Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix

08/20/2026

Shalom Songs starts this Sunday!

Designed especially for babies and toddlers ages 0–2 and their caregivers, Shalom Songs is a chance to sing, move, play and experience Jewish traditions together.

Led by Shelly Mendelson, each class includes Jewish songs, fingerplays, instruments, dancing and sensory play, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to explore and caregivers to connect with other families.

We’d love to have you join us for our first class and help us kick off a wonderful season of music, movement and community.

Shalom Songs is presented in partnership with PJ Library, Phoenix and Pardes Jewish Day School.

Learn more and register: https://bjephoenix.org/community-celebrations/

08/18/2026

We are still feeling the energy from the amazing Religious School Educators' Conference BJE hosted on Sunday afternoon for community educators.

Special thank you to Alison Hurwitz-Kelman of Facing History & Ourselves for her excellent keynote workshop, Gesher Disability Resources for a wonderful presentation, and PJ Library, Phoenix for their resource donations.

We are grateful to all of the synagogues that sent teachers to this day of hands-on learning:
Beth El Phoenix
Congregation Beth Israel of AZ
Congregation Or Tzion
Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Temple Chai
Temple Emanuel
Temple Solel of Paradise Valley

08/18/2026

It's the New Year! Great time to start learning Hebrew. Visit bjephoenix.org/courses-classes/

08/14/2026

We know this conversation matters. We also know families are busy.

Our upcoming parent programs addressing antisemitism have been postponed as we take another look at when and how we can make these important conversations most accessible to our community.

Before we reschedule, we want to hear from you.

When are you most likely to participate in a parent program like this? Would you prefer to join us in person or on Zoom?

Take our quick poll in our stories and help us plan a program that works for you.

We look forward to bringing this important conversation back soon.

08/12/2026

Back-to-school season is full of checklists: school supplies, class schedules, lunch boxes, and new routines.

But there's one important conversation that deserves a place on that list, too.

As Jewish parents, we can't always control what our children may encounter at school. We can help them feel prepared, confident, and supported when questions or difficult moments arise.

Our latest blog shares why this conversation matters and how one upcoming BJE workshop is designed to give families practical tools for navigating today's realities.

Read the blog here: https://jewishphoenix.com/read/one-more-thing-to-add-to-your-back-to-school-checklist

We hope you'll join us as we help families start the school year with confidence.

It’s a question no parent wants to ask. Yet it’s one many families are quietly thinking about as children return to classrooms, sports teams, theater productions, clubs and other activities.

08/07/2026

Shabbat Shalom from all of us at BJE 🩵

This morning, we welcomed families together for our first Tot Shabbat of the school year. Watching little ones sing, play, learn, and celebrate Shabbat reminds us that Jewish education begins with joyful moments shared as a community.

As Shabbat begins, may your home be filled with peace, connection, and time with the people you love.

08/06/2026

When difficult conversations arise, having trusted guidance can make all the difference.

We're honored to welcome Alison Hurwitz-Kelman, Program Associate for the Jewish Education Team at Facing History & Ourselves, for our August 16 workshop.

Alison works with educators and communities to foster classrooms rooted in belonging, respect, and thoughtful dialogue. During this interactive session, she'll share practical, age-appropriate strategies that parents can use to help children respond to antisemitism with confidence.

You'll leave with tools you can begin using right away.

Sunday, August 16
For families with students entering grades 3–5

Register: https://bjephoenix.org/family-university/

In partnership with

08/04/2026

We hope your child never experiences antisemitism. But if they do... Would you know what to say? Would they know what to do?

Our goal isn't to create fear. It's to help families feel prepared.

Join us August 16 and August 23 for two conversations designed to help Jewish families navigate today's school environment with confidence.

Register: bjephoenix.org/family-university

In partnership with Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix and PJ Library, Phoenix

07/31/2026

Jewish learning begins long before children step into a classroom.

It starts with songs, stories, traditions, and moments shared together.

BJE is proud to provide spaces for connection, learning, celebration, and joyful Jewish experiences.

We'd love for you to be part of our community!

Visit bjephoenix.org to learn more about our upcoming programs and events.

07/31/2026

Back-to-school preparation looks a little different this year.
You have the backpack. The school supplies. The first-day outfit.
But have you thought about how you'll respond if your child experiences antisemitism?

Join us for a two-part parent series designed to help Jewish families navigate today's school environment with confidence.

Sunday, August 16
Responding to Antisemitism
For parents of students entering grades 3-5

Sunday, August 23
Middle School Jewish Student & Family Town Hall
For Jewish middle school students and their families

Whether you're looking for practical tools, expert guidance, or a supportive community, these conversations are designed to help your family feel prepared for the year ahead.

Register today. One $18/family registration covers one or both events.

Visit bjephoenix.org/family-university to register today.

In partnership with Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix and PJ Library, Phoenix - PJ Our Way