Jewish Learning Center
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JLC is more than a space; it is a philosophy about learners and relationships. It is a place where Joyful Judaism, Love of Learning, and Caring Community come together to envelop learners in the traditions, history, language, and holidays of Judaism. At BJBE, we approach learning intentionally with a goal of cultivating a lifelong connection to the ways Judaism can bring meaning and purpose to each individual.
Nurturing Joyful Jewish Learning at Every AgeFrom kindergarten through high school, JLC offers engaging, meaningful learning opportunities where we delve deep into Jewish holidays, tradition, culture, Hebrew language, and Israel.
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K-7th Grade
Beginning in kindergarten, our youngest learners join together for weekly t'filah, full of music and ruach (joyful energy). At each grade level, family programs invite adults to learn alongside their children, weaving shared Jewish joy into the fabric of home and school life. Hebrew learning begins in third grade with the aleph-bet and phonetic reading. In fourth through sixth grade students develop synagogue fluency — the ability to read and understand the prayers at the heart of our worship service. In seventh grade, students learn with a member of our clergy, exploring their personal connection to Judaism and Jewish identity at one of the most formative moments in their lives. |
8th-12th Grade
As students move into the teen years, JLC becomes a place where they grow not just as learners, but as leaders. They have the opportunity to take classes, travel, and work as madrichim (teaching assistants). Confirmation Our 10th graders participate in Confirmation, where students wrestle with questions of Jewish peoplehood, theology, and some of life's most profound challenges. They have the opportunity to participate in L’taken through the Religious Action Center in Washington D.C. |
Meet our Director of the Jewish Learning Center, Emily Lusardi
Emily Lusardi serves as the Director of the Jewish Learning Center at BJBE, where she works closely with Kindergarten–12th grade students and their families to create meaningful and engaging Jewish learning experiences. Emily has helped shape a dynamic educational environment grounded in BJBE's five core values—Torah, Avodah, G’milut Chasadim, Israel, and Kehilah (community).
Emily is passionate about fostering lifelong Jewish learning through innovative and inclusive programming. Under her leadership, JLC has expanded opportunities for differentiated instruction, family learning, project-based curriculum, creative arts experiences, and youth engagement. She is especially committed to building strong relationships with students and families and helping learners connect Jewish values to their everyday lives.
Emily looks forward to continuing to grow vibrant, heart-centered Jewish experiences for the BJBE community and helping nurture knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged Jewish learners.
Emily is passionate about fostering lifelong Jewish learning through innovative and inclusive programming. Under her leadership, JLC has expanded opportunities for differentiated instruction, family learning, project-based curriculum, creative arts experiences, and youth engagement. She is especially committed to building strong relationships with students and families and helping learners connect Jewish values to their everyday lives.
Emily looks forward to continuing to grow vibrant, heart-centered Jewish experiences for the BJBE community and helping nurture knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged Jewish learners.
Our unique, beautiful learning space
Learning Space
Our space features five distinct Learning Centers that each embody one of BJBE's five core values. Each is unique in design, decor, and theme and allows for each grade to have a space to gather while maintaining opportunities for small group learning.
Creative Studio
Our state-of-the-art Creative Studio/Maker Space provides a home for hands-on, hearts activated experiences that tie into the curriculum for each grade level.
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Hall of History
Enter our Jewish Learning Center building and discover our vibrant "Hall of History" mural—200 feet long! This beautiful teaching wall features hundreds of archival, museum quality photos, maps, and documents beginning with the creation story and winding through the history of the State of Israel.
Tzedakah
Learners bring tzedakah on Sunday mornings—raising well over $1,000 each year! Our sixth grade class chooses each month's tzedakah recipient. Additionally, JLC families collect and donate to the Moraine Township Food Pantry Critical Needs Collection in partnership with long with the BJBE's Tikkun Olam committee. Instilling in our children the habit of giving tzedakah is a fundamental belief of Judaism.
Inclusion
Every child that attends the JLC program will find their place within our community of learners. Our Inclusion Coordinator, helps ensure we offer a safe and nurturing Jewish education within our BJBE classrooms for students who require additional support or accommodations.