Classes

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The JCC has lifted all of its COVID policies. However, we encourage everyone to stay vigilant, and if they are not feeling well, to stay home, and if they have COVID symptoms, to do a home test and seek medical advice.

Mitzvah Secular Sunday School (MSSS) classes meet twice a month* on Sunday at the Mercer Island Jewish Community Center (JCC). Classes begin at 9:30 am and end at 11:30 pm. Weather permitting, we will have a brief closing circle outside from 11:30-11:45.  Programs run from September through June. *PreK meets once per month.

For a detailed description of the Shalom Sunday classes and program, see The Shalom Sunday Handbook.

Kitah Keff (Preschool/4 yr olds) *meets once per month

Community is vital, even to the youngest members of the Secular Jewish Circle. Exploring aspects of Secular Humanistic Jewish identity is the aim of this class. Jewish symbols, holidays, stories, language, games, food, and dance are introduced. Some Hebrew words will be introduced to gain familiarity.

Kitah Gan (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)*currently combined with Kitah Aleph

In Kitah Gan students will explore Judaism further. This class will cover concepts like the Jewish calendar, including Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, TuBshevat, and Passover holidays – moving into how they are celebrated in their own home – and by their grandparents. In this class, children will begin discussing Jewish genealogy, names, and where each student’s family came from. Students will learn Hebrew letters and words through activities, games, cooking, and crafts.

Kitah Aleph (Grades 2-3)* currently combined with Kitah Gan

Our Kitah Aleph class starts to teach students about who Jews are in the world and how we want to leave the world. Students are taught about concepts of Tikkun Olam, Mitzvah, Tzedakah and the value of community. The class embraces the celebration of life-long learning. Kitah Aleph will explore Jewish history from the mid-1800s, moving to more recent history, including Antisemitism and assimilation in the United States. Students will use crafts, games, singing, and cooking to explore their Jewish identity.

Kitah Bet (Grades 4-5) 

The story of the Jews is the story of an amazingly ancient and resilient people. In the two-year course of learning this history, the students will explore Jewish values, life, and contributions from ancient history through the 15th century. They will also explore the intersections of Jewish holidays with history. Students will explore Torah stories and learn about the Talmud.

Kitah Gimel (Grades 6-7) 

In Kitah Gimel, students will be encouraged to explore their identities as Secular Humanistic Jews. Kitah Gimel contains units of study, including The Roots and Beliefs of Secular Humanistic Judaism, Contemporary Issues and a Secular Humanistic Response, Israel and the Middle East, and Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust.

Families may participate in the B Mitzvah program as part of the Shalom Sunday. The B Mitzvah program prepares youth for their (optional) B Mitzvah ceremony. Topics focus on Jewish history, identity, values, customs, and current social issues. The two-year program uses community action projects, field trips, and academic study to prepare youth to be valued community members. See B Mitzvah Program Description for more details.