The PJC Learning Center‘s mission is to create a vibrant and welcoming learning environment in which our children and families develop a love of G-d and Torah. We believe that the family and the Learning Center must work together to nourish our children’s Jewish identities in our synagogue, homes and the broader community.

We provide opportunities for students from pre-k (Nitzanim) through High School to learn together participating in Jewish rituals and social action, as well as studying Torah, Jewish history, Hebrew and Klal Israel. The Learning Center is a community that truly practices ideas of loving kindness, compassion and inclusion. 

“On three things the world stands: Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Hasadim” (Pirkei Avot, 1:2)

We want our graduates to be committed to the love of Torah (study), Avodah (worship) and G’milut Hasadim (moral and spiritual justice).

We strive to help our students feel comfortable:

• Asking questions about life and growing up, while seeking answers within the framework of Jewish tradition.
• Transmitting the Jewish tradition to the next generation.
• Being linked to a rich tradition and realizing their place in this chain through the study of Jewish history and culture.
• Using their skills regarding Shabbat, holidays and other religious observances in their home.
• Praying in the synagogue as part of a community of worshipers and experiencing prayer as our attempt to draw closer to G-d.

 Through  our  school’s  curriculum, students  will be able to:

• Know the Jewish calendar, and celebrate life cycle events and the yearly cycle of holidays.
• Read the siddur in Hebrew and be aware of its theological themes and various liturgies, especially the Shabbat service.
• Experience modern Hebrew language, using Hebrew in the classroom and acquiring a basic vocabulary.
• Experience Jewish literature, music and the arts as creative expressions of our heritage.
• Recognize the TaNaKh (Bible) and other classical Jewish texts as the record of the evolving Brit (covenant) between the Jewish people and G-d.
• Recall stories of our ancestors and themes of ethical behavior from the TaNaKh.
• Identify Torah (Jewish learning) as the source of mitzvot (commandments).
• Understand and willingly undertake mitzvot between themselves and others, as well as between themselves and G-d.
• Accept responsibility for giving Tzedakah (righteous giving) and performing actions of Tikkun Olam (making the world a better place).
• Understand that the world is G-d’s gift to humanity and that it is our responsibility to protect it and use it wisely.
• Understand the value of the Jewish community and be committed to being a member of it.
• Identify with all Jews (Klal Israel) as brothers and sisters and be committed to Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.
• Understand the principles of Conservative Judaism.

We want our students to experience:

• The Learning Center as a joyful place of learning, friendship and community;
• Respect for the uniqueness of each individual learner;
• Jewish teachers and other Jewish professionals as positive role models and skilled communicators of Jewish knowledge and values;
• A curriculum that illuminates the depth and beauty of Jewish knowledge and the relevance of ancient traditions to our daily lives;
• Families who are committed to active participation in Jewish living and mitzvot.

Together with parents, The Pelham Jewish Center Learning Center plants the seeds of  Judaism in our students. With nourishment from the home and cultivation from the school, our students’ Judaism will grow and continue to flourish throughout their lives.