The ultimate aim of Jewish education at SOJC is building each person’s overall Jewish character. We aim to engage and stimulate each child and affect the student’s total being. Selected activities may focus on a specific Jewish skill or Jewish topic such as learning to read Hebrew or decorate a sukkah.
Learning Through Participation
Jewish education at SOJC emphasizes learning through doing because so many of the concepts that we teach, such as Shabbat, holidays, and daily blessings, grows out of actual experiences. The moral system of Judaism—such as honoring parents, helping the needy and social justice—is rooted in deeds. The cultural life of Judaism—songs, food, holidays—is rooted in meals, singing, ritual objects and specific celebrations. Connection to Israel in Jewish life is not an abstract concept but a real place that can be visited, touched, walked and seen. Jewish education at SOJC emphasizes learning through doing because so many of the concepts that we teach, such as Shabbat, holidays, and daily blessings, grows out of actual experiences.
Curriculum of Jewish Experiences Emphasizes Values
Our curriculum is rooted in a well-defined body of Jewish experiences and values:
- Jewish holiday and calendar experiences;
- Jewish lifecycle experiences;
- Jewish texts for studying and praying;
- Jewish cultural and peoplehood experiences; and
- Activities which embody Jewish values.
Our dedicated staff works with our parents to help realize the full potential of each child — intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and creative — blending the best of our Jewish and American heritages.
The Group Experience
A class is a dynamic community sharing knowledge, experiences, pain, joys and common moments. Our Jewish educators teach Jewish history and holidays in a classroom that exemplifies the Jewish value of community.
Some community values that can best be learned as a community are:
- Klal Yisrael (the totality of Israel)
- Am Yisrael (Jewish people), kehillat kodesh (holy community)
- Tikkun Olam (improving the world)