ALMA | CBI Northampton

ALMA is inspired Jewish education for the mind, body, and soul

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At ALMA, we believe that Jewish life and tradition have the potential to add profound meaning and richness to the lives of our students and families. We believe that our students must genuinely enjoy themselves in order to learn and develop a love of Jewish life and tradition. Our passionate staff work hard to create a culture that is joyful, in which our students and their families feel respected, engaged, and inspired.

For the 2026–27 school year we are piloting an exciting new model. ALMA will be running on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and families will have the option of signing up for one, two, or three days per week. Saturdays will run for the full year, and Wednesday and Thursdays will run in 5-10 week series. See the calendar below.

Our dynamic Shabbat (Saturday) curriculum for students from pre-school through 7th grade engages students in an active exploration of Jewish life and tradition through learning about holidays, Jewish customs, stories, history, culture, and more. Our weekly Tefillah (prayer) experiences help students build comfort with traditional and contemporary Jewish prayers and songs, as well as the weekly Torah portion.

Students in 2nd grade and up who enroll in ALMA Shabbat will participate in a small group Ivrit (Hebrew) class that meets weekly and enables students to develop fluent decoding.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays (open to students 2nd grade and up), students choose electives based on their interests and passions, including cooking, music, crafting, and outdoor experiences on Abundance Farm. Each weekday class will also include a component that connects to the broader CBI community, such as: leading a part of a service in the Sanctuary, designing a service project and inviting broader participation, designing an art display, cooking for kiddush, and more.

Inspired by the 18x18 Framework: The 18 Educational Dimensions of Jewish Life developed by the Jewish educational nonprofit M2, we will tag each offering with up to 3 educational dimensions, which will be baked into the goals of the class.

These tags will also help students (and their grownups) in deciding which areas of Jewish learning they want to prioritize. We will also offer a couple of ALMA “majors” as options.

B’nai Mitzvah and Synagogue Skills-building: participation in the Saturday program and taking at least one class tagged with each of the following per year:
- Hebrew and Jewish Terminology
- Mitzvot and Customs
- God, Spirituality, and Prayer
- Jewish Texts, Torah, and Core Narratives

All-around ALMA Explorer: participation in the Saturday program and taking a class in at least 10 of the 18 dimensions between 2nd and 7th grades.
ALMA Explorer: taking a class in at least 10 of the 18 dimensions between 2nd and 7th grades, with weekday participation only.

All students who attend Wednesdays and/or Thursdays will receive a Jewish learning “passport” which they’ll stamp after completing each class marking the Jewish learning dimensions they complete. These passports will be used throughout their ALMA journeys and serve as a record of their accomplishments when they complete the program.

“The world is sustained solely through the breath of the children when they are learning in school alongside their teachers.” 
Talmud, Shabbat 119b

ALMA Shabbat Classes

ALMA SHABBAT Classes

ALMA Shabbat

Shorashim (roots): Pre-K (ages 3-5)
Nitzanim (flower buds): K/1st grade
Amirim (bundles of grain): 2nd grade
Ilanot (trees): 3rd grade
Aravot (willows): 4th grade
Arazim (cedars): 5th grade
Rimonim (pomegranates): 6th and 7th grades

Small Group Hebrew Learning Options (2nd grade+)

Tuesdays 4-4:30 (Zoom)
Tuesdays 5-5:30 (Zoom)
Wednesdays 3-3:30 (at CBI)
Wednesdays 5-5:30 (at CBI)
Thursdays 3-3:30 (at CBI)
Thursdays 5-5:30 (at CBI)

ALMA Afterschool Classes

ALMA AFTERSCHOOL FALL TRIMESTER Classes

Fall Trimester Wednesday Classes (September 9–November 4)

Shomrei Adamah (Keepers of the Earth) with Jonathan Dubinsky
Through nature connection and wilderness skills we will explore what Jewish tradition can teach us about our relationship and responsibility to the earth and ourselves. Using the outdoor forest classroom and the farm, we will develop a nature awareness prayer practice, learn skills like fire making and shelter building, and play games that build a connection to the natural world. Spending time in nature is a great inroad to spirituality and Jewish philosophy. For 2nd–7th graders.

Tags: God, Spirituality, and Prayer | Holiness of Nature and the Environment
Jewish Beings Being Jewish with Matthew Roth Katz
Jewish people are people…and also Jewish, and it can be useful to think about how our Jewish-ness informs our person-hood. In this discussion-based class, we will explore themes of Friendship, Ethics and Wellness through a Jewish lens. We will engage in a variety of creative activities, and also read some short texts during class. Students will have the option to make presentations on topics of their choice. For 6th–8th graders.

Tags: Jewish Friendships | Judaism’s Relevance to Life’s Questions | Issues Facing Contemporary Jewry
Hebrew Language with Naomi Bennett
We will learn Hebrew together. We’ll use a work book, play games, and practice reading and writing together. For 2nd–7th graders.

Tags: Hebrew and Jewish Terminology | Jewish Texts, Torah, and Terminology
The Inquisitor’s Tale: The Afterschool Program with Aram
Young theater lovers will bring selected scenes and songs from The Inquisitor’s Tale: The Musical to life in a short theatrical revue. Throughout this nine-week program, participants will explore the Jewish historical themes found in the book by Adam Gidwitz while developing their skills in singing, dancing, acting, storytelling, and set building. This engaging and creative program combines theater arts with history, inviting students to discover the fascinating world and rich historical context behind this remarkable story. For 2nd–7th graders

Tags: Jewish Arts and Culture | God, Spirituality, and Prayer

Fall Trimester Thursday Classes (September 10–November 5)

Wildcrafted Judaica with Farmer Avi
Challah covers, sukkah decorations, mezuzot...what do these things have in common? They can all be made with materials we can find here at Abundance Farm! We'll learn about Jewish holy spaces and ritual objects by creating beautiful, wild-foraged crafts together. For 2nd–7th graders.

Tags: Rituals and Holidays | Mitzvot and Customs | Holiness of Nature and the Environment
Ozzy's Kitchen with Ozzy Gold Shapiro
Cook, bake, and explore different Jewish diasporic cultures through food! Students will prepare delicious dishes while learning to decipher recipes, hone their kitchen chops, and teamwork, and the stories and traditions behind some of our favorite Jewish dishes. For 4th–7th graders.

Tags: Jewish People and It’s Diversity | Jewish History, Memory, and Tradition | Rituals and Holidays | Jewish Culinary Traditions | Jewish Arts and Culture
Record a Live Album with Aram
Over this 9-week session, students will rehearse the songs of our ALMA community, learn harmonies, and prepare featured solos before recording a live album together. The result will be a lasting musical keepsake celebrating the voices, spirit, and joy of our community. For 2nd–7th graders.

Tags: Jewish Arts and Culture | God, Spirituality, and Prayer
Learning to Lead: A Workshop for Pre-B’nai Mitzvah Students with Rabbi Ariella
We’ll develop the skills for being a Shabbat services leader, and learn about what it means to be a community leader and B’nai Mitzvah in Jewish tradition. We’ll specifically work on leading the Torah service and other prayers that many B’nai Mitzvah students lead at CBI, honing our Hebrew reading skills along the way. For 5th–7th graders.

Tags: Mitzvot and Customs | Rituals and Holidays | Jewish Texts, Torah, and Core Narratives | Hebrew and Jewish Terminology

Additional Weekday Classes

We will open registration for each trimester within two months of the start of the new series. Stay tuned, upcoming classes will include the Purim Spiel, Tallit making, Judaism and Fire, Hebrew, and more. Registration for the Chanukah minimester will open later this summer!

ALMA Tuition

Tuition

2026–27 Registration (opens August 1)

Alma Shabbat (PreK–1st): $1,280

Alma Shabbat (2nd+): $1,480 (includes weekly Hebrew learning)

Fall Trimester: $252 per class

Tuition Assistance

Tuition makes it possible for our program to sustain quality educators and specialists and to provide materials for students. CBI believes in the value of Jewish education and strongly believes that finances should not be an obstacle to Jewish education. CBI Members in good standing are eligible to request financial assistance.

Financial assistance requests are part of the registration process. We will review requests for tuition assistance on a rolling basis. Apply by August 20 for priority consideration.

ALMA Calendar

Calendar

ALMA Shabbat will meet from 10 am–12:15 pm

September 26 (Sukkot)

October 3, 17, 31

November 7, 14, 21

December 5, 12, 19

January 9, 23, 30

February 6, 27

March 6, 13, 20, 27

April 3, 10

May 1, 8, 15, 22

Hebrew learning classes will meet throughout the 25 weeks of ALMA shabbat with some interruptions for Holidays and school closures.

ALMA Afterschool will meet from 3:30–5 pm

Fall Trimester (9 week): September 9 – November 5

Chanukah Minimester (5 weeks): November 11 – December 17

Winter Trimester (10 weeks): January 6 – March 18

Spring Trimester (8 weeks): March 24 – May 27

ALMA FAQ

FAQ

What days does ALMA meet? Do I need to sign up for all of them?

ALMA meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Participants can sign up for any combination of those days. Signing up for Saturdays is a full-year commitment, while the Wednesday and Thursday sessions are divided into 3 trimesters and 1 minimester.

What ages can attend ALMA?

Saturday classes are open to anyone ages 3 through 7th grade, and students will be divided by age/grade. Wednesday and Thursday sessions are open to students in grades 2-7.

What time does ALMA meet?

***Note the time changes for this year***

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, ALMA will meet from 3:30–5 pm.
On Saturdays, ALMA will meet from 10 am–12:15 pm. (That is 15 minutes later than in prior years.)
Small-group Hebrew classes will meet at various times throughout the week.

What are the dates for the weekday trimesters?

Fall Trimester: Sept 9/10-Nov 4/5 (9 weeks)
Chanukah Minimester: Nov 11/12-Dec 16/17 (5 weeks)
Winter Trimester: Jan 6/7-March 17/18 (10 weeks)
Spring Trimester: March 24/25-May 26/27 (8 weeks)

When can I register for the later trimesters?

We will release the list of classes and registration for each trimester and minimester approximately two months before they are scheduled to start.

Is there financial aid available for ALMA?

All CBI members in good standing are eligible for financial aid, which can be indicated on the ALMA registration form. Interested in membership? Contact the CBI office at 413-584-3593, or office@cbinorthampton.org.

What about teens?

One session per trimester on a Wednesday or a Thursday will also be open to teens (7th grade and up). Interested and qualified teens are invited to participate as madrichim (classroom assistants). Reach out to Rabbi Ariella for more info!

How will my child learn Hebrew?

Hebrew is worked into many aspects of ALMA. Our younger classes begin to learn the letters and the sounds they make. We also bring Hebrew language learning into our tefilah (prayer) spaces. There will always be a Hebrew class offered for the weekday ALMA series. As well, every Saturday student in grades 2–7 will be invited to sign up for a weekly 30 minute Hebrew lesson that meets either in person or on zoom during the week.

How can I help make sure my child gets a well-rounded Jewish education?

No one program can provide all of the Jewish learning a person can learn (that’s a life-long pursuit), but at ALMA, we certainly try! Our Shabbat sessions function as a core curriculum of sorts, and students will learn about a variety of topics as they move through the program, including Torah stories, Shabbat and holidays, Jewish history, culture, rituals, values, and more.

We encourage you to look at the weekday class offerings with your child, and to sign up for a variety of offerings. Each class will be tagged with a few dimensions of Jewish education (inspired by the work of the Jewish experiential organization M²) and students will be encouraged to collect as many tags as possible.

We are also offering ALMA “majors” which involve either specializing in certain areas (like b’nai mitzvah readiness), or getting exposure to many different topics. Students will keep track of their progress by getting their ALMA passports “stamped” at the end of each series.

What can I do during ALMA on Shabbat after I drop off my child(ren)?

We’d love for you to stay and spend the morning with us! You are welcome to attend Shabbat services in the Sanctuary, or to join your child for Shabbat Shabloom (preschool through 1st grade) or the Family Service (2nd–7th grade). Occasionally we hope to have dedicated parent schmooze spaces as well. All families are welcome to attend kiddush following the end of ALMA and Shabbat services.

Are there any opportunities for us to gather and learn as a family?

Several times a year, we have ALMA family dinners, including on Sukkot and the occasional Friday night. ALMA families are encouraged to attend our High Holy Day family services, and other family holiday programs. As well, the weekly ALMA newsletter features links to resources to learn about the Torah portion of the week, upcoming holidays, etc. together at home. Separately, adults are invited to check out our adult education offerings.

How can I help?

We are always looking for parent volunteers to serve as class parents, to help organize ALMA community events, advise us on the program, and more! Please indicate your interest in volunteering on your child’s registration form or reach out to Rabbi Ariella directly.