B’nai Tzedek synagogue offers a unique arrangement for Jewish Education Preschool in Rockville MD. In an effort to build the community, membership fees are waived for the first year to new families. That gives them an idea of all the activities and programs that are available. New families also can receive a 50% tuition reduction to the preschool program, if they join the synagogue and are active in the “Community Builders” program. That entails a commitment to spend 10 hours per month participating in worship, activities, groups, and/or events. The preschool serves children 6 months old through 5 years. Classroom experiences include literacy, science lab, projects, writer’s workshops and religious education. Students are encouraged to be creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers. The same 50% reduction is extended to current members for the Enrichment program and extended day program.
Options for participating are varied and plentiful. There are game nights, youth services, Pre-K Siyyum, and Tot/family Shabbat Sing. Groups include a men’s group, a women’s group, and a Club 456. Community events and programs include literacy and baking workshops, life cycle education and events, and a social action program. There are open house events several times per year and, or course, worship services. The tuition reduction pilot program was voted upon by the Board of Directors and will continue through the 2015-2016 school year. It has been a success, and the synagogue family is growing. Community outreach activities have also increased. In a time when less and fewer people are attending any type of religious services, this pilot program may be a model for other places of worship.
Jewish Education Preschool in Rockville MD is offered by other synagogues as well. Most curriculum is designed and developed so children can be nurtured and educated about and within their Jewish Culture. As with any private preschool, the tuition can be expensive. This is a problem for a lot of families and many people in the community cannot afford to send their kids to preschools that are centered around Jewish education. Jewish education for older children is a bit more accessible because some programs and classes take place after school. Visit site for more details.
