Aspen Jewish Congregation, Aspen, CO

Who we are/what we teach

The Aspen Jewish Congregation's Judaic Studies (JS) program mission is to educate students and their families as they become committed Jews living lives of Torah (sacred learning), Avodah (worship), and Gemilut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness). We hope to graduate students who have the tools and the desire necessary to grow spiritually and to be life-long learners. We endeavor to help our students develop strong Jewish identities and a love of Judaism and Jewish traditions.

A graduate of Aspen Jewish Congregation Judaic Studies program will be able to:

- Participate knowledgably in Erev Shabbat & Shabbat morning services
- Observe Shabbat and the Festivals throughout the calendar year
- Make personal choices informed by Jewish values and traditions
- Feel a spiritual, cultural, and historical attachment to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel
- Have a sense of gratitude for everything in their lives and express this gratitude through acts of tzedakah (charity/justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world)
- Enjoy basic familiarity with the Hebrew language, and appreciate Hebrew as a living language which connects all Jews around the world
- Pursue Jewish learning beyond Bar/Bat Mitzvah and throughout their entire lives

EducationalApproach and School Values

Professional Teachers. All of our teachers are trained professional educators. We encourage our teachers to acquire further professional development and to be models of life-long learning. Our curricula are based on the latest innovative approaches to Jewish education.

Individual Attention. Small classes and teacher's aides allow us to provide students with individual attention. When necessary, a specialized approach can be created. We are committed to meeting the needs of each student and his/her family.

Diversity & Egalitarianism. Diversity within the school and congregation is welcomed and viewed as a strength. We welcome interfaith couples and Jews in all stages of their Jewish journeys. All Jews, regardless of gender, are encouraged to fully participate in all aspects of Jewish life, including leading worship. The concept of God is described in a gender-neutral fashion, and the study of Jewish history includes the contributions of women and men.

Tradition & Change. We teach the value of our sacred traditions, as well as the need to adapt tradition to changing life circumstances. We believe that Judaism has always changed to adapt to developing circumstances and reflect the societies where Jews lived. We provide a liberal, progressive approach to Judaism, respecting our sacred past and fully embracing the modern world.

Understanding Why. Students study the 'why' behind Jewish traditions, values, and rituals, so that they can make them meaningful to their own lives. For example, students study the meanings of major prayers and why Jews pray, as well as learning to perform the prayers.

Community. Our school community brings students and their families together. We strive to create a caring community, with mutual respect for all members and a recognition of the divine within each person. In a rural area, far away from any large Jewish community, we provide students and parents with the opportunity to make Jewish friends and to have Jewish social experiences.

Multiple Learning Styles. Students have unique learning styles and come from varied Jewish backgrounds. Through diverse learning activities, group work, and tutoring, we seek to ensure that each child can learn at a comfortable but challenging pace.

Experiential Activities. Students learn by being creative and using all their senses. Therefore, the curriculum involves music, drama, cooking, and arts and crafts, giving students the chance to literally "make the tradition their own."

Skills For Jewish Life. We seek to impart to our students the many tools they will need to participate fully in Jewish life. From leading a Shabbat service to exploring a text, we provide our students with the practical knowledge and skills they will need to be
committed, participatory Jewish adults.

Engagement. It is important that students love to learn and find relevance between their studies and their daily lives. Therefore, all aspects of the curriculum are designed to make links between Jewish tradition and real life. Older students have an opportunity to choose what topics they study.

Continuing Education. Bar/Bat Mitzvah should be the beginning of one's Jewish adulthood, not the end of one's Jewish involvement. Therefore, students who are post- b'nai mitzvah have many opportunities to stay involved, by studying in our confirmation class, serving as aides in JS classes, and participants in other activities.