Family Learning
Family Program
Our Family Program is connected to the broader vision of Tzimtzum, which aims to support marginalized Jews and center Jewish diasporic experiences, particularly here in Santa Cruz, CA. Our curriculum reflects this vision, emphasizing the experience of being Jewish in the diaspora. We want our students to develop a strong relationship with their Jewish identity and to cultivate a practice rooted in social justice values.
Bi-weekly Family sessions
We invite families to join us for a rich and engaging Jewish learning experience that goes beyond the surface. Our program offers dynamic, twice-monthly classes designed for both adults and children in 4th–7th grades. We believe in integrating the entire family into the learning process, including younger children so that Jewish education extends beyond the classroom and into your home. Why stop learning when class is over? We encourage families to bring Jewish practice into daily life, fostering meaningful rituals and traditions at home. Having the support and involvement of adults at home is crucial for creating a strong foundation for Jewish learning. We invite the families' younger children to be present during class times, soaking in the lessons alongside their older siblings.
B Mitzvah
For families considering a B/Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we are here to support you through the journey, tailoring the experience to the individual needs and learning style of the student. We want to meet each kid where they are while we are still a small program. The B Mitzvah is an option, not a given, and we view it as a meaningful milestone to be approached with intention and purpose. Our focus is not on producing a "Bar Mitzvah factory," but on nurturing a deep love for Jewish learning and community.
Hebrew Learning
Twice a month, we offer Hebrew classes focused on building a foundational understanding of the Hebrew alphabet, writing, and reading. We also invite parents who are interested to join in and learn alongside their children. Our goal is to teach prayers, blessings, phrases, and concepts that help deepen the connection to Judaism. While this program isn’t solely a path to a B Mitzvah, it can certainly lead there if desired. Biblical Hebrew connects us to the roots of Jewish learning, and through it, we aim to foster critical thinking, decoding skills, and the ability to say prayers from a connected place.