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. We enroll students from Gan Katan (ages 2-4) through 12th grade. Students attend school on Sunday mornings for Judaic and Hebrew learning. Starting in 3rd grade, we also 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.
- 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.
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.
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).
Sunday classes, located at Temple Emanuel, are held from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.. This year, we resume all classes at Temple Emanuel at 1715 Fulton East.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
We recognize that Jewish spaces in the USA have much to accomplish in this arena.
Diversity is a core-value at UJS. We welcome students, parents, volunteers, and staff of every race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, family arrangement, and physical ability. We recognize that Jewish spaces in the United States have a lot to do in this arena. We are doing that work and welcome your honest feedback and support in this area.
We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. We are working to create a school where all students feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We recognize that every single student has a different learning need and aim to provide equal access to education for all, which includes affirming children who have individual education programming (IEPs).
Make a Donation
Thank you for supporting 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 using the details on our footer. Thank you.