(Courtesy of JLE) The Jewish Learning Experience of Bergen County (JLE), based in Teaneck, is a local outreach organization dedicated to working with adults and families of all backgrounds who are looking for more Jewish meaning or religious practice in their lives. We offer free and subsidized Jewish holiday events throughout the calendar year, seminars and classes, and Shabbat and holiday dinners.

The JLE is composed of passionate volunteers and a rabbinic director who strive to make all events warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental. It meets fellow Jews at whatever level of observance they are holding. Most recently, JLE held an Aish HaTorah Discovery seminar on Dec. 25, a Tu B’Shevat seder in January, and a melave malka in early February. On Sunday, Feb. 25 JLE is holding an informative class titled “Kosher in a Nutshell” to teach out-of-the-box information for both those who are and are not kosher, and they are participating in Shabbat Across America on Friday, March 1 at a private home in Teaneck.

The JLE asks the Torah-observant members of the community to please keep JLE in mind when they interact with fellow Jews at work, in their neighborhood, and even among your relatives. Many unaffiliated and lesser-affiliated Jews want a deeper connection. The simplest way to tell is if they make a remark about Judaism in general, Israel, or a Jewish holiday. Those are the people seeking more and who would benefit the most from JLE programming. Conversely, it’s equally as important for religious Jews to show an interest back, even without prompting, by asking if they have a Pesach Seder to go to or a service to attend for the High Holidays. JLE is always ready to receive inquiries from those with whom community members have spoken.

Since its inception in 1986, the JLE has touched the lives of more than 10,000 unaffiliated families in Bergen County. For more information, please visit jle.org or contact director Rabbi Jesse Shore at [email protected] or (610) 329-2953.