Olam Chesed Education Center

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.

Olam Chesed 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

Kinderlach (ages birth-4) and Gesher (ages 5-7)
Meets monthly on Saturday (Shabbat) morning 9:30-11:00 a.m. Begins Sep 28, 2024

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 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

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 us for Family Learning Day on Erev Rosh haShanah 10/2/24 (includes a lite dinner) . Please contact the director of education for more information.

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Pre-b'nai Mitzvah

Mitzvah! (grades 7 + 8) - starts on Wednesday Sep 11, 2024

Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-6:00 p.m. plus 1 Saturday morning service and 1 Friday evening service each month.
The program includes individual instruction with a tutor who is handpicked for each student.

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)

Teen service program

Ateed - starts in September 2024

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.