JEWISH LEARNING EXPERIENCES (JLE; pronounced “jelly”) at Tikkun v’Or provides creative, interactive, and progressive Jewish education for children in kindergarten through 7th grade. We welcome and appreciate Jewish students from a variety of religious backgrounds, ethnic identities, races, family configurations, gender identities and expression, and sexual orientations. We have many interfaith and LGBTQ+ families, people who are newly discovering Jewish connections, as well as those with a wide range of Jewish experiences.
Our curriculum includes the study of history, holidays, ethics, Torah, Israel, and Hebrew. We use Shalom Hebrew and the Shalom Uvracha series along with other resource texts for learning Hebrew. On most weeks, we gather as a community for tefillah (prayer) and ruach (spirited singing!). We often have special guests join us for ha-asharah (enrichment). Most classes meet on Sunday mornings. Sixth and seventh grade students also meet on Wednesdays for additional Hebrew studies and preparation for becoming b-mitzvah.
We also offer a once-a-month Family JLE program for students in kindergarten and first grade, with at least one parent or caregiver staying for the program. Activities include music, movement, stories, crafts, and learning opportunities for children and adults.
REGISTRATION for the 5786/ 2025-2026 school year
5786 / 2025-2026 JEWISH LEARNING EXPERIENCES HANDBOOK
5786/ 2025-2026 Calendar and Chadashot (news)
All our teachers, who are TvO members or college students from nearby Ithaca College and Cornell University, work closely with Naomi Wilensky, Education Director. Middle and high school students help out as madrichol (assistants). Parent volunteers are always welcome, especially to help with our chugim (electives) during which students can choose activities such as Jewish music, cooking, art, dance, and more. Photos of recent activities can often be found on the TVO Facebook page.
When should my child start at Jewish Learning Experiences? This will vary based on your family experiences and expectations, but we highly suggest starting as soon as possible! Joining in Family JLE once a month in kindergarten and first grade introduces holidays, songs, Jewish connections, while bringing together parents as well. If students join in their 6th or 7th grade year, please be aware that bmitzvah studies may take a little longer and require additional Hebrew tutoring.
Of course, joining TvO for family programs, services, and holiday celebrations is wonderful and welcome at any time!
What do students learn in each grade? In Bet/Gimel (second and third grade), students begin to build a Jewish community through hands-on experiences with Shabbat and prayer. They play, draw, and craft as they discover Jewish history, celebrate holidays, and learn decode Hebrew.
In Dalet/Hey (third and fourth grade), students dive into Jewish communities around the world, study the meaning of prayers through kavanah (intentions) and kevah (actions).
In Vav/Zayin (sixth and seventh grade), students learn from weekly Torah portions, making connections to modern Jewish life. They explore ethics, values, and middot (character traits), and prepare for becoming bmitzvah, the journey to Jewish adulthood.
An overview of the curriculum can be found HERE . For more detailed information or with any questions, contact naomi.wilensky@tikkunvor.org
What if my children has learning or behavioral differences or challenges? We work with many different kinds of learners, including students with special challenges. Each child is an individual, and we will do our best to accommodate and nurture all students in the Jewish tradition of “al pi darko” (“according to their ways”).
Do I have to be a member at Tikkun v’Or for my child to participate in Jewish Learning Experiences? Families with a student in their first year of JLE (grade K-5) can either become dues-paying members of TVO and pay regular tuition OR pay higher tuition and become members with dues waived for one year. Please consider both options to decide what is right for you.
This dues-waived option is not available for students in kitah vav/zayin (6th and 7th grade). TvO membership is required when beginning in 6th or 7th grade. Please see the membership page for information on the dues rates.
Fees and registration for the 2025-2026 school year.
Contact naomi.wilensky@tikkuvor.org for more information.
Tuition assistance is provided by Ithaca Area United Jewish Community. Please fill out this tuition assistance request form before August 15 and the co-presidents will consider your request.
Highlights from 2025 included: