Olam Chesed Education Center
click here to enroll
Olam Chesed - a world of loving kindness
The JCOGS educational center provides programming for children from birth through the teenage. In a dynamic , engaging, and nurturing environment we explore Judaism’s rich culture, the beauty of the Hebrew language and the wisdom of Torah and ancient texts, through stories, drama, games, songs, and art. Students learn to sing and understand common prayers, developing confidence to participate in Jewish life.
Over the years in Olam Chesed programs, students develop a deep connection to Judaism, gaining a strong sense of Jewish belonging and identity. We encourage students to explore what is personally meaningful about Jewish ritual and tradition, contemplate Jewish concepts of G-d, and develop a sense of their own connection to am Yisrael, the Jewish people, in our local Vermont community, in Israel, and around the world.
We come together to share holiday and Shabbat celebrations, embrace Jewish values and ethics, unpack the significance of Jewish history, our connection to Eretz Yisrael, and to engage in tikkun olam, healing the world through social justice. 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
Tot Shabbat (ages birth to six years old)
Meets monthly on Saturday (Shabbat) morning 9:30-11:00 a.m. Begins Sep 28, 2024
Tuition $80, membership in JCOGS not required
Our youngest learners meet once a month for music, story, and play. Tot Shabbat morning program is a delightful opportunity to meet other young families while engaging in Jewish tradition and culture.
This program engages infants and toddlers in tactile and kinetic crafts and play while offering pre-school and kindergarten students explorations of the alef bet and holiday traditions.
Elementary age
Olam Chesed Club (“A World of Love”, grades 2-6)
Wednesdays from 4:15 - 6:00 p.m. including snack and a lite meal. Begins Sep 11, 2024
Tuition $600, membership required
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 school age children are invited to join Rabbi David for Family Learning Day on Erev Rosh haShanah 10/2/24 (includes a lite dinner) . Please contact the director of education for more information.
Pre-b'nai Mitzvah
Mitzvah (grades 7 + 8) - starts on Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-6:00 p.m. plus one Saturday morning service and one Friday evening service each month.
The program includes individual instruction with a tutor who is handpicked for each student.
Tuition $2500, membership required
Students come together to engage in intensive study as they prepare 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)
Teens
Ateed - starts September 15, 2024
Tuition free; some programs may have a cost (such as trips).
Membership encouraged, but not required. For teens 13-18 years old.
Now Jewish adults, our teens participate as a cohort of peers in tikkun olam service projects and contribute individually as volunteers and madrichim/assistants. 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 our local community, honing their role as responsible citizens of earth.
This year we are excited about several overnight opportunities to gather with Jewish teens from across VT/NH, beginning with a 3-day trip to Montreal. Click here for details.
Contact the director of education for more information.
Click here to meet our Education Team.
Summer camp
Join us for a week of fantastic Jewish summercamp fun! JCOGS beloved Camp Kehilah* is back for happy summer days of games, arts, sports, music, nature, cooking and plenty of open play! Monday, July 14th-Friday, 18th 9am-4pm. For 5-9 year olds.
Tuition is $350 per camper which includes lunch, snacks, trips to the river, and a T-shirt. Click here to reserve your child/ren’s spot!
You don't have to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS! Camp Kehilah is open to all!
*Kehilah means "community" in Hebrew קהילה