Complexity doesn’t just need to be embraced — we need the muscles to carry it
Article by by Abi Dauber Sterne, eJewishPhilanthropy, July 17, 2026
About
Article by by Abi Dauber Sterne, eJewishPhilanthropy, July 17, 2026.
Discover more
Peninsula Temple Beth El (PTBE), San Mateo, CA. Families in small groups with similar age kids begin learning together, move into separate groups for parallel study and then come back together for a family activity followed by participation in Shabbat worship.
Grades:
Mayim, our initial example of "Additional" Models, could be placed in a Multi-aged, Project-Based Learning, or Experiential Learning bucket. Mayim is a K-5 learning community in which depth of relationships and depth of learning are intentionally fostered and visible everywhere.
Grades:
Congregation Emanu-El of NYC. 8th graders explore different ways of doing social justice including fundraising and philanthropy, community organizing and advocacy as well as the Jewish context for these approaches. They volunteer throughout the year.
Grades:
Ahavat Achim Synagogue, Atlanta, GA. Students and their families meet five times a year, outside of regular religious school hours, as a group based on geographic location, to celebrate and learn about mitzvot.
Temple Judea, Tarzana, CA. Nisayon includes week-long camp experiences, family programming, and parallel adult education. Annual content themes are paired with activities like music, dance, drama, and krav maga.
Grades:
Adventures in Jewish Education weaves Jewish learning and Hebrew into an all-day, once a month, active outdoor experience.
Grades: