About Our Jewish Education Program
Enrollment for SAJ's Makom 2018-2019
year coming this Monday June 4!
If you have questions please contact Tehilah.
To learn more about Jewish education and experiences for any of our age groups please click on the link!
Pela (0-4 years + parents/caregivers)
Makom 4th - 6th & Makom Shabbaton 4th - 6th Families
Tweens (7th - 8th) & Teens (9th - 12th)
Our Weekly Updates 
Click here for our weekly program updates, Jewish experiences in the classroom and beyond in Pela (0-4 + caregivers), Makom K - Teen programs.
Our Calendar
Click here for a monthly look at our 2018-2019 programs and events, and for a full list of class dates.
Our Family Handbook
Click here for the 2017-2018 Family Handbook.
Our Mission 
The SAJ nourishes the whole life of our children. We will develop the Jewish self as a way of connecting with the world at large. Our open environment reflects the Reconstructionist tradition which invites all questions to promote a shared search for meaning. We foster a culture of respect, enriched by the diversity of our community.
We use an experiential approach to learning that inspires children and their families to embrace the joys and journeys of Jewish life. Our explorations of Jewish culture, arts, history, holiday rituals, Hebrew language and prayer, engage and animate our learners.
Children at SAJ develop connections to values and traditions that span generations. They are empowered to engage in spiritual practices and to grapple with complex issues of belief and faith through engaging with ancient texts in modern contexts. Our students go forward with a rich foundation in Jewish life as they become active participants in our synagogue and responsible citizens of the world.
Children, ages newborn to 4, and their caregivers, meet on Shabbat mornings for a variety of activities. Check out our Pela program information for Shabbat at SAJ and weekday locations around the Upper West Side. Children in grades K – 3 meet at SAJ one time per week. As they enter grades 4 – 6, children continue to attend a weekly Makom class on Saturdays or Tuesdays. They are invited to an optional intensive Beit Midrash ("House of Study") where they choose their own topics to delve into and their own study partners. Children and their parents in 4th - 6th grade also enter Makom Shabbaton a program that meets monthly to build relationships between families, learning as a family and learning through unique modalities. Students begin Hebrew Homepage to work on their Hebrew skills at their own pace in one-on-one tutoring via Skype. Students in grades 7 and 8 are part of the SAJ's Teen Program, which meets twice each month on Sundays. 9th grade and up meet monthly with Rabbi Lauren and head to a special trip to be announced each summer. Leadership roles in the educational community begin in 8th grade, some students can be accepted in the 7th grade.
Makom tours
During these sessions, you can learn how children experience the joy and spirit of Judaism at the SAJ; hear about the interactive program; meet the Education Director, and chat with parents whose children are in the educational program. SAJ Synagogue, 15 W. 86th Street. Please contact Tehilah@thesaj.org to register for one of the limited slots in the next Saturday/Shabbat 11:15 am tour.
REMAINING DATES: 1/20, 2/10, 3/3, 4/21, 5/12.
Parent and Family Programs 
We believe that meaningful Jewish living is fostered in homes and families are a vital part of our school and larger spiritual community. Check our SAJ calendar for: Family Services, multiple holiday experiences for families, new family tour dates, Makom Shabbaton, parenting conversations as well as our newborn - 4 year old + caregiver program, Pela (Hebrew word for "wonder") now in our 2nd year and 4 locations!