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NEW Part-Time Learning Options » The Prototype Initiative

The Prototype Initiative

 
A New, Community-Centered Effort Designed to Reimagine Part-Time Jewish Education for Today’s Families
 
As family schedules, expectations and pathways into Jewish life continue to evolve, this moment presents an opportunity to further strengthen and expand part-time Jewish education for today’s learners. At the same time, educators across the Cleveland community have expressed strong interest in developing new approaches but often lack the resources and structural support to do so. The Prototype Initiative was launched in response to this shifting landscape.

Through this initiative, the Jewish Education Center is investing in a portfolio of new educational models designed to expand access, increase engagement and better serve diverse learners in grades K–8 who are not enrolled in Jewish day schools. 
 
2026-2027 PROGRAMS
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The following organizations have been selected to receive grants to pilot innovative models of Jewish learning
during the 2026–2027 school year.  
 
B’nai Jeshurun: Camp Sababa reimagines elementary Jewish education in an immersive camp-style experience in the “in-between” time in the school calendar – 1-week summer camp after camps and before school starts and also days off during the year. bnaijeshurun.org
 
Congregation Mishkan Or: Shabbat L’dor Vador is a family-centered Jewish learning model built around monthly small-group pods in family homes, three communal multi-generational anchor events and a family retreat. The retreat will be a highlight of the program.mishkanor.org 
 
Kol HaLev: CONNECTIONS are flexible, self-contained six-week sessions offered in the fall, winter, and spring. Students may enroll in one, two, or all three sessions based on their schedules and interests. Each session will focus on a clear learning theme and include meaningful, hands-on experiences in homes or rented community spaces. A “to-go” option will support students who miss a class, and each session will include a family learning or social experience to strengthen community connection. A key component is that this will be co-created together with families. kolhalev.net  
 
Mandel JCC: Changemakers: Social Action Adventures is a new program powered by Mandel JCC’s Camp Wise for Jewish teens in grades 6–8 who want to make friends, give back, and explore how Jewish values shape the world around us. Through hands-on service projects, engaging programming, and unique community experiences, Jewish participants across the Cleveland Metropolitan Area will discover how they can make a difference in our region while strengthening their connection to Jewish life and community no matter where in Cleveland they live. A new way to learn Jewish values, make friends, and make a difference. mandeljcc.org 
 
Mitsui Collective: Abracadabra School of Practical Magic is an afterschool program for students in grades 2–4 centered on experiential, immersive, and embodied Jewish learning that engages the mind, body and soul. Through creative, playful, and whole-body learning experiences, students connect with ancient Jewish wisdom, cultural traditions, and spirituality in meaningful and practical ways. The program includes engaging, skills-based activities such as dance and movement, martial arts, music and song, herbalism, scribing and calligraphy, and other hands-on expressive arts that foster creativity, connection, and personal growth. mitsuicollective.org, studiomitsui.com
 
The Shabbat Club: Makom Space
A home-based Jewish learning program for children ages 6-12 that combines meaningful Jewish learning with creativity, arts, the natural world and community connection in a cohort-based environment. The immersive program offers flexible participation and hands-on learning through song, nature learning and creative homesteading skills inviting children to bring their unique voice and talents to the Jewish experience while fostering a deep sense of belonging. shabbatclubcle.com
 

Please reach out to learn more about these unique programs to register for engaging, rich and meaningful learning experiences!