Jewish Journey Project (JJP) at Barnert Temple
The Program Everyone is Talking About
Our Barnert community has always been at the forefront of Jewish innovation. We want children to explore Jewish identity as part of the Barnert Temple family while making new friends. Through their years with us, they will grow and learn to connect to their heritage while having Jewish values instilled in them that will become their moral compass. Learners from kindergarten through 12th grade find meaning and a feeling of belonging in their Jewish Journey experience.
What Makes the Jewish Journey Project (JJP) so Innovative and Unique?
The JJP model is based on flexibility, creativity, and experiential learning. All courses and curriculum are designed around five “pathways.” Our tradition teaches that the world is supported by three things: Torah (study), Avodah (spirituality and ritual) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of human kindness). To these, we added two other pathways: Hebrew and Jewish Peoplehood/Israel, which we believe are vital for a well-rounded Jewish education. Our flexible schedule allows families to register based on what works best for them making it easy to incorporate JJP into their weekly routine.
Grades K-6 | The Post B-Mitzvah Years | JJP Extras
GRADES K-2
Building Foundations Through Customs & Rituals
We engage our youngest learners through an interactive curriculum focused on: Torah stories, Jewish holiday celebrations, prayers & songs, customs & rituals, and specials including yoga/Jewish movement, baking, and story time with the Rabbi.
We love when children begin their Jewish Journey in kindergarten and remain with us throughout their entire school experience (through 12th grade). We believe fully that this will provide students the most complete, robust, and well-rounded Jewish education experience.
GRADES 3-6
Hebrew & Judaic Studies
→ Our formal Hebrew program begins in 3rd grade.
→ All students are expected to begin no later than 3rd grade.
Students take two classes each semester - one Hebrew course and one Judaics course.
Through their years of Hebrew with us, students will learn letters, vowels, vocalization, grade level prayers and blessings, and develop a love of Hebrew learning and connection through this ancient and modern language. Our "Hebrew Through Prayer" program will prepare them to be part of Jewish celebrations and rituals, including their B-Mitzvah.
Each semester, students also select from a range of Judaics courses, allowing each student to learn while matching their curiosities as preferred learning style. Courses engage students in ideas that are relevant to their lives and are taught using modalities that are exciting to them, including cooking, wood working, photography, music, art, yoga, debate and discussion.
GRADE 7
Holocaust Studies
Students engage in an experiential year of history, facts, and feelings as they examine the Holocaust, allowing them to become the next generation of witnesses.
THE B-MITZVAH EXPERIENCE
Your child's B-Mitzvah is an important and special component of the JJP experience. Students receive a B-Mitzvah date two to three years in advance, dependIng on their birth date. To become B-Mitzvah at Barnert Temple, students are expected to meet the attendance, behavior, Hebrew, classwork, and additional B-Mitzvah requirements to the satisfaction of the School Director and Rabbis.
Our Rabbis and professional staff work closely with our students and families every step of the way creating an experience that deepens connections and ensures they are prepared for this milestone and are ready to enjoy this special day.
Our students' Jewish journey doesn't end when they become B-Mitzvah. In grades 8 - 12, we offer a deeper dive into Judaism for young adult learners. We LOVE these years with our teens!
Students in grades 8-12 can also work as helpers (madrichim) in our JJP classes. All students must work the first year as a volunteer. Then they can continue volunteering or apply for a paid position. We need our teens; the younger students adore them, they are an amazing and important part of our JJP program.
GRADES 8 & 9
Jewish Values, Social Action & Me
Our 8th and 9th graders meet once per week to discuss topics that are relevant to them and to the Jewish people. They look at the world through a Jewish lens, tackling issues that matter to teens.
How do we know what matters? We ask them! Students participate in social action projects in and outside of the Temple. We need them and they need each other, to support each other through life's challenges and to cheer each other on.
GRADE 10
Confirmation
Our 10th graders Join Rabbi Steiner and their peers for a year of asking big questions, trying out answers, and digging into the world around them through a Jewish lens. They talk about God (or no God), reincarnation, good and evil, how to deal with the difficult challenges in their lives...anything goes! Most importantly, they become a community.
Confirmation is a transformative experience and an unmatched opportunity to create meaningful connections to each other, to our amazing Jewish tradition, and to Rabbi Steiner.
GRADES 11 & 12
Post-Confirmation
The conversation continues! The Jewish conversation broadens, deepens and continues all the way through high school, with students guided by Rabbi Steiner. Post Confirmation students meet monthly and love their very informal group times.
FAMILY EDUCATION
Fun and joyful Jewish learning isn’t just for children. Throughout the year, parents have adult learning and JJP family experiences with our professional staff and Rabbis. As part of the Barnert community, they also have plenty of opportunities for meaningful and communal holiday and Shabbat worship, adult learning, and social action. Being a part of a JJP family includes meeting new people and coming together as part of an active, engaged, and caring community.
THE T.A.G. SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE
TAG stands for Torah (study), Avodah (spirituality and ritual) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of human kindness). The Kathie Williams TAG Scholarship Challenge is a monetary incentivization enrichment program for students in grades 3 - 6.
Students can "opt in" for fun activities, answering weekly TAG questions, winning prizes and even possible scholarship money towards a Jewish experience. The TAG program allows students to bridge their everyday activities with Jewish values and create a stronger sense of Jewish identity. Our very popular TAG events take place throughout the year where students eat, create, and play after their regular JJP classes. These are very special times for our children to come together and have additional fun being Jewish together.
