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June 2007
Regional News
Peninsula The Palo Alto School for Jewish Education is described on its website as a “distinctive Sunday School.” In fact, it is more than that. It’s one of few Jewish religious schools that is neither a day school nor affiliated with a congregation. “We approach religious school from an historical and cultural perspective, rather than religious,” explains Cathy Taylor, director of education. Founded 40 years ago, PASJE’s mission is “to nurture our children's Jewish identity through the study and celebration of Jewish history, culture, values, and language, and to create a Jewish community for our families.” In its Sunday morning classes for K – 8, PASJE students learn about Jewish holidays and celebrations, Jewish history from biblical times to the present, with an emphasis on Jewish life in the U.S. and Israel. Sundays begin with music and once a month there is Israeli dancing. Teachers also spend time on Talmudic studies and argument, and students learn to present their points of view based on Jewish ethics and values, Taylor says. In addition, optional Hebrew classes are available, as well as bar and bat mitzvah preparation at the school. Many of the families whose children attend PASJE are not ready to join a synagogue but want their children to have a Jewish education. The majority are interfaith families. A parent board runs PASJE and all parents are encouraged to attend board meetings and participate in decision-making. There is an effort to provide parents with opportunities to connect to one another, both formally with book groups, guest speakers, holiday celebrations and tzedakah projects, as well as informally around coffee and bagels as they drop their children off for school. “With our program, it’s comfortable to get comfortable,” Taylor says. In the future, PASJE is hoping to bring back pre-K and formal bar/bat mitzvah classes. For information on the school, visit www.pasje.org or call 650-855-9063.
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