Union for Reform Judaism / Lifelong Jewish Learning / Early Childhood Education
Lifelong Jewish Learning



           Resources for Congregations, Early Childhood Programs and Families

 
What's New  

NEW Got Shabbat Parashat Naso
June 5, 2009, Sivan 13, 5769

Jewish and Me from Behrman House Publishers
Encourage pre-schoolers to build Jewish identity and learn about the holidays with this series of classroom magazines.

Mid-Atlantic New Alternatives in Jewish Education (MANAJE) Conference: Engaging Young Professionals
August 9-12, 2009 - Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center, Reisterstown, MD. Read More

The Way We Live Now Kindergarten Cram
By Peggy Orenstein

Israeli Children's Songs
Songs by Miriam Ben-Ezra, Mama Lisaand Zemerl

Your Child - The latest issue is available from The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism - Great articles for Jewish parents on activism with young children, raising independent children, blessing the sun, book suggestions, and more.

Coping in difficult times - Shocking Events by Patty Wipfler

Judaism in Pictures - A visual kit with pictures of Jewish holidays and ceremonies from Israel presented by The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism.
Order Form

Infant Toddler Survey and Results

Early Childhood Directors and Day Schools Survey and Results

Baltimore Hebrew University Spring 2009 Early Childhood Courses.

 
Current Resources  

Ganeinu - "Our Garden" a professional journal that addresses educational issues in our Jewish Early Childhood Programs.
Volume 7, No. 1 - Spring 2009 - A Journey Worth Taking

Holiday Happenings - Holiday Happenings is a fun holiday resource designed for parents and early childhood educators.

Jewish Parent Page
Informs and educates about the Jewish holidays and their customs. It includes four volumes of blessings, historical background, recipes, family activities and other creative ways to celebrate the Jewish festivals.

Got Shabbat  


Books, CDs and Other Resources  
Judaism in Pictures
A visual kit with pictures of Jewish holidays and ceremonies from Israel presented by The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism.  Order Form
Shavua Tov!
Written by Michelle Shapiro Abraham, Illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky “The newest book in this ongoing series introduces young children to the Havdalah blessings and rituals that bring Shabbat to a close. This is a perfect choice for early childhood programs and families looking to teach about this special time.”
Practical Wisdom For Parents: Raising Self-Confident Children in the Preschool Years
Written by Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum
Mama doni Sings
“I Love Herring” Doni Zasloff Thomas (known as “Mama Doni”) presents a “breath of fresh air” for everyone from “Babies to Bubbies” in this newest CD. A fun-filled collection of songs that brings an unexpected and playful twist to Jewish culture, humor and traditions.”
Morning Rituals
Prayers and Rituals to turn morning into Jewish time.
Bedtime Rituals
Prayers and Rituals to turn bedtime into Jewish time.
My Cousin Tamar Lives in Israel
Written by Michelle Shapiro Abraham and Illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky
Good Morning, Boker Tov
Written by Michelle Abraham and illustrated by Selina Alko.
Good Night, Lilah Tov
Written by Michelle Abraham and illustrated by Selina Alko.
Shabbat Shalom!
Written by Michelle Shapiro Abraham and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
Shabbat Shalom! Jewish Children's Songs & Blessings for Shabbat
The accompanying CD to Shabbat Shalom!
MY JEWISH WORLD: An Early Childhood Music Curriculum
Written and compiled by Judy Caplan Ginsburgh with companion CD
Torah Alive!
This publication provides an age-appropriate approach to the study of Torah, combining the latest early childhood teaching techniques for presenting our ancient Jewish text.
Additional Resources  
CHAI Early Childhood Parent Education materials
Includes nine complete ninety-minute lessons designed to help parents create a Jewish home and nurture their child’s Jewish identity.

The Association of Jewish Libraries has compiled an annotated list of recommended books with Jewish themes, entitled Jewish Stars, for students from early childhood through high school. The topics include contemporary Jewish life, Jewish folklore, Holidays and life cycle events.

For Congregations and Early Childhood Programs
The Union's Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning provides a variety of services for the Jewish Early Childhood Education Community including development opportunities, publications and consultation services to existing and new programs.

For more information, contact Cathy Rolland, Director of Early Childhood Education at CRolland@urj.org or call 212.650.4111




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ECE-RJ Connections - Vol. 1 April 2008