CARLSBAD, California (Press Release) — The Jewish Collaborative of San Diego (JCoSD) has launched its multi-faceted Jewish education for children in K-5th grades. In addition to family Hebrew class held once a week, the JCo Kids’ Club is proving to be a new and innovative way to get families committed to Jewish community.
“The JCo Kids’ Club is designed to be a fun experience. Our goal is to create positive associations with Judaism…the same type of positive associations that get fueled by the “ruach” (or, spirit) of Jewish summer camps” says Rabbi Josh Burrows.
The mission of Kids’ Club is to instill in children a sense of Jewish pride, identity, and values in order that they retain a strong sense of connectedness, knowledge and spirituality. Elizabeth Jacobson, JCo’s Youth Organizer, says that “At JCo learning integrates family, community and whole-life experiences.”
Rabbi/Cantor Gabi Arad states “It’s important to us that kids have more than just a classroom experience. We don’t want them to just learn about Jewish life. We want them to live it!”
Adult volunteers, under the leadership and guidance of Rabbi/Cantor Gabi, Rabbi Josh, and Elizabeth, accomplish these objectives by providing a unique learning environment that is engaging and experiential.
Upcoming events include:
- A Shabbat nature hike
- A mitzvah visit to Seacrest Village
- Purim Maccabee games and costume party
- A pajama Havdalah party
- Passover live-action storytelling
- Israeli games
In true collaborative style, adults whose children attend Kids’ Club are encouraged to make suggestions, take ownership, and add events. Kids’ Club has at least two events per month. Adults take turns helping with supplies, times, food, supervision, and helping with the activities.
JCo suggests that adults participate in at least one event every two months. However, if adults need to drop children off, babysitters are present at no charge! Many participants also attend Family Hebrew, an individualized language-learning program for families with children K-5th grades that is led by Rabbi Gabi and Rabbi Josh.
There is no cost for members. Guests are warmly welcomed with a modest donation of just $18 per family (no matter how many adults and children). For more information about Kids’ Club or Family Hebrew, please contact Rabbi/Cantor Gabi at Cantorgabiarad@gmail.com, Rabbi Josh at rabbijoshburrows@gmail.com, or go to www.jcosd.com and click on Education.
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Collaborative of San Diego
It’s so wonderful to see this program getting started. JCo is a very warm and welcoming organization. We are fortunate to have these types of things for our children.