Passport to Jewish Learning

Passport to Jewish Learning (PJL), Rodef Shalom's religious school, takes the traditional Jewish education model to a new place where social action, Shabbat and holiday celebration, Jewish history and Israel, family education, and Rodef Shalom intergenerational community building are top priority. By creating experiential learning opportunities, all participants are engaged in an amazing Jewish journey.

Our Passport to Jewish Learning program has two main components:

Monthly Family Programming

• Holiday, Social Action, Shabbat and more

Weekly Classroom Time

• A mix of in-person and Zoom

Program Overview Beyond COVID-19

Our 2021-2022 contingency plan incorporates the optimal use of all our indoor and outdoor spaces. This year's learning model includes in-person, Zoom, and family time learning to enhance our individual and collective Jewish journeys. Through a variety of hands-on experiences, students and their families will learn to question, problem solve, and build a more just world.

Our 2021–2022 PJL program follows:

Grades K–1

• Wednesdays in-person: Students attend 2x per month from 4:30–6:00 p.m.
• Shabbat in-person: Students attend 2x per month for a 1 hour class from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Grades 2–5

• Wednesdays in-person: Students attend 2x per month from 4:30–6:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays Zoom: Students attend 2x per month via zoom from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Shabbat in-person: Students attend 2x per month for a 1 hour class from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
• Optional small group Zoom: Hebrew for 30 minutes 1x per week
• Summer Hebrew letter recognition and reading boot camps

Grades 6–7/B’nai Mitzvah Students

• Wednesdays in-person: 1x per month experiential class from 4:30–6:00 p.m. with guest speakers and hands-on activities
• Wednesdays Zoom: Students attend 2x per month via zoom from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Shabbat Saturdays in-person: Students attend 1x per month for 1 hour Shabbat Shmooze with Rabbi
• Summer Hebrew letter recognition and reading boot camps

Grades 8–12

• Saturdays in-person: 2x per month Shabbat Chavurah during Shabbat services
• Youth group programming and conventions

Confirmation (Grades 9–10)

• Participation in grades 8–12 programming
• Rabbi connection/confirmation May 14 as part of Celebration of Learning

Additional opportunities for all: Includes Rodef Young Families, PJL and non-PJL students (day school)

• Families are encouraged to come on any Shabbat, including non-Shabbat PJL weeks for services, Mini Minyan, Camp Shabbat, chess, kiddush, schmoozing and more
• Rodef Ruach Bags: Families can opt-in to receive Rodef Ruach Bags that can be picked up each month at Rodef Shalom; bags will include learning material and simple family projects to enjoy together
• Family Holiday Keshet Days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu BShevat, Purim, Passover, Shavuot
• Spring Family Retreat

Registration Fees & Tuition Rates

Registration Fees

• $50 by August 1st (half off registration fee)
• $100 after August 1st

Tuition Rates

• Grades K–7:  Members $600; Non Members $800
• Grade 8: Members $440; Non Members $575
• Confirmation (Grades 9–10): Members $300; Non Members $360

To register for our program, please use the sidebar link in the "Forms" section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member?

No! PJL welcomes both members and non-members. Day School families don't feel left out! We would love to have your child in our program. Our curriculum enhances a Day School education as well as deepens connections between peers. If your child is not attending our Shabbat and Wednesday classes you are able to sign up for our family programs.

What ages is it for?

Kindergarten through 12th grade

Are there parent learning opportunities?

Yes! We have many opportunities for parent learning both with and without their children. 

What is mandatory and what is optional?

We feel that all aspects of our program are essential, but we also understand that every family has a very busy schedule and cannot be at every program. If you have questions about your specific schedule needs, please speak with Dawn .

If my child goes to day school, can we still participate?

Absolutely! Our program is geared to enhance a Day School education and strengthen bonds in our community.  We especially encourage all families to participate in holiday events, social action programs, and Shabbat programming.