Olam Chesed Education Center

Olam Chesed - a world of loving kindness

At JCOGS we have created an educational center that provides programming for children from birth through teen. In a dynamic , engaging, and nurturing environment we explore Judaism’s rich culture and the beauty of the Hebrew language through Torah, stories, drama, games, songs, and ancient texts. Students learn to sing and understand common prayers, developing the confidence to participate in Jewish life.

Through the arts and various educational modalities including hevrutah, the Jewish practice of studying in groups, Olam Chesed students develop a deep connection to Judaism, gaining a strong sense of Jewish belonging and identity that will be rejuvenated throughout their lives. We encourage students to explore what is personally meaningful about Jewish values and traditions, contemplate Jewish concepts of G-d, and develop a sense of their own connection to am Yisrael, the Jewish people around the world.

We come together to share holiday and Shabbat celebrations, embrace Jewish values and ethics, unpack the significance of Jewish history, and engage in tikkun olam. This shared experience prepares students for a lifetime of seeking Jewish community and experiences and offers them the tools to be active Jewish citizens of the world.

Young families

Kinderlach (ages birth-4) and Gesher (ages 5-7)
Meets monthly on Saturday (Shabbat) morning 9:30-11:00 a.m. Contact the director of education for more information.

Our youngest learners meet once a month for music, story, and play. Kinderlach & Gesher (K&G) Shabbat morning program is a delightful opportunity to meet other young families while engaging in Jewish tradition and culture.

K&G begins and ends as one group with a session during which we split into age-appropriate groups. Kinderlach ("little children" in Yiddish) engages infants and toddlers in tactile and kinetic crafts and play. Gesher ("bridge" in Hebrew) engages pre-school and kindergarten students in explorations of the alef bet and holiday traditions.

Elementary age

Olam Chesed (“A World of Love”, grades 2-6)

Wednesdays from 4:15 - 6:00 p.m. including snack and a lite meal. Starts on 9/6/23

This is so much more than the Hebrew school you remember. We embrace the concept of un-school as we learn about Jewish values and ethics, share holiday and Shabbat celebrations, unpack the complexities of Jewish history, acquire Hebrew language skills, and engage in tikkun olam (repairing the world). Our graduates move on to study for their mitzvah ceremonies as active citizens of the world and life-long contributing members of the Jewish community.

All families with schoolage children are invited to join us for family learning day shared meal and program on 9/20/23 . Please contact the director of education for more information.

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Pre-b'nai Mitzvah

Mitzvah! (grades 7 + 8) - starts on Saturday 9/9/23

Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The program includes participation in weekly online Hebrew class as well as individual instruction with a tutor who is handpicked for each student.

Students come together on two Saturday mornings a month to engage in intensive study as they prepare together for their mitzvah* ceremonies. They learn, grow, and do what pre-teens do best... they question. During this special year they grow as individuals and experience together what it is to build and commit to Jewish community locally and beyond.

*We use mitzvah without a gender-specific modifier in conscious awareness of embracing all who celebrate the transition from Jewish child to Jewish adult.

Contact the director of education for more information.

Mitzvah Handbook (PDF)

Teen service program

Ateed - starts in October 2023

Now Jewish adults, our teens participate as a cohort of peers in service projects and contribute individually in a robust stipended madrichim/internship program. Additionally, through active engagement and in discussions of Torah and other texts of ancient wisdom, the Teen Tzedakah Team disperses funds raised to support JCOGS, the worldwide Jewish community, and the community we live in, locally and beyond as responsible citizens of earth.