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Religious Education Center

Welcome to Temple B’nai Jeshurun’s Religious Education Center (REC). Whether you are new to TBJ, or your learning journey began with us in our outstanding ECC, your Jewish journey continues through our REC, with programs for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade and families, as well as Continuing Education for adult learners.

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About REC

Our goals are to instill strong Jewish identity and foster meaningful relationships. We aim to achieve these goals through dynamic programming and opportunities to build community. From more traditional programming like weekly Religious School to Family Programs, guest speakers, and community-wide events, there are endless ways for learners to be involved in our programs.

Our Philosophy at REC

“Jewish learning is intended to help us understand ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Jewish wisdom, traditions, and culture are resources for navigating the joys and challenges in our daily lives, enabling all of us to thrive.”

K-12 Religious School

In our Religious School, we aim to expand what is taught in supplementary Jewish education to include deep and significant explorations of self and of others through the lens of Character Strengths. Our innovative Judaic Studies curriculum weaves together the worlds of Jewish wisdom, faith, spirituality, and positive psychology.

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Teen Programming

TBJ has partnered with the Jewish Education Project to design a central concept that runs through all our programming, from the core curriculum classes, to the Madrichim (Leaders) Program and exciting classes that actively engage teens in their learning, including tikkun olam, cooking, and more. Based on “My Aspiration Playbook (MAP) for Jewish Learning & Living”, we’re super excited to share your exploration of Jewish identity with you!

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Family Programming

Family Programming was officially established at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in 2018 and has been an opportunity for building community through positive experiences. The intention is that families who come to our programs will connect on a more personal level with one another as well as with the TBJ clergy and educators. Whether you are coming from the ECC to the Religious School or are new to TBJ, we would love to have you with us.

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Continuing Education

Our adult congregants may choose from an array of outstanding seminars, workshops, and weekly classes, including Torah study, parenting workshops, and basic Judaism. Guest speakers address stimulating and thought-provoking topics.

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FAQ

What is the REC?

The Religious Education Center (REC) is the department that oversees Kindergarten through 12th grade Jewish education (aka Religious School), Family Programs, Continuing Education, and other learning opportunities for children, teens, and adults.

What are the links between the various programs?

We know that TBJ becomes a home away from home for many of our students who come through our amazing Rabbi Barry H. Greene Early Childhood Center. We aim to continue that connection as our students transition from the ECC and move thorough their lifelong Jewish journey with us.  Our youngest Religious School students feel comfortable and excited to learn with us thanks in part to our warm, familiar faculty, many of whom are also a part of the ECC. For those learners who begin their TBJ journey in our REC, our program offers many opportunities to build community and spend time together with your TBJ family, both during and outside of Religious School programs.

Families have a chance to come together in community with our Family Programming for various age groups. From Shabbat experiences to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) opportunities, this is a wonderful chance to meet new people, connect with friends, and deepen relationships with our clergy and educators.

Is it too late to register for Religious School? By when do I need to register?

The sooner the better! Earlier registration allows us to fill classes evenly, makes friend requests easier to honor, and ensures that we are properly staffed to serve your student. That said, there is no hard deadline to register for Religious School.

Do I have to be a member of TBJ to enroll in Religious School and Teen Programs?

In order to enroll a student in Kindergarten – 7th grade, you must be a member of TBJ. For youth in 8th – 12th grade, who may be unaffiliated with a synagogue or are affiliated with another synagogue and wish to enhance their Jewish learning, we offer a special youth membership. If you are interested in joining our TBJ family, please contact our Director of Engagement, Rebecca Wood at rwood@tbj.org.

What are the different membership tiers that apply to Religious School families?

Your membership financial commitment will be as follows:

  • If you have a child(ren) in our Religious Education Center K-2 AND a child(ren) in our ECC, membership is included in your ECC Tuition.
  • If you have a child(ren) in our Religious Education Center K-2 AND no child(ren) in our ECC, your membership commitment will be a Young Family Membership.
  • If you have a child(ren) in our Religious Education Center 3rd grade or above, your membership commitment will be a Family Membership. If you also have a child(ren) in our ECC, you will receive a discount on your Membership Commitment equal to 20% of your ECC Tuition. That amount will offset your Membership Commitment, not to exceed the total Family Membership rate.

If you have any questions about your membership, please contact our Director of Engagement, Rebecca Wood at rwood@tbj.org or (973) 671-6630.

Do we honor friend requests?

Yes, we take friend requests! Please include the names of up to 2 friends on your enrollment form. We do our absolute best to honor at least 1 mutual request.

What is opportunities are for teens and their families post-B'nai Mitzvah?

We have robust post-b’nai programming—everything from cooking to service opportunities. We want your teens to continue to be a part of TBJ. Please click HERE for our full listing of Teen Programming.

I have a 9th grader. How are teens involved at TBJ?

Our teens have many pathways to stay involved at TBJ. One of our most popular offerings is our Madrichim (Leaders) Program where 8th-12th grade students serve as assistant teachers and role models in our Religious School. There are a plethora of teen classes and experiences to suit our teens’ schedules and interests. Please click HERE to see all our Teen Programming opportunities for the 2024-2025 program year.

What are Family Programs and Mishpacha (Family) Moments and how are they connected?

Over the course of the year, Family Programming offers Shabbat experiences, Tikkun Olam opportunities, and other fun and meaningful events for students along with their families! Additionally, once a year, each grade level from Kindergarten through 5th grade participates in Mishpacha (Family) Moments during a Sunday Religious School session. Families will spend time learning together, and adults will also have time to delve more deeply into learning with clergy.

Do you have to be a member to come to Family Programs?

No. We welcome anyone to join for a taste of Family Programs.