If you’re a Jewish parent, you may be wondering where to even get started when you think about your child’s Jewish identity and education. Well, we’ve got the place for you to take that important first step! Join nine local Jewish organizations together at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 West 68th Street, for the Upper West Side Religious School Fair on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
This free event will showcase Religious School programs from Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Ansche Chesed, B’nai Jeshurun, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, the Marlene Myerson JCC of Manhattan, SAJ: Judaism That Stands for All, Congregation Habonim and West End Synagogue — in partnership with PJ Library — giving UWS families the perfect opportunity to learn about each school’s programs and offerings for supplemental (outside of secular school) Jewish education. Each program will have a dedicated table with staff to answer all your questions and share their unique educational approach. For families with young children, there will be a childcare room adjacent to the fair with experienced educators, a few age-appropriate activities, and a fun storytime session!
Religious school fairs were an annual community event before the pandemic, and Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is proud to bring the tradition back as a symbol of unity and support for the UWS Jewish community. In light of a troubling rise in antisemitism felt locally and around the world, religious schools are more crucial than ever in providing meaningful education and a warm, welcoming community for all Jewish children and their families.
“More parents than ever this year are coming to us with big questions like, ‘How do I explain to my kid what it means to be Jewish? Or, ‘how do I make sure my children feel proud to carry on our traditions?’ The answers aren’t easy, but Religious School has guided children (and their families) through these challenging ideas for generations,” shares Brittany Kahn, director of admissions at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. “And we’re thrilled to engage families from across the city in a way that showcases the rich diversity of Jewish communities and Religious School options.
The UWS is fortunate to be home to so many synagogues that encompass a wide range of Jewish movements and traditions. The communities that will be represented at the UWS Religious School Fair hail from Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and non-denominational organizations.
As a further commitment to family education, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is thrilled to partner with PJ Library on this event. PJ Library offers the gift of free books celebrating Jewish values and culture. With programs in 40+ countries, PJ Library’s mission is to inspire families to learn about and connect with Jewish culture through reading. Their team curates high-quality Jewish books to match your child’s age and reading stage. Each child in your family (from newborn to 12 years) can receive a free age-appropriate Jewish-themed book in the mail every month! You can sign up for PJ Library for your child(ren) while completing the registration form here. pjlibrary.org.
Mark it in your calendar! The Upper West Side Religious School Fair will be held on June 5 at 30 West 68th Street and runs from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and you can sign up now here.
Participating organizations include:
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
Ansche Chesed
B’nai Jeshurun
Congregation Rodeph Sholom
Marlene Myerson JCC of Manhattan
SAJ: Judaism That Stands for All
Congregation Habonim
West End Synagogue
PJ Library
