Can you tell me how you got started?
Sure! After spending years as a lay-leader and educator in a popular West Broward synagogue, I began to see how ineffective today’s synagogue programs are, and that families wanted something different. Also, in the last decade, I have seen families by the dozens choosing to not affiliate, leaving them without options for educating their children. I knew there was a need for an education program that
1) Engaged and interested students
2) Provided flexible schedules that complimented a busy lifestyle
3) Focused on a core curriculum of Food/Culture, Mitzvot, Ethics, Prayer, and building a relationship with G-d.
I decided to create small groups of children that would encourage dialogue and interaction, enhancing the learning experience, engaging family members, and overall – making Hebrew/Jewish education FUN! And then – edjewcation station was born!
Sounds AMAZING! How do you do that?
Well, class sizes are typically 8-12 students. I can place your student in an existing group, or you can form your own group with a minimum of 6 students. The small group size fosters a full 1.25 hour session of engaged Jewish learning and sharing through dialogue, crafts, video, cooking, and role-play. I have every student’s attention for the full class period, and learning is exponentially greater than a typical Hebrew school class. I found that in Hebrew School, a teacher spent 80% of their time quieting a class, and 20% teaching. I am able to utilize a full 95-100% of my class time teaching, and engaging my students.
Can you be more specific about your curriculum?
Sure. Class meets every other week, so we have approximately 20 classes per year. Classes generally focus 2-3 major topics (Holidays, Mitzvoth, Prayer, Torah, Cooking), so as to reinforce how all of these things must be balanced in our daily lives. Students are provided a safe space for sharing, as they are required to make a pledge of respect, and consideration to others in the classroom. Everyone has an opportunity to share and contribute, and students feel important to the process.
- Our cooking classes celebrate the foods of Hanukkah (latkes), Purim (Hamentashen), Passover (charoset, matzoh clusters, etc.) and a Challah-day (holiday). We also have a Tu B’Shevat Seder (festival of the trees).
- Mitzvot classes focus on the teachings of the Torah regarding the 10 Commandments, and other worldy mitzvoth such as Acts of love and kindness, praying with sincerity, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and many more.
- Holidays cover the major holidays, history, their foods, Biblical characters, and cultural inclusion in our lives today.
- Prayer – students not only learn to recite our most important prayers, but more importantly, learn what they mean, and how they are relevant to our lives. We spend a great deal of time applying the teachings of prayer to our lives.
- G-d – When do you recall being taught HOW to pray to G-d? How does prayer work? How do you build a relationship with G-d? I work diligently to help my students form that relationship, with the understanding that as they embark on their teen years, they will need that relationship more than ever, to help them make positive choices for their lives.
Learn more about our Jewish studies on our Curriculum page
Your program sounds AWESOME! What is the cost?
The cost of the program is $860 per year, which includes all tuition and activities and supplies. Also, once your child is enrolled, you lock in the current year’s price, protecting you from future price increases for 3 years, and we give a 10% early registration discount for enrollment before March 15th of the prior year.
How does edjewcation station work in conjunction with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah program?
It’s a lead in – not an either-or. Our classes for edjewcation station include 3rd-5th grade, with a B-Mitzvah boot camp weekly in 6th. The B-Mitzvah typically occurs in 7th. Therefore, they are very well prepared by the time they reach the 7th grade B-Mitzvah study program. Individual Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah programs are priced separately – and prices depend on the # of classes, and style of private tutoring to reach a family’s goal. Please inquire separately on Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs.
Sounds like a great experience! What else will my child do?
We will learn music and songs, and travel to a nursing home once/twice a school year to provide my elderly patients an opportunity to be uplifted by Jewish song. We also take a field trip day for the 5th/6th grade to the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial, and have a family picnic at a beautiful park that day. Many other options exist for creative planning of events – just let me know what you’d like to do – and we’ll plan it!
Do you teach every class?
Well, up until this year – yes – however, until I figure out how to clone myself, I cannot be in so many places at once. So, through my many years in Jewish education, I have sought out other educators that share my passion for teaching children, and my skill for connecting with them, and inspiring them to their highest capacity of Jewish learning. My teachers and I rotate the classes so we make sure we are all building wonderful relationships with our kids!
When do classes meet?
Typically, 3rd-5th grades meet on weekdays after school, from 3:30-4:45 pm. We do have a few options for a weekday 5pm class and a Sunday class as well, for working families.
How can I learn about your program?
You can schedule a call or an in home info session with Cantor Debbi directly! Call her at 954-646-1326, or access her calendar here to book an info call. She would love to talk to you!
I’m excited about this program! How do I sign up? When do the next classes begin?
We offer early registration beginning March 1st! Sign up on our mailing list for updates! We begin the 2019/2020 school year on August 28th. Get on the bus with us! ENROLL HERE