Kol Ami’s Jewish Children’s Education Program (JCEP) offers children ages 6 to 12 a joyful and meaningful connection to Jewish life. Through Jewish stories, traditions, Hebrew, and prayer, students explore their heritage in a warm, supportive community.
With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, each child receives personalized attention and guidance. Classes are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA), and holiday celebrations are woven into the curriculum, making Jewish learning both fun and memorable.
Grade Groupings:
Our approach is gentle, inclusive, and values-based. Whether it’s learning about mitzvot, practicing prayers, or exploring Jewish ethics, we nurture curiosity and confidence.
Parent Community
Parents stay connected through a Google Groups listserv and are invited to monthly parent socials during class time. We also hope to offer informal Jewish learning opportunities for interested parents throughout the year.
Preparation for B-Mitzvah
In the final year of JCEP, students begin learning about the Torah service and how to study a Torah portion. For families who choose to celebrate a B-Mitzvah, this provides an excellent foundation.
Learn more about our B-Mitzvah program »
Membership & Registration
Families must be or become Kol Ami members to enroll.
The additional JCEP tuition fee is $600 for one child and $900 for two or more children.
Sophie Kaufman is originally from Chicago and has a long history with Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, where she spent many summers as both a camper and a staff member. She graduated from George Washington University in 2024 and began her professional journey at the EDCJCC.
Currently, Sophie serves as a Program Coordinator for the Shalom Hartman Institute, bringing her passion for Jewish education and community engagement to everything she does.
JCEP is delighted to welcome back Ari Jacobson as our Music Specialist. Ari leads the student body in monthly services to help familiarize our learners with Jewish prayers, and he visits each classroom to lead songs and practice prayers.
In addition to his work with JCEP, Ari is a Music Specialist at the DC JCC and has taught at numerous schools and synagogues throughout the DC area and beyond. He brings a rich background as a teacher, actor, and service leader. Ari also leads our monthly Tot Shabbat programs on Saturday mornings and serves as our family service leader during the High Holidays.
We are thrilled to bring Ari’s musical talent, joyful Judaism, and warm presence into our community.
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