The JCS maintains the only Jewish parent cooperative on Long Island aimed at providing families with a Jewish enrichment program that is an alternative to the traditional Hebrew school setting. For over 35 years, we have succeeded in creating an enriching and progressive approach to Jewish learning and celebration. What began many years ago as a small group of mostly Yiddish speaking individuals that met in members homes, and who were the descendants of working class Jewish immigrants from NYC, has blossomed into a comprehensive school and community for Long Island's diverse Jewish and interfaith families.
Educational Philosophy:
The Jewish Cultural School (JCS) provides children with an education that has it's roots in the Secular Humanistic branch of Judaism. This affiliation is preferred by over one million Jews who describe their identity as cultural and ethnic rather than religious. Our goal is to help children develop a meaningful and attainable Jewish identity, filled with celebration, service, knowledge, and inquisitiveness.
Our Cooperative:
The Jewish Cultural School functions as a not for profit parent cooperative. With the help and participation of our volunteer parents we all work together to create a supportive and enriching environment. Parents can serve on our elected board or choose to help out in many other areas such as refreshments, holidays, social events, field trips, phone calls, etc. Your input is vital to our success.
Our Purpose:
Each year we introduce our children to the Jewish culture, traditions and history, as we explore the underlying ethical and moral values inherent in Jewish history. Our goal is to provide our students with background and insight to so that they may begin the task of creating their own identity and determining their own place in the larger Jewish community. Our school exposes students to the joy of celebrating Jewish holidays both as a family and as a community. It is also our goal for students to walk away with a commitment to the values of justice, peace and community responsibility.