrew. They play instruments, engage in guided role-play, make crafts, use puppets, take nature walks, and make edible letters and vowels as they learn the Hebrew alphabet. On a typical day, “Aleph Tav” students start with a healthy snack before gathering as a group and taking a break to join up with older students for Hebrew songs and prayers. Students participate in a unique Shabbat service two times per year, sharing their projects with parents, friends, and community members.

Grades 3-7 – Electives

For 3rd-7th graders, we offer 12-week elective classes in two categories – Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies. There are two elective cycles during the year. A student may choose one Hebrew elective and one Jewish studies elective during each cycle. Students may sign up for the full-year program, which includes four elective classes, or for individual electives that appeal to them. Each elective cycle culminates with a special service in which students share their work with parents, friends, and community, and we celebrate Shabbat as a community. On a typical day, 3rd-7th graders start with a healthy snack, go to their first elective class, gather as a whole group for songs and prayers, and then continue on to their second elective class.

Our elective offerings for the upcoming year will be available in August — please stay tuned for more information.

Shabbat & Celebrations

Twice per year, families come together for a special service in which students of all ages share the projects they’ve been working on and celebrate Shabbat with their families, peers, teachers, and community. A Jewish Journeys Shabbat may feature a Torah-inspired art exhibit, a theatrical performance, an original Jewish music composition, a short skit in conversational Hebrew, a zine of students’ creative writing, or a delicious offering of hand-made challah and Israeli salads. In addition, we gather as a community for various holiday celebrations to bring together affiliated and independent families for connection and learning.

Family Gatherings

Jewish Journeys is the outgrowth of a new partnership between CBI and NEFESH, an independent community of Jewish families in Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts who gather for Jewish events in non-traditional venues.

As part of Jewish Journeys, your family may choose to link up with Jewish activities throughout our region such as meeting up on Rosh Hashanah in an apple orchard, getting together at someone’s house for a potluck Shabbat and pool party, or gathering at a local community kitchen to cook a meal for the hungry.

Program Costs & Registration

We believe in making Jewish education accessible to all of our children. Our scholarship fund is available to help those for whom these costs would be a hardship. If you cannot afford the cost of tuition, we encourage you to speak in confidence with Rabbi Rachel Barenblat or our congregation treasurer before the start of the school year. You can set up a time to talk using our Contact Form.

If you are in a position to help, we strongly encourage you to support our scholarship fund to support Jewish families with fewer resources. We are deeply grateful to Sally Gottesman, the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, who provide foundational support for our learning endeavors.

K–2nd Grade Full Year Program

• $ 325  for CBI members
• $ 425  for non-members

3rd–7th Grade

• $ 395  full-year program of 4 electives for CBI members only
• $ 110  per elective for CBI members (up to 2 electives per cycle for a maximum of 4 electives per year)
• $ 125  per elective for non-members (up to 2 electives per cycle for a maximum of 4 electives per year)

For more information, contact the office or the rabbi using our form.