Communal Jewish Experiences

More than simply “learning” about Judaism, at Temple Emunah, we want our students to experience it for themselves at our synagogue. We, therefore, identify and promote opportunities for children to experience Jewish life. We call these opportunities Communal Jewish Experiences.

To encourage our children to participate in CJEs, we have developed an incentive based system. Each Communal Jewish Experience in which a child participates gives him/her 1 to 5 credits, depending on the CJE. 3rd ­- 7th graders are expected to accrue 18 CJE credits during the year. K­ - 2 are expected to accrue 4 CJE credits. By basing the requirement over the year, families can choose when to attend shul together. Between September and May, there are numerous opportunities in which children (and families) may participate.

These experiences can include Friday Night, Shabbat Morning, or Shabbat Afternoon services or attending a Temple Emunah holiday service or program (for example: Tashlikh, Neilah Youth Program and Service, Sukkot Progressive Lunch, Simhat Torah, Yom Hazikaron Service, Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration, Yom Hashoah Service, Purim Megillah Reading, Pesah Services, Tisha B’Av Eikhah Reading, Slihot, Hanukkah Celebration, Lag b’Omer, Shavuot Services, etc.).

While the Temple provides supervision on Shabbat morning during Mini Minyan and Junior Congregation, a parent or designated chaperon must remain in the synagogue when they come to the aforementioned services.

To encourage maximum participation, students who accrue more than 18 CJEs (3 - 7) or 4 CJE credits (K - 2) will receive a gift card to Rancatore’s Ice Cream in Lexington Center.

ONE MAY EARN CJE CREDIT BY ATTENDING TEMPLE EMUNAH’S:

• Friday Night Shabbat Services
• Shabbat Morning Services
• Shabbat Minhah Services
• Synagogue holiday programs/observances (for example: Tashlikh, Sukkot, Shavuot, Passover, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Hashoah, Megillah Reading, Tisha B’Av, Slihot, Hanukkah Celebration, Lag B’Omer, etc.). Please note that CJE credit will be given when religious school day and yom tov coincide.
• One credit for weekly minyan

OTHER WAYS OF EARNING CJE CREDIT:

• One credit per year for Services at Jewish summer camp
• One credit per year for Services at another synagogue or institution
• One credit per year for attending a youth group activity, Kadima or USY
• 2 credits for attending a Shul In
• 5 credits for attending the Religious School Retreat

LOGISTICS

• A sign-in sheet will be accessible during the beginning part of each program/service. (First 15 minutes of Friday Night/Minhah, Jr Cong, Mini Minyan and until about 10:30 in the main service)
• Students sign themselves by placing a sticker by their name
• It is the responsibility of the student to sign in to each program
• Parents are welcome to call Ellen Weene in Rabbi Lerner’s office to check on CJE credits

For a calendar of this year's CJE Opportunities, click here.