Jewish Cultural Sunday School

The Or Emet Jewish Cultural Sunday School (JCSS) is a monthly Jewish secular Sunday school program for preschoolers though bar/bat/b mitzvah age. The curriculum emphasizes Jewish history, culture, and the traditions that shape our identity and values. Basic Hebrew and Yiddish vocabulary and Jewish songs are also incorporated into the program.

Humanistic Jewish education is non-theistic, meaning we focus on our shared identity, values, and cultural history – not religious doctrine. Humanistic Jews believe a reason-based worldview and Jewish identity are complementary. We teach Jewish history as a human saga. Our children learn that morality and ethics are derived from human experience, and from the documented history of Jewish leaders and heroes who came before us. (For more information about Humanistic Judaism, read “What Is Humanistic Judaism?“.)

Or Emet celebrates Humanistic Judaism’s proud tradition of leadership in social movements for peace and justice, and teaches the responsibility of tikkun olam—working to improve our world. We encourage our children to develop their own convictions and seek truth and meaning on the basis of knowledge, reason, ethical values, and compassion.

The JCSS provides an open environment where students may freely express thoughts, feelings, and questions. Family participation is central to the success of our school. We welcome and affirm children of interfaith, intercultural, and LGBTQ+ families.

Curriculum

The JCSS curriculum follows a Jewish history cycle while also strongly emphasizing holidays, Jewish cultural traditions, and Humanistic Jewish values. Students of all ages learn about the High Holidays, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu BiShevat, Purim, and Passover, and explore Jewish culture through cooking, art, music, literature, theater, and games. Teachers stress the importance of tikkun olam (improving the world) and tzedakah (righteousness) and offer age-appropriate opportunities for social action. Students learn basic Hebrew along with a bissel (a little) Yiddish and sing Hebrew and Yiddish songs. We explore Humanistic Judaism in particular and often invite members of the congregation to share skills, expertise, or simply stories. From baking challah and hamentaschen and making Tree of Life art to talking about Jewish heroes from the Exodus story to the American civil rights movement and drawing on study of the Ten Commandments to brainstorm our own list of Humanistic Commandments, we help students form a sense of Jewish identity and community.

Classes

JCSS classes are organized in the following age groups:

The Littles class is open to preschoolers and kindergartners. Students begin to develop Jewish identity as they learn the basics about Jewish holidays, customs and values through art, storytelling, and play-based activities.

The Middles class is for 1st-2nd graders. Students do some humanistic exploration of Hebrew Bible stories in addition to learning more about holidays, traditions, and values through fun, hands-on activities.

The Juniors class is for 3rd-5th graders. The curriculum for this class focuses on Jewish history, looking at “Jews in the New World” and the modern history of Israel/Palestine in greater depth. Students hone their critical thinking skills while continuing to develop appreciation for Jewish values and traditions. Students in the Juniors class do a mixture of reading/writing/discussion and creative hands-on activities.

The B Mitzvah (Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah) Prep class is for 6th and 7th graders. The term “B Mitzvah” includes Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, and youth of all genders who do not identify with the “Bar” or “Bat” label. This class follows a two-year curriculum cycle; in the first year, lessons focus on biblical and ancient Jewish history, and in the second year, focus shifts to the rabbinic period through the modern era. Students engage in higher-level study of the Torah/Tanakh, Jewish history, and Jewish identity from a humanistic perspective that encourages critical and original thinking. Reading/writing/discussion and creative hands-on activities connect to these themes and help students prepare for b mitzvah.

The Or Emet B Mitzvah (Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah) Program is for students in their final year leading up to their ​b mitzvah services. To participate in the program, the student’s family must be Or Emet members and the student must have already completed one year’s study in the B Mitzvah Prep class. While pursuing their second year of study in that class, students attend an additional monthly meeting to take part in Jewish cultural, service, and tikkun olam activities chosen by their group. As preparation for their ​b mitzvah services, each student also conducts an independent research project on a topic of their choice pertaining to Jewish history, culture, arts, values, or identity. This, along with a Humanistic Torah commentary, becomes the centerpiece of their b mitzvah service. Or Emet members offer a mentorship option to provide students with guidance and content background in their area of research. Families interested in the B Mitzvah Program should contact Or Emet as soon as possible.

Family Involvement

Our small class sizes and once-a-month format offer an excellent educational program at a considerably lower cost to families than a traditional Jewish education program. We rely on volunteer help from families when possible. This builds community, helps families become involved in their children’s Jewish education, and exemplifies Humanistic Judaism’s emphasis on human resourcefulness.

Enrollment Fees and Options

JCSS enrollment is open to both members and non-members of Or Emet. JCSS families who join Or Emet pay membership dues and enjoy a lower tuition rate. A non-member, tuition-only option is available for new students, allowing families to try the JCSS. The tuition-only option does not extend to b mitzvah candidates, whose families must be members of Or Emet to participate in the B Mitzvah Program. Please consult the tuition chart below for details, noting that the “Youth B’Mitzvah Training” fee is assessed at the beginning of the B Mitzvah Program year on top of JCSS tuition. Single parent and part-year rates are also available, and scholarships or rate reductions are available for those in need.

Or Emet Jewish Cultural Sunday School (JCSS) and B’Mitzvah Fee Schedule 2025-26

Visiting the School

Families are welcome to visit any of the Sunday School sessions planned for the year and get to know us better. Please contact the JCSS Director one week in advance so our teachers know to expect you and have adequate supplies to accommodate your child in the classroom.

Questions? Ready to Enroll?

To enroll, or learn more about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact our JCSS Director.