United Jewish School - בית ספר ביחד
At the United Jewish School, we strive to create a school environment that strengthens our students' Jewish identity, allows them to explore their Judaism, and encourages them to be good citizens of the Jewish community in Grand Rapids and around the world.
A combined Jewish school
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. Normally, we enroll students from Gan Katan (ages 2-4) through 12th grade. Regretfully, we have decided not to offer Gan Katan, our 2-3 year old program, this year because of the special circumstances surrounding creating a school program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students attend school on Sunday mornings for Judaic and Hebrew learning. Starting in 3rd grade, we offer supplemental Hebrew classes in addition to the Hebrew offered during the Sunday morning program. This year, the supplemental Hebrew program will be offered online only, with a special curriculum designed for online learning.
United Jewish School’s mission
- Creating a positive Jewish identity among our students
- Building a cross-congregation Jewish community between our students, their families and our two temples
- Prepare our students to be lifelong participants in the Jewish community
Who we are
UJS was established in 2006 as a combined school between Temple Emanuel and Congregation Ahavas Israel.
Last year, enrollment was approximately 150 students ranging from Gan Katan (2 to 4 years-old) to 12th grade. Each year, we have a staff of about 30 teachers and high school madrichim (aides).
Most years, Sunday classes, located at Temple Emanuel, are held from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are planning to hold 90 minute Sunday classes, splitting the school between both campuses. Pickup and drop-off times will be staggered. See the School Update for details.
Our supplemental Hebrew program will be an online only program, scheduled individually or in small groups with the Hebrew instructor, with your family’s schedule in mind.
