After School

Responsive Education

" I appreciate the non-institutional approach CJL has to teaching; broadening the students' horizons with song, social awareness, history, small groups for more individual attention, and strong personal relationships. I feel with this approach my girls have gained a greater knowledge of not just what it means to be Jewish, but also what it means to be able, more productive people."
~Marc Freedman

Registration is ongoing throughout the year. Please fill out the Contact page to receive more information.

Found the afikomen!

Havdalah

CJL’s responsive approach to education allows each after school group to unfold based on the make-up of the individual students and their presenting interests. Each cohort of up to eight students, builds connections between the past and present through a variety of activities including Hebrew reading, games, discussion, film, stories, art, cooking, music, movement and community service. Learning expands through the study of history, culture, holidays, ritual and identity. We are inspired by The Responsive Classroom approach to education that includes engaging academics, positive community, effective management, developmentally responsive teaching.

Students in mixed grade groupings may study for up to 5 years* or more with the same instructor. This method of instructional design affirms the teacher as long term guide while cultivating relationships with deep roots for all. Our groups meet once a week for 75 minutes in the home of a participating student. To build cross generational community and to encourage family partnerships, CJL offers events throughout the year including some that are open to the greater Northampton community.

*See the Teen page to learn more about our programs for older students.

Community Feedback:
"Sonia came back on Tuesday evening over the moon! She loved her first class."
~ Eva Jaffe

"CJL provides a place where young people can explore and speak openly about integrity, ethics and Jewish identity. At its best, a community forms where students enjoy the process of learning and have a place where they can express their authentic selves."
~Ellen Carter

"The group is really good, I learned so much. I wish it met everyday."
~ sixth grade student

"CJL has been a wonderful option that has been refreshingly creative, age appropriate, warm and connected."
~Dara Fishman

"Thank you for a great year at CJL. I liked the group I worked with, and the Hebrew. I also like the Jewish hero stories and the songs."
~ 5th grade student

"What a terrific, thoughtful curriculum. I wish my Hebrew school experience was this good!
~ Peter Fishman

"I would love to sit in, but don't want to mess up the comfort level and vibe of the group. All I know is I get great updates each week and my daughter reports that she is having a great time."
~Amy Altwarg

"Thank you for your innovative, varied, thoughtful, interesting and fun ways to get information out to kids. You touched upon all the intelligences to help kids hear and see stories from different angles. Thanks for being willing to do whatever works, including climbing the tree house and involving families in all you do."
~ Amy Seldin

"You are such a great teacher, and you have such a unique way of teaching. It's been amazing to have you as a teacher."
~ teen student