Curriculum Overview

BJEP’s curriculum provides a framework for learning within our classrooms and during community-wide events.  Through age-appropriate thematic focus with clear learning objectives and guiding questions, our program focuses on these key areas:  Torah, Hebrew & Prayer, Jewish Holidays, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world/social action) and Jewish Values, Israel & Jewish History.

We consider community to be the implicit curriculum underlying and supporting all classroom learning.

BJEP Curriculum Overview:

Seedlings (PK+K):  Hands on learning once a month, through art, music, dance, stories, banging, jumping, getting your hands dirty is what we encourage.  Get into the rhythm of the Jewish year and holidays.

1st:  Discover the building blocks of Jewish life, from Torah to Tikkun Olam. Take holiday learning to the next level by discovering, “What do I love about Judaism?”

2nd:  Learn about our heroes as we explore some of Torah’s greatest hits! Dive into the world of Jonah and the whale or explore what lessons we can learn from Miriam.

3rd:  We’re making mensches in 3rd grade by exploring Jewish values from teamwork to trust. Prepare to become leaders at BJEP by learning how to lead tefillot (prayers).

4th:  The world of Shabbat awaits! Learn the who, what, where, when, why, and how of Havdalah and other rituals. See yourself in our tradition by connection to our prophets.

5th:  Explore Israel: A People and a Place. Look beyond our local Jewish community and explore Jewish communities around the world.

6th:  Think more deeply about Jewish identity. Learn about lifecycle events, our B’Nai Mitzvah program, and think about, “How can I make Judaism my own?”

7th:  Explore what Judaism can look like beyond in-school Jewish education. Do a deep dive into mitzvot, explore themes in Judaism and how they relate to themes/issues in the world today, provide opportunities to act on issues in the world through Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), discuss key events leading up to the Holocaust, and gain an understanding of the connection between anti-semitism and other social justice issues.  This is our culminating and most pivotal program year.

Madrichim:  Role models for our future.  In their first year, we provide training, mentorship and close supervision as they have opportunities to show their leadership and work with students.  In subsequent years, they work more independently with the classroom teacher to implement programs.  We always welcome new Madrichim to our program.

B’Nai Mitzvah:  A step into adulthood.  This program is for students who will be 13 by the time of the May ceremony (date to be agreed by parents), and who want to participate in a cohort program.  It should be noted that we will make accommodations for those BJEP students wishing to participate, and are enrolled in 7th grade, or as madrichim during the 2022-2023 school year.

Hebrew Tutoring:  Lifeline into Hebrew learning.  This tutoring program offers 1:1 focused time for your child – or you – to expand on their Hebrew learning – often driven by their interest, life cycle event or in advance of a trip to Israel.