ALMA: Jewish Education
A DIFFERENT KIND OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
What Is ALMA?
ALMA means 'world' in Aramaic and 'soul' in Ladino. At ALMA, we believe that Judaism matters, and that Jewish life and tradition has the potential to add profound meaning and richness to the lives of our students and families. We take a fresh approach to Jewish education. We engage our students' neshama (soul) and empower our students to engage with Jewish tradition as a lens for awe, wonder, and action in the world (olam or alma).
Our dynamic curriculum engages students in an active exploration of Jewish values, Jewish time, and Jewish customs. Our students learn songs and prayers, create ritual objects, and get their hands dirty on our chava (farm). Our Ivrit (Hebrew) specialist works with ALMA students to learn fluent decoding and our Tefillah (prayer) specialist helps students build familiarity with traditional Jewish prayers. This year, our COVID adapted curriculum focuses on bringing these elements in-home with distance learning and engaging khuggim (electives).
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 works hard to create a culture that is joyful, in which our students and their families feel respected, engaged and inspired.
ALMA is a diverse community. We are proud to have LGBTQIA, BIPOC, blended and interfaith families. CBI Membership is not a pre-requisite for participation in ALMA.
The world is sustained solely through the breath of the children when they are learning in school alongside their teachers. – Talmud, Shabbat 119b
Curriculum
This year, our ALMA program will be distance learning based. Our ALMA year will begin with a 3-week High Holiday Semester for students to reconnect with their peers and their teachers and dive into sacred Jewish time. Following the High Holidays, our curriculum is divided into three 7-week blocks. The year will end with a 3-week Siyum Semester to celebrate and close out the year, for a total of 27 weeks with ALMA.
Our 20-21 ALMA program includes dynamic distance learning opportunities that are customizable for each family, offering brand new opt-in electives for at-home ALMA experiences. When you register, your student(s) are enrolled in ALMA Core Classes and encouraged to participate in opt-in khuggim (electives).
Our ALMA Core Classes are:
- Once a week ALMA Kitah (class) that follows the Jewish calendar, engages with Jewish Life curriculum, and places an emphasis on community building
- Ivrit & Tefillah (Hebrew and Prayer) class for Grades 2-8 for ongoing decoding practice, reading fluency, and tefillah acquisition
Additionally, our Core Classes are enriched by:
- Opt-in Khuggim (electives) for Grades 2-8 with engaging in-home elements
- Weekly Shabbat morning family services with spirited tefillah led by Aram R-G and Molly Bajgot
- Three Friday night Shabbat family services, one per trimester
All of these experiences are included in your tuition fees. Families choose the amount and schedule of activities that works for them, ranging from attending only Core Classes to participating in the full week of offerings. This allows our program to meet the range of needs in rapidly changing times. Elective offerings will be announced closer to their start dates.
Questions can be directed to Assistant Director of Jewish Life Molly Bajgot at molly@cbinorthampton.org
2020-21 Calendar
Welcome Back! Week
Sept 7 - Sept 12 (1 week)
High Holiday Semester
Sept 14 - Oct 1 (3 weeks)
Sukkot Break: Oct 2-10
Teacher Week: Oct 12-16
Fall Trimester
Oct 19 - Dec 19 (7 weeks)
Thanksgiving Break: Nov 23-27
Winter Trimester
Jan 4 - Feb 26 (7 weeks)
February Break: Feb 13-20
Spring Trimester
March 1 - April 30 (7 weeks)
Passover Break: March 27-April 4
Spring Break: April 17-24
Siyum Semester
May 3 - May 21 (3 weeks)
ALMA Staff
Rabbi Jacob Fine, Director of Jewish Life
Molly Bajgot, Assistant Director of Jewish Life
CBI Education Committee
A standing committee within the synagogue, the Education Committee has the responsibility for planning and oversight of the religious school and youth programs and supports and advises the Director and Assistant Director of Jewish Life in their roles within these programs. We support the development and implementation of curricula and learning models that spark or rekindle a lifelong passion for Jewish learning. We prioritize the integration of the Jewish learning experience with all facets of CBI’s Vision. Please contact Director of Jewish Life Jacob Fine at rabbijacob@cbinorthampton.org for more information.