Or Emet Jewish Cultural School

The Or Emet Jewish Cultural School (JCS) is a monthly Jewish alternative Sunday School program for preschoolers though Bar/Bat Mitzvah age. The curriculum emphasizes Jewish history, culture, the arts, and the traditions that shape our identity and values.

Unlike more traditional Jewish education programs, Humanistic Jewish education is non-theistic. Humanistic Jews believe a rational worldview and Jewish identity are complementary. We teach Jewish history as a human saga, a testament to the significance of human power and responsibility. Our children learn that morality and ethics come from experience rather than the dictates of supernatural authority. (For more information about Humanistic Judaism, see the Society for Humanistic Judaism website at www.shj.org.)

Or Emet celebrates Humanistic Judaism’s proud tradition of leadership in social movements for peace and justice, and teaches the responsibility of tikkun olam—working to improve our world. We encourage our children to develop their own convictions and seek truth and meaning on the basis of knowledge, reason, ethical values and compassion.

The JCS provides an open environment where students may freely express thoughts, feelings, and questions. Family and community participation are central to the success of our school. We welcome and affirm children of interfaith/intercultural families. We do not tolerate any bigotry or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, class or cultural background, ability/disability or sexual orientation.

2009 - 2010  SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM

The JCS Sunday School is held once a month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Friends School of Minnesota in St. Paul. Dates for the current school year are listed below. A program for adults runs concurrently, with speakers and discussions of interest to parents and other congregants.

Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010

MORE INFORMATION

Curriculum
The JCS Sunday School curriculum varies a bit each year to meet the needs of students and families but is always rich in Jewish culture with emphasis on tikkun olam (improving the world). We explore Humanistic Judaism in particular and often invite members of the Congregation to share skills, expertise or simply stories about growing up Jewish in Minnesota. From Hebrew and Yiddish to holidays and food, we help students form a sense of Jewish identity and community.

Classes
JCS classes are available for three age groups, typically as follows but varying as needed each year to accommodate students’ needs: The Littles class is typically open to 3-year-olds through kindergarteners. Students learn the basics about holidays, customs and values through play and activities.  The Middles class, for 1st through 4th or 5th graders, typically covers early Jewish history and teaches students how to distinguish history from mythology.  The Juniors class is for 5th or 6th through 8th graders, including Bar and Bat Mitzvah candidates. The curriculum typically emphasizes modern Jewish history and humanistic values.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
The Or Emet Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is arranged and taught by long-time Or Emet madrikh Harold Londer. To participate, the family must be Or Emet members and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidate must be actively enrolled in the Jewish Cultural School.  Interested families should contact Or Emet as soon as possible.

Family Involvement
Our small class sizes and once-a-month format offer an excellent educational program at a considerably lower cost to families than a traditional Jewish education program. We rely on volunteer help from families when possible. This builds community, helps families become involved in their children’s Jewish education, and exemplifies Humanistic Judaism’s emphasis on human resourcefulness.

Enrollment Options
JCS enrollment in open to both members and non-members of Or Emet. JCS families who join Or Emet pay membership dues and enjoy a lower tuition rate. A non-member, tuition-only option is available for new students, allowing families to try the JCS for one year before committing to membership, which is required the following year. The tuition-only option does not extend to Bar or Bat Mitzvah candidates, whose families must be members of Or Emet to participate in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. Please consult the tuition chart below for details. Single parent and part-year rates are also available, and scholarships or rate reductions are available for those in need.

Visiting the School
Families are welcome to arrange a school visit on any of the Sunday School sessions listed above. Please contact the JCS coordinator (see below) in advance so our teachers know to expect you, and have adequate supplies to accommodate your child in the classroom.

Questions? Ready to Enroll?
To enroll, or learn more about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural School, contact the JCS coordinator, Lisa Gardner-Springer, at school-1@oremet.org.