United Jewish School
בית ספר ביחד
Creating a community, developing Jewish identity, practicing Jewish values, & examining our history—equipping this next generation of Jews to be leaders.
Who we are
In 2006, Temple Emanuel and Ahavas Israel combined to create the United Jewish School. One of the goals of this collaboration was to create an environment that brings together both Conservative and Reform traditions. This includes a pluralist T’fillah program embedded into every Sunday morning.
At the United Jewish School, we are creating a community. Students develop their Jewish identity, not just through learning from our teachers, but learning from each other. We practice Jewish values, such as Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests), Tzedakah (Giving to Help Others), Ometz Lev (Courage of the Heart), Eretz Yisrael (learning about The Land of Israel), and so much more. Our Jewish values and Jewish identity are strengthened by studying Torah, learning about the sacred language of Hebrew, learning how to pray, and examining our history. We are equipping this next generation of Jews to be leaders of not just the Jewish community of Grand Rapids, but around the world. Last year, enrollment was approximately 95 students ranging from Gan Katan (2 to 4 years-old) to 12th grade. This year, we have a staff of about 20 teachers and high school madrichim (aides).
Sunday classes, located at Temple Emanuel, are held from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. The Mitzvah Core (10-12th grades) meets Sundays from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. All classes are at Temple Emanuel.
United Jewish School’s mission
- Creating a positive Jewish identity among our students.
- Prepare our students to be lifelong participants in the Jewish community through a study and practice of Hebrew, Jewish history, Jewish holidays, Jewish texts, and other Judaic topics.
- Building a cross-congregation Jewish community between our students, their families and our two congregations.
It is important that ALL students and families feel a sense of belonging at UJS. Our leaders and staff work deliberately to accomplish this. At UJS we welcome students, families, volunteers, and staff of every race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, family arrangement, and physical ability.
all about our program
UJS is a combined supplemental religious school serving the Reform congregation of Temple Emanuel and the conservative congregation of Ahavas Israel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Students in grades 3-6 are also offered a personalized supplemental Hebrew program. This program
Students in grades 9-12 participate in “Mitzvah Core”. This program reimagines how we engage our teens through a highly interactive learning model. The students explore Jewish education through community service projects, leadership opportunities, community building and deep conversation in Jewish topics. “Mitzvah Core” meets at least monthly from 12:30 – 2:30pm and includes lunch.
. . . learn more about our programs
Make a Donation
Thank you for supporting our United Jewish School. Your contribution will help shape the future of our Students. We can’t do this without you.
Use the button below to make an online contribution. If you would like to donate via check, contact us.