What better time to launch a new and innovative learning initiative than at the start of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah? The significance of new and strong beginnings is exactly what Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI) had in mind when creating JQuest- a student-centered learning initiative designed to engage and enrich religious school students in grades K-10. Beginning in the Fall of 2013, this project-focused approach to Jewish education will feature student-directed learning while maintaining the accredited curriculum set by KI.
“In their very own journey of self-discovery, KI kids will embark on the adventure of learning together, creating their own Jewish learning experiences,” said Rabbi Stacy Rigler.
According to Rigler, JQuest will focus on individual meaning, involving the student as not only active members in their exploration of the Jewish tradition, but as directors of their learning experience. Based in creativity and movement, students have the ability to express themselves through their own passions, and learn at an individual pace, while gaining guidance from clergy and teachers.
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The educational program is rooted in three areas that lay the foundation for Jewish life:
· Judaic Studies: The grade level curriculum goals are achieved through project-based learning where children work as a group to generate individual meaning through finding their path to learning.
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· Prayer Studies: Concepts of awe, gratitude, and need will be explored through movement and the arts, and are experienced through weekly inspirational prayer.
· Hebrew Studies: Students in grades K-3 learn Hebrew using the “Hebrew through Movement” curriculum giving them an aural basis for the language. Hebrew reading is taught in 4th grade in small groups, and then reinforced through 5th and 6th grades in individual tutoring appointments.
JQuest continues for students pursuing Confirmation with Quest Noar, which allows teens to select electives taught by clergy and youth professionals, further encouraging the growth of independent minds.
JQuest is built on an educational platform that aims to deliver these outcomes for students:
· ENGAGE in learning and the community, form friendships and feel at home in the synagogue
· EXPLORE Jewish history, culture, values, and customs
· EXPERIENCE Jewish traditions, participate in lifecycle events and holidays
· UNDERSTAND modern Hebrew words and Hebrew preparation for B'Nai Mitzvah
· PARTICIPATE with comfort and confidence in the Reform Jewish service.
For more information on the JQuest program offered at Keneseth Israel, call 215-887-8700 or visit http://kenesethisrael.org/religious_school_education/
ABOUT REFORM CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL
Keneseth Israel (located at located at 8339 Old York Road in Elkins Park) is a diverse community representing a broad constituency of nearly 1,000 families strong. Keneseth Israel was founded in 1847 in response to the need of the growing Jewish population in the Philadelphia area. Over the next 158 years, the congregation grew even more and its members spread out over Montgomery County. Due to the migration of members into the Blue Bell area, KI opened a second campus in Blue Bell in 2005. The religious school program in Elkins Park and Blue Bell is accredited by the Reform Movement’s National Association of Temple Educators. For more information, visit www.kenesethisrael.org
