SAJ's Makom & Pela Parent Handbook 2019-2020/5780
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SAJ’s Makom & Pela
Parent Handbook
2019-2020/5780
SAJ - Judaism That Stands For All
The 1st Reconstructionist Community
Founded by Rabbi/Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan in 1922
_________________________________________________________________________________15 West 86 Street, New York, NY
th
10024 212-724-7172 www.saj.nyc
1|PageABOUT SAJ AND RECONSTRUCTIONIST JUDAISM
SAJ was founded in 1922 by Rabbi Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881-1983, a theologian, who served
for six decades on the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Kaplan evolved a
viewpoint that became the basis for the Reconstructionist movement, and made SAJ the leading
synagogue of that movement. Many date the establishment of Reconstructionism from the
publication of Kaplan’s 1945 prayerbook — developed and first used at SAJ.
Kaplan notes that the Jewish tradition has always changed when faced with the demands of
modernity, science and reason. Judaism honors tradition while evolving in each civilization to
remain relevant, vibrant, and meaningful to a new generation. In this way, Reconstructionist
Judaism is a progressive, contemporary approach to Jewish life.
Reconstructionist communities are characterized by their respect of core values such as democratic
process, pluralism, inclusivity, gender equality, and accessibility. North America’s first bat mitzvah
— of Rabbi Kaplan’s daughter, Judith — was celebrated at the SAJ in 1922. SAJ likewise strives to be
a participatory, inclusive, egalitarian community committed to exploring Jewish life with
dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm. We emphasize acts of social justice alongside prayer and
study, viewing all three as integral to the perpetuation of a vibrant, dynamic Judaism that has the
potential to thrive.
Reconstructionist Judaism is respectful of traditional Jewish observances but also open to new
interpretations and forms of religious expression. As Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881-1983), the
founder of Reconstructionism, taught, tradition has "a vote, but not a veto." There are spiritual
concepts around certain types of God language, resurrection of the dead, and chosenness of the
Jewish people, that are difficult to connect with for some people, including Kaplan. Kaplan
reminded our generation of the permission to change traditional ritual, vocabulary, and practice, to
“reconstruct” Judaism for our time and place. You will notice that Reconstructionist liturgy will use
different words in Hebrew prayers.
The spirit of open debate and discussion that informed the SAJ during Kaplan’s long tenure
continues today. Under the leadership of Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, we engage in open
Torah discussion (a participatory discussion rather than a sermon is the centerpiece of our Shabbat
morning service), read and debate the meaning of texts, take new approaches to liturgy, and
welcome a diversity of viewpoints that continually enrich our Jewish experience.
2|PageSAJ’S 5 PILLARS
ARTICULATED BY RABBI LAUREN GRABELLE HERRMANN
1. Talmud Torah--Jewish Learning
“Studying Torah in its various guises is not simply a matter of learning the whats and hows of being
Jewish. Studying is the essence of being a Jew. It defines who one is. Hence Jewish learning is not the
instrumental gaining of skills, knowledge, and competencies. It is the religious act par excellence.
And religious education is not only a preparation for what will come later; it is being a Jew, realizing
one’s Jewishness, in the very act of studying.”
-Barry Holtz, from “How Adults Learn”
2. Kehilah: Community
“Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh BaZeh” - All of Israel is connected to/responsible for one another.
-Talmud Shevuot 39a
3. Tzedek-- Social Justice
“Wisdom without action is like a tree without fruit.”
-Joseph Kimhi, Shekel HaKodesh 12C
4. Tarbut - Arts & Culture
“A civilization cannot endure on a high plane without the preservation and cultivation of its arts.”
- Mordecai Kaplan, Judaism as a Civilization
5. Ruchaniyut- Spiritual Life
“Praying allows us to center our focus, to look inward, to be elevated beyond our individual
concerns…the answer to our prayers comes not from a supernatural God but from our own
transformed hearts.”
– Rabbi Jacob Staub, How Reconstructionists Pray
3|PageShabbat Values & Guidelines for Communal Practice at SAJ
Shabbat is a 25 hour period of menucha (rest) and renewal from sundown on Friday
to sundown on Saturday. Shabbat is the cornerstone of Jewish identity, community,
and practice. Based on the teachings of the Torah and informed by the
interpretations that followed.
Shabbat is an ancient, yet timeless, spiritual practice that invites us to slow down,
create a “palace in time” to connect with loved ones and community, reflect on our
lives, replenish our stores, and find inspiration for our daily lives and the work of
tikkun olam (repair of the world). In turn, Shabbat enables us to return to our lives
and to the work of tikkun olam with greater perspective, strength, joy, and hope.
SAJ has formulated Shabbat guidelines, based on Jewish tradition and our core
values and we wish to share with you our thoughts.
Administration
In the spirit of menucha (rest), chesed (compassion), and hoda’ah (gratitude):
• The SAJ office will close at 3pm on Fridays and before Chagim.
• UPS and other kinds of package deliveries, including b*mitzvah deliveries, will
take place before 3pm on Friday and not on Shabbat.
• We will not conduct congregational business on Shabbat (including meetings
that produce notes or generate work).
• We will try to refrain from “creative” acts such as writing during services, but
may write L’shem hinuch (for the sake of education).
Technology
We believe that activities which help us see each other, interact, and find some
connection, fulfill the purpose and spirit of Shabbat. We also recognize that each
individual has their own understanding of what technologies aide in their spiritual life,
and which create a feeling of social isolation. While “unplugging” can foster an
atmosphere of presence and relaxation, we will not assume that what speaks to us
individually is the rule for the entire community, and so we will aim to be reflective
about our own practice. These practices are offered for us to take on for ourselves to
experience the culture of Shabbat in a new way. These practices should never be
forced or policed by any staff or community members.
In the spirit of kehilah (community), menucha (rest), kavod (honor), and kedushat
makom and kedushat z’man (holiness in space and time):
• During services, in the sanctuary and any open balcony, cell phones and
personal electronic devices could be turned off.
4|Page• During Tishes, Kiddush, and afternoon programming, we can refrain from
using our cell phones and personal devices in favor of engagement with each
other.
• If we wish or need to talk or text on a cell phone, we can find a discreet place
to do so.
• Photography and video will not be officially taken during sanctuary services.
We can arrange ahead of time to take pictures in the sanctuary before or after
services or in the social hall after Kiddush.
On the other hand, L’shem hinuch (for the sake of education), and accessibility to
community members, Live Streaming will be implemented for many services so those
who wish to connect spiritually to our community or to family for a simcha (joyous
occasion) can do so.
Around the world and in every denomination and generation, in the case of Pikuach
Nefesh (Saving a life), technology may be used guilt-free.
If you would like to see the full Shabbat Values Document & Guidelines, please contact
the office or view www.saj.nyc/pray/shabbatvalues. If you have any questions or
concerns, contact rabbilauren@saj.nyc.
5|PageMakom Shul/School
Our Saturday Makom program runs concurrent with SAJ’s Shabbat services and other parent
programs. Makom “Shul” School is a place to explore Judaism and Jewish values, consider who we
are and how we can make a difference in our community and the world. (The Hebrew word
“Makom” means place, and also is one of the names for God.) We provide an opportunity to
reinforce text study, explore spirituality, engage in experiential reflection, and strengthen social
relationships within SAJ. If you have questions or would like to join an upcoming tour of Makom,
please email education@saj.nyc
Core Elements
Talmud Torah (study): We believe that students need to be exposed to a diverse array of Jewish
texts in order to understand how Judaism has come to be and to see their role in shaping our Jewish
future. Throughout their years at Makom, students will explore Torah, Prophets, Mishnah, Talmud,
Medieval Philosophy and Mysticism, modern and contemporary texts. Makom is dedicated to
empowering learners to ask questions and explore Jewish and other resources for solutions. They
will do this by critically thinking, and creativity made accessible to each student’s learning
style. Exploration will occur through discussion, projects, drama and debate. Understanding the
values and underlying themes that drive our lives is the overarching goal.
Tefilah (prayer): In Grades K-3, students sing weekly with a music specialist and come together in
Family Services or Community Shir once a month. In Grades 4-6, we create a beit tefilah (a house of
prayer). Tefilah is not just a forum for praying; it is a setting for learning Hebrew and synagogue
skills and for exploring core Jewish concepts through study, debate, and discussion. As students are
exposed to prayers for Shabbat and holidays, they learn their core concepts and wrestle with their
meaning. A highlight each year is when Makom Students Lead/Co-Lead Tefilah (Prayer) for the
entire congregation, sharing personal kavannot (intentions) alongside the prayers they lead.
Hebrew: Modern Hebrew and key value phrases are integrated into the life of Makom. To develop
competence in this new language, all 4th-6th grade students enroll in Hebrew Home Page, a Skype-
based Hebrew program administered by the Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan. This allows
students to study at their pace at a time that works best for their schedule, with a tutor of their
choosing. By 7th grade, students are ready to work with Cantor Lisa and SAJ tutors to prepare for
their B*mitzvah rituals.
6|PageProgram Structure
Grades Pela – 3rd Grade will have Monthly Family Service Tefillah/prayer. See calendar for details.
Grades Pela – 8th Grade will have Monthly Community Shir/song. See calendar for details.
Pela Saturday 10:30-11:30
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Saturday 10:30 am-12:30 pm, with Music
+ Optional Monthly Makom Shabbaton Youth Group
2nd & 3rd Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm, with Music
+ Optional Monthly Makom Shabbaton Youth Group
2nd & 3rd Grade Tuesday (pending enrollment) Tuesday, 4:00pm-6:00pm, with Tefillah/Prayer
+ Optional Monthly Makom Shabbaton Youth Group
4th Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm with Tefillah/Prayer
+ Hebrew Homepage through video conference
+ Monthly Makom Shabbaton
5th Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm, with Tefillah/Prayer
+ Hebrew Homepage through video conference
+ Monthly Makom Shabbaton
6th Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm, with Tefillah/Prayer
+ Hebrew Homepage through video conference
+ First Year B*Mitzvah Experience Excursions
4th, 5th, 6th Grade Tuesday 4:00pm-6:00pm with Tefillah/Prayer
+ Hebrew Homepage through video conference
+ Monthly Makom Shabbaton
7th Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30 pm with Tefillah/Prayer
+ B*Mitzvah Tutoring in SAJ Offices
+ Second Year B*Mitzvah Experience at Makom Shabbaton and Excursions
+ (optional) Teen Professional Track with volunteer hours
8th Grade Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm, with Tefillah/Prayer
+ (optional) Teen Professional Track with volunteer hours or stipend
7|PageHebrew Homepage
Entering 4th-6th Grade students will have a chance to choose which free Webinar based
class they want to register for. Hebrew Homepage staff offers guidance about matching
with tutors who have fitting backgrounds, schedules, and availability.
Note: if your student is younger than 4th grade and you wish to enroll them in a Hebrew
Homepage class, you may do so at your own cost.
Option 1: Learn to Read Hebrew for Beginners
Students learn to identify letters and sounds, and combine them to sound out words.
Option 2: Reading Fluency for Prayerbook Hebrew
Students learn how to read Hebrew prayers. They will be exposed to the concept of prayer
and key vocabulary words, which will be supported in the Makom Tefillah program.
Our first priority of prayers for students to learn through Hebrew Homepage includes:
Shehechiyanu; Modeh/Modah Ani; Bar'chu; Shema; A-donai Sefatai; Oseh Shalom*;
Blessing for Challah; Blessing for Grape Juice; Blessing for Shabbat Candles; Blessing
for Chanukah Candles; Brich Rachamana; Torah Blessing Before*; Torah Blessing
After; Blessings for Havdallah*; Four Questions
These prayers are our second priority for Hebrew Homepage because they will also be
taught during Tefillah and music classes and may be learned by rote participation.
Blessing over Tallit; Yotzeir Or; Ve’ahavta; Psalm 150/Kol Haneshama Mi
Chamocha; Avot/Imot; Gevurot*; Kedusha Responses; Shalom Rav*; Aleinu*; Shema
in Torah Service
For accelerated students, Hebrew Homepage is prepared to also teach these prayers:
Hashkiveinu; Kaddish Yatom Responses; Adon Olam; Maariv Aravim; Ahava Raba;
Ahavat Olam; Modim; Sim Shalom; L’chah Dodi; Blessing for Washing Hands; Friday
night Kiddush*; Eitz Chayim.
*Students will learn the Reconstructionist movement’s language for these prayers.
8|PageMakom Shabbaton
The structure of the program enables all ages time to bond and for parents to build relationships with
each other. And there is something so special about closing together and experiencing the sights and
senses of Havdalah while holding our loved ones and other families.
Youth Groups
Younger children (Grade K-3) experience deeper social connections and a jewish camp-like
experience at SAJ. Teen and 8th Grade Teaching Assistants support the Youth Group.
Mishpacha Groups
Pre-matched Mishpacha Groups for families in 4th-6th grade are organized around a spiraling
3 year curriculum exploring the family’s and individual’s understanding of: Kehillah
(community), Kadosh/Kiddusha (holy/holiness), Ruchaniyut (spirituality).
Specialist Classes
The Specialist Teachers guide our students’ learning through their various modalities.
7th Grade BME with Rabbi Lauren
The 7th Grade Mishpacha Class offers a unique opportunity for students and parents to
examine the meaning of B*mitzvah and the most significant topics for this time period.
Parent Learning
Learning for parents/caregivers offers an opportunity for “adult Judaism.” Through texts that
compel us and challenge us, we seek to understand Jewish tradition, how it has evolved, and
how it can speak to us today*
Communal Havdallah
Students, parents, teachers, & clergy, come together at the end of the progrm to ritually
separate Shabbat from the week.
As a reminder, additional opportunities for parent learning and participation at SAJ include:
• Saturday morning Tishes
• Parent conversations (with Rabbinic Intern)
• Kiddush Lunch and tzedek projects
• Community Shir
9|PagePela Program
Pela, which means “wonder,” enables the youngest children (ages 0-4 years old) and their parents,
caregivers and grown ups, together, to build friendships and explore the world through storytime,
singing, dance, and play.
Pela at SAJ emphasizes “wonder” about Shabbat and connecting with Judaism through our five
senses. Located in a room that is accessible by elevator, and has a closet for strollers.
There is no cost to participants for this program.
Pela students and families are invited to attend the once a month Family Shabbat Service in the
Social Hall, and the once a month Community Shir in the Sanctuary.
All dates are in our google calendar.
Pela Cafe emphasizes “wonder” of emotional expression and social awareness. These programs take
place in Upper West Side and Harlem Communities, and are free and open to the public with the
support of PJ Library.
All dates and locations are in our google calendar.
Pela was featured on Fox 5 in July 2017.
10 | P a g eThe B*Mitzvah Experience
We recently changed our name from “B’nai Mitzvah Experience” to “B*Mitzvah Experience” to reflect the
many gender expressions of our children who experience this rite of passage. All ceremonies will be called
“B*Mitzvah” (or BME) in our future communications.
The B*Mitzvah Experience, SAJ’s 6th & 7th Grade Bar-Bat Mitzvah Program, invites students to explore
how they enter young adulthood within the Jewish community and in the world. Some of the delights
and challenges that come with this age are leaving childhood, exploring independence, emerging
sexuality, the challenge of peer relationships, recognizing the passage of time, and complexifying
relationships with Judaism. SAJ’s clergy and educators offer opportunities to engage the practical,
educational, and spiritual aspects of becoming a B*Mitzvah. Carefully selected social programs are
also included to help foster a greater sense of community among the students and parents.
Experiential Learning
In the B*Mitzvah Experience, we have experiential opportunities to deepen the meaning of life
cycle events. This may include making a tallit (prayer shawl), having a tour of a mikvah (ritual
bath), and chanting a line from the Megillah (scroll) on Purim. Students will also get to
participate in a live commentary on a B*Mitzvah, and will be encouraged to attend their
classmates B*Mitzvah services. This is both to observe and learn, and support each other in
community.
“Bucket List” Project
In 6th grade, students are encouraged to create a B*Mitzvah Bucket List of various activities
and projects that they want to gain mastery of, learn about, or take responsibility. By the end
of 7th grade, each student presents their work to the whole B*Mitzvah Experience cohort, and
displays their Bucket List Poster at their B*Mitzvah.
7th Grade Makom Shabbaton with Rabbi Lauren
During the Saturday Makom Shabbaton, Rabbi Lauren facilitates sessions for 7th Graders and
their grown-ups focused on key educational concepts for the B*Mitzvah period. Topics include
Becoming givers: Tzedakah and your B*mitzvah, The History and Meaning of B*Mitzvah, How
to Study Torah and Write a D’var Torah, Cultivating your personal Mitzvot.
11 | P a g eTeen Tzedek (Justice) Program
The Teen Tzedek Program invites 9th-12th grade students to participate in value-based education
and socializing led by Rabbi Lauren.
Teens explore Jewish values of social action and social justice, discuss contemporary issues from a
Jewish lens, and explore emerging identities as high school aged Jewish New Yorkers. Some of our
events will take us outside of SAJ, to volunteer at a local organization or enjoy a field trip in NYC. We
also create spaces for teens to come to SAJ, eat together, play games, and have casual DMCs (deep
meaningful conversations). Every year, SAJ offers an annual opportunity for teens to travel outside of
NY to experience social justice in a captivating setting. Contact Rabbi Lauren for more information
about this year’s trip!
Teen Professional Program
As part of building identity and serving the community, 7th-12th graders participate in a
professional development program through the Makom Shul/School. We refer to these emerging
Jewish leaders as Teaching Assistants, or “TA”s. This is an enriching program for students to
experience leadership in the SAJ community, while supervised by our team of teachers, and coached
in skills of Jewish education.
Youth Group Activites
Youth Groups are an opportunity for children of all ages to experience deeper social connections and a
camp-like experience in their SAJ home, outside of the Makom class day.
For activities, students go on field trips to go ice skating, or to the playground, play board games,
make food, have late nights, and do interactive and movement filled experiential learning.
On Makom Shabbaton, we will facilitate camp-like experiential Jewish education.
We will offer a computer coding class for a limited number of 2nd-3rd grade students who register,
first come first serve. This Makom Shabbaton workshop will introduce students to the
programming language “Python” and will involve creating projects drawing from Jewish history
and holidays. Students who attend all six of the classes will have gained proficiency in both
computer science and Jewish traditions.
SAJ also offers babysitting and informal youth programming during Holidays and special events.
See calendar for details.
12 | P a g eParental Roles
Stay Informed
We aim for our written communications to be both transparent and efficient, to give you as
much information as possible, while respecting your time. This year, we are modifying
our communications: we will be sending out bimonthly (instead of weekly) Makom
Emails, and will have reminders about upcoming events over text message!
Tell Staff About Your Child(ren)
When you know that your child will be absent from class, please send an email and we will
inform the teacher. We also will be best able to support you and your children when you
share information about family celebrations/simchas or unfortunate life circumstances as
they arise. We also love if you share particular insights to your child’s learning style, and
what helps them to be most successful at school.
Be a Model Participant
When you join Tefillah/prayer services, we hope you have an authentic experience as a
participant. We encourage you to sit with, not behind your child, and be interspersed
among the students. Educators may offer you a prayer sheet or siddur, and if you choose to
wear an SAJ kippa/head-covering it can be yours to take home, or keep on site.
Give Feedback
We look forward to hearing all the ways our programs enhance your family time and
discussions, and also how we can continue to improve how we make a positive impact in
your child(ren)’s Jewish journey(s). As a first point of contact, you may catch staff and
teachers at drop off/pick up, or Kiddush Lunch. We also encourage you to also email our
team.
Share Your Skills
SAJ is filled with incredible human resources, and you may have a hobby, passion, or career
that can enhance our programs and curriculum. If you have an idea on how you want to
share your gift, you can come to a Parent Association Meeting, to participate in collaborative
conversations.
Organize Your Peers
If you would like to help build community inside of your child’s class, we would love your
assistance as a Class Parent. This is one of the roles of the Parent Association, and it
involves communication about important information, and volunteering at programs.
Share SAJ with Friends
This year we will be giving monthly tours for prospective families – and also have a day for
Grandparents and “Special Friends.” Please feel free to share this news with your friends
and extended family! SAJ also has a Facebook presence www.facebook.com/SAJNYC. Please
note that staff is advised not to advised not to “friend” any students or parents who are in
their class or may one day have a child in their class. We also will not use your child’s image
on social media, our website or other public materials, if you have not signed a waiver
allowing us to do so.
13 | P a g ePolicies
Background Check for Staff
Any adult, who is going to lead a program for children, whether as a paid or volunteer
position, will go through SAJ’s background check processes.
Care of Ill or Injured Students
If a student becomes ill or injured, the supervising teacher will notify the Education Director
via walkie and/or contact the CPR certified staff person appointed to each hall, who will
determine the necessity of calling 911 and abide by Red Cross First Aid protocols. First aid
kits are available in every classroom, and an AED is in the Security Lobby. In all cases of
emergency, parents will be notified as soon as possible. In the event of an non-emergency
injury, the student will be escorted to the Education Director’s Office, and parents will be
contacted to discuss early pick up.
Dismissal
Children will be released by supervising teachers according to what is listed on enrollment
forms. Options include:
• Direct release to parental guardians
• Designated adults may pick up
• Dismiss on their own (6th grade and older)
Exceptions, emergency or otherwise, must be submitted in writing by email.
Evacuation Procedure
These procedures not posted for security reasons. Staff has been trained during Orientation
and students will practice fire drills throughout the year.
Food and Allergies
SAJ in collaboration with our renters - Beit Rabban - is a nut sensitive facility. We do not
bring peanuts or tree nuts to any programs. If you’re helping with a cooking project or want
to volunteer some special snacks, please check with our staff so we can guide you about
additional allergens.
If your child has an allergy that may require an Epi-pen, they should carry it with them to all
programs. Families must indicate this in Shul Cloud Registration so that we can inform the
teachers as well.
Health of Student and Community
If your child has been diagnosed with anything contagious, please let us know. Students
with communicable diseases (chicken pox, measles, pink eye, strep throat) are requested to
remain out of programming until reasonably recovered (as directed by a physician). We
strive to prevent the spread of head lice by never sharing kippot.
Kippah/Head Coverings
Students of all genders under the age of 13 (before B*Mitzvah) are expected to wear a
kippah (yarmulke) or alternative head-covering during Makom tefillah (prayer services).
SAJ provides options at the beginning of the year, and stores them with hygienic
considerations in mind. We are an experiential religion, as it says in the Torah, of “na’aseh
v’nishmah—we will do and then we will understand” (Exodus/Shmot 24:7)
14 | P a g eLost and Found
Items left in class will be brought to the Education office and placed in a box until it is
claimed or we announce a seasonal purge/donation.
Mandatory Reporting
Staff are mandated reporters for the sake of the safety of the children.
School Closings - Inclement Weather
In the event of snow or other extreme weather, we follow NYC public school closures. We
will also send out school wide emails, and set automated messages.
Visitors
Visitors are welcome with advanced notice, and will be escorted by Makom staff or Parent
volunteers so teachers and students will know that these unfamiliar faces are not a
concern.
T’shuva/Healing protocol
T’shuva protocol for taking responsibility for causing physical or emotional pain:
**We like to plan for something we hope never happens but this is another way we learn and grow
as individuals and a kehillah/community - through healing mistakes. **
In case of a conflict, the individuals in question are encouraged to have a face to face meeting within
24 hours. At any age, it may be facilitated by the Makom Staff with privacy and confidentiality.
The individual(s) who intentionally or accidentally caused a (perceived) injury will...
(1) make a verbal statement taking responsibility for whatever they are responsible for.
(2) hear directly from the other(s) what they experienced, and what they need.
(3) know this is neither party's "identity" in our community, and healing is possible.
(4) create a plan to avoid similar situations moving forward.
(5) connect with personal spirituality and forgive themselves enough to resume learning.
This method mirrors Rambam/Maimonides 5 steps of Teshuva.
All of 5 of the steps need to happen before children re-enter the learning space.
SAJ staff, children, and parents are asked to remember kavod/respect, and never discuss another
individual in an open SAJ space, even if you think it is empty. Please feel welcome to use the 2nd
Floor Education offices for private conversations.
15 | P a g eMakom and Pela @ SAJ Parent Handbook
Feedback and Commitment Form
By signing my name as a comment on this page, you confirm that you have read the above
information about the processes regarding students' safety and well-being in the learning
environment as well as how to collaborate with the educational team towards a well-rounded
educational experience at Makom & Pela @ SAJ.
You also confirm that you have discussed any questions (or just sent an email doing so) regarding
these policies and will continue to do so with the Director of Education and Family Engagement,
Debra.
Please recognize that you can add comments throughout the handbook for other parents to note
and reflect upon, since the entire program is a process. If your notes are of a private nature, so as to
ensure kavod/respect please email debra@saj.nyc.
You can also directly schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/debra-saj.
We appreciate your chevruta (partnership) questions and your feedback.
Thank you for entrusting us with your precious children and devoting the resource of time to our
community through various educational programs and reading this handbook!
-Debra Fricano
Interim Director of Education and Family Programming
______________________________________
Parent Name Printed and Signed
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