A weeklong program, organized by the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (CoJDS) and the RCBC, has the potential for transformative impact.
(Courtesy of CoJDS) Instead of schools focused on kids, and shuls focused on adults, this initiative is centered on schools and shuls working together to strengthen tefillah for both children and adults.
While such collaboration would always be beneficial, when it comes to tefillah, where rabbis and parents are essential inspirational figures, many of the local heads of school and rabbis believe passionately in the potential of this unified effort. Other subjects are more easily taught at school—tefillah, though, should not be taught in a vacuum.
The project is a one-week investment, with long-term results.
Eight participating Bergen County middle schools will teach a bracha of Shemoneh Esrei during the week, shul rabbonim will continue the theme over Shabbat, and bonus resources will offer the opportunity for continued discussion at home. This program will hopefully lead to more robust initiatives that engage both adults and children together, both in Bergen County and across the country.
Meet CoJDS
While the RCBC needs no introduction, The Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (CoJDS) is an organization whose work often stays in the background and deserves introduction. Their mission is to support hundreds of day schools around the world in numerous ways including with providing limudei kodesh curriculum, curriculum assessment tools, mentoring of teachers and administrators, and education on how to use AI and technology effectively in the classroom.
Why Bergen County?
With the recent establishment of the Bergen County Branch of the Consortium, schools have united for the following projects:
Produced an Oct. 7 video for our middle schools in collaboration with Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger.
Hosted a professional development session for 750 educators, with participation from every elementary school.
Launched Israel Clubs in many of its schools.
With the schools all working together, new initiatives are underway to further advance the educational goals and vision of the heads of schools and strengthen the quality of Jewish education in the Bergen County community.
Together for Tefillah is an eagerly awaited next step.
Your Partnership
To cover costs, CoJDS seeks to recognize a list of sponsors who give $180 towards the program costs, as this project hinges on the investment of the community.
For more information, contact Rabbi Yehoshua Yeamans, director of development for CoJDS, at: [email protected] or 215-954-8210 (call/text/WhatsApp).
