The Jewish Youth Encounter Program

Question 1

How often does the JYEP meet?

Answer

The JYEP meets one day a week on Sunday mornings from 9:15-12.

Question 2

Does the program lead to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Answer

Yes, the five years of study leads up to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. As we have our own staff Rabbi who in addition to teaching the 7th grade Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation class weekly, he also supervises and officiates at our students’ ceremonies.

Question 3

Does my child need to have his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah using the JYEP Rabbi?

Answer

No. We offer the Rabbi’s services as an option. You can either choose to have the Rabbi supervise and officiate at your child’s ceremony or the JYEP can prepare your child as per the requirements of you family synagogue.

Question 4

What is the religious orientation of the JYEP?

Answer

The families who choose to send their children to the JYEP come from all denominations including the unaffiliated by choice. The mission of the JYEP is to educate all Jewish children according to their abilities to the best of its ability.

Question 5

What are the class sizes in the JYEP?

Answer

The JYEP is committed to having a low ratio of teacher: student. No class will ever be larger than 15 students.

Question 6

What are the grade levels at the JYEP?

Answer

JYEP educates children in the 3rd thru 7th grades

Question 7

Why do parents choose the JYEP to educate their children above the many other Hebrew schools available in Bergen County?

Answer

The reasons are as varied as the number of students in our school. * Frequently, children come home from school and tell their parents about their friends who go to the JYEP and love Hebrew school, and they, too, want to be a part of it. * Often it is because their child has a unique learning style and their child will thrive in a one-on-one environment when learning a new language. * Many times it is because they want to offer their children a Jewish education without needing to join a synagogue. * Commonly, it’s because they feel that Sunday mornings works out best in their schedule. * Often the children are unhappy in a traditional Hebrew school and they heard about the warm, friendly and exciting environment at the JYEP.

Question 8

How long has the JYEP been in existence?

Answer

The JYEP was started in 1986 with 18 students in the classrooms of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood.

Question 9

Can students enroll in the JYEP after 3rd grade?

Answer

While we believe that in order to have a thorough JYEP experience, the best time to enroll is in the 3rd grade, the JYEP is committed to offering every Jewish child a Jewish education. We will therefore accept any child any time of the year and in any of our grades.

Question 10

Can parents be involved in the JYEP?

Answer

We encourage our parents to sit in on their child’s class. We frequently have family programs around the holidays where the whole family, parents, siblings and grandparents are invited to join the kids.

Question 11

Is Synagogue membership required?

Answer

There is no membership requirement at the JYEP.

Question 12

What are the grade levels of the JYEP?

Answer

The JYEP educates children in the 3rd thru 7th grades.

Question 13

What are the school hours?

Answer

The JYEP meets Sunday mornings from 9:15-12.

Question 14

What is the class size?

Answer

Up to 15 children in a class.

Question 15

Will my child be prepared for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Answer

While the Bar and Bat Mitzvah is not the focus of the JYEP, we realize it is the impetus for many of our children’s enrollment. The Bar and Bat Mitzvah is supervised by our staff Rabbi and it is he who officiates at the ceremony.