Our Mission

The mission of the Board of Jewish Education is to nurture the continuity and quality of Jewish life through Jewish education, and to be a leader in implementing the vision of Jewish education. The BJE is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to: Enhancing the quality of Jewish education in the community Increasing enrollment in Jewish education at all levels Advocating on behalf of students, parents, institutions and professionals involved in Jewish education Maximizing the involvement of the community, parents and other interested parties in support of our programs and the overall Jewish educational enterprise of our community Inspiring, instructing and involving learners of all ages so that they participate in Jewish life, pursue Jewish education as a positive life-long activity and develop the capability to contribute to the Jewish community and the Jewish people Remaining responsive to the changing needs of the community and where posssible serving as a catalyst We remain responsive to the changing needs of the community as we advocate on behalf of students, parents, institutions and professionals involved in Jewish education while at the same time maximizing the involvement of the community, parents and other interested parties.

Reviewing Our Programs

The BJE is mission critical to the success of Jewish education in Chicago. We are the starting point in the educational progression of Jewish children. A strong Jewish preschool experience moves families to affiliate and continue their children’s Jewish education in either synagogues or day schools. Once they are in school, our children need to be inspired by quality Jewish educators, and the BJE is at the forefront of training synagogue and day school educators. We recognize that a child’s parent is his or her most influential Jewish teacher, so parent education is also part of the BJE portfolio. Special needs Jewish education has been underserved, and so the BJE is stepping up to provide resources and support there. The teenage years present a wholly different set of challenges, and the BJE is rising to meet that challenge as well. What sets the BJE apart is our awareness of Jewish educational needs as they develop and our ability to quickly and professionally respond to those needs. BJE Early Childhood Centers – With five preschools serving about 500 children, the BJE Early Childhood Centers integrate the Reggio Emilia methodology with thoughtful Jewish content for preschool children and their families. From a personal standpoint, I am very thankful that my youngest child attended a BJE preschool— the program inspired both my son and my entire family to greater Jewish observance, understanding and involvement. Frank G. Marshall Jewish Learning Center – Located at the BJE campus in Northbrook, this is the largest resource center serving a very diverse population of Jewish educators and families in the Midwest, and has served as a model for the creation of other Jewish learning centers. Jewish school principals and teachers can’t stop raving about this center— especially the guidance they receive from BJE’s master teachers— it is an absolutely essential resource to the Jewish educational community. Center for Jewish Teacher Education – This unique venture addresses the pressing need for quality Jewish educators with several innovative programs, including the nation’s only Florence Melton Adult Mini-School for Jewish Educators and B’Yachad: The Teacher Development Institute. Over the years, roughly 200 Jewish educators have graduated from these programs transforming them as Jewish educators and the many students they inspire in their careers. Makor Or Center for Special Needs Education – Makor Or, Hebrew for “Source of Light”, is designed to educate, inform and provide educational resources and support to teachers and families who work with and care for children and young adults with special needs. A resource library, “walk in” teacher consultation service, principals’ Special Needs “Job Board”, specialized workshops for faculties and students, and an annual conference with guest speaker represent the kinds of services embodied in the Makor Or mission. Florence Melton Parent Education Program (PEP) – PEP was designed to help the parents of young children understand that what they learn in class is relevant to their lives as Jewish parents. It is an adaptation of the core Florence Melton Adult Mini School curriculum that was developed at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. PEP is a two year course of study during the school year, covering Rhythms, Purposes, Ethics and Dramas of Jewish Life. Florence Melton Communiteen® Mini-School –Communiteen addresses the urgent need to engage Jewish teens throughout their High School years. Communiteen provides a text based, pluralistic, student-centered curriculum in a program for Jewish teens. Communiteen stimulates students intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Surrounded by inquisitive peers from all Jewish backgrounds, teens can openly share questions and concerns in an atmosphere where every question is welcomed.