The Boston-Area Jewish Education Program
A Rich Heritage of Jewish Learning
Since 1967, BJEP has been a place where families come together to foster a community of Jewish-themed learning at Brandeis University. The program continues to be a place where Boston-area families and children can further engage with their Jewish values and identity.
Experience
Curriculum DetailsOur experiential-driven curriculum engages students by teaching them in the manner they want to learn, driven by participatory activities that are the antithesis of a “lecture style” approach. We seek to create a continuum of curriculum that is age appropriate for students, and provides opportunities for curiosity, reflection and discovery throughout each student's BJEP journey.
Educators
Our Education Director and the entire teaching team are current Brandeis University undergraduates who craft customized lesson plans for our students. They bring their infectious passion for Jewish learning to BJEP each Sunday.
Programming
Our BJEP Sundays are filled with community programming, music and singing, experiential-driven classroom learning and free play. We also hold a number of community events, including High Holiday services (for families and adults), Chanukah, Purim, Passover and a unique off-site eco-Judaism program.
Values
We strive to create a community that emphasizes curious learning, inclusivity, fun, reflection and discovery.
BJEP's core values include:
- Acheirut (Responsibility): As an educational co-op, we feel a sense of ownership and responsibility as the entire BJEP community works together to practice Judaism.
- Simchah Shel Mitzvah (Joy of Fulfilling Mitzvot): We embrace joy in our playful exploration of Jewish practice.
- V’Samachta B’chagecha (Rejoicing in our Festivals): BJEP fosters joy in Jewish practice and ritual. When we celebrate our festivals, we bring joy and wonder to our traditions.
- Ma’aseh B’reishit (Miracle of Creation): BJEP students learn to approach the world with wonder, looking, listening, and using all of their senses to experience the miracles of the world.
- G’milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness): Love is the foundation of classrooms and community programs. We give love generously and practice kindness to ourselves and others.
- Hachnasat Orchim (Hospitality or Welcoming Guests): BJEP is friendly and warm. In our BJEP family, no one is a stranger.
- B’Tzelem Elohim ([All people are made] In the Divine Image): Value the humanity in each person. Although we play different roles at BJEP, we are all equal. Mutual respect is fundamental. Everyone has something unique to offer.
- Lech Lecha (Take Yourself and Go): At BJEP, childhood is treated as a current and important state of being, not just preparation for adulthood. Students are not simply “learning to be Jews”, they are practicing Judaism today.
- Brit (Partnership): We are all partners at BJEP, with each other and with God. Nurture community. Forge relationships and connect to others by sharing experiences and spaces. Be God’s partner, as well. Enter the Conversation with God and the long history of the Jewish people to create the meaning of life.
- Hiddur Mitzvah (Beautifying Jewish Ritual): At BJEP, we encourage everyone to make Judaism your own and create beauty in life.
- Kavanah (Intention): At BJEP, all participants understand the "why" behind the action, whether that be a lesson, a prayer, an expectation, or a ritual. Intentionality means we practice mindfulness, clarity, and awareness.
- Ometz Lev (Strength of the Heart): Be brave and courageous! BJEP is a safe space to explore and try new things. We aim to empower and instill confidence in teachers, families, and students.
Cooperative
BJEP is a family cooperative with no full-time director or staff. Parents and guardians of current BJEP students, including those on the Board of Directors, volunteer their time to manage and guide the program. Key functions of the cooperative include financial management, staff hiring, event planning, strategic planning, curriculum oversight, marketing and communications. We are thrilled to welcome new families to BJEP and ask that you help us grow and sustain this organization by volunteering wherever you can.
Location/Timing
BJEP CalendarWe meet on Sunday mornings 9:30am to noon during the Brandeis University school year. There are typically about 22 BJEP Sundays annually.
State of Israel
Curriculum DetailsOur community is embedded in Jewish culture and history, which is intertwined with Israel. We strive to provide students with a strong foundation in their own Jewish identity to face today’s big Jewish challenges.
Israel is part of the BJEP curriculum for each grade. Teachers individualize lessons to meet each student's developmental stage and interests. We aim to teach our students how to think, not what to think.
BJEP is an educational organization, and while education is an incredible form of activism, we encourage our community members to engage with the Israel advocacy of the greater Boston Jewish community. See JewishBoston and JCC Boston.
Naomi Stephenson
2024-2025 Education Director
Hi! My name is Naomi, and I'm a senior at Brandeis studying History, International and Global Studies, and French. This is my fourth year at BJEP and I am so excited to be stepping into the role of Education Director for the 2025-2026 school year. I'm local to the area and attended Belmont High School. My family attended a Conservative synagogue and I'm passionate about making Jewish education more meaningful and accessible for all students! Outside of BJEP, you can find me dancing, baking, or giving tours of the Brandeis campus.
Julia Slavin
Tefillah Coordinator
Hello! My name is Julia (she/her), and I am a sophomore Psychology major and Judaic Studies minor here at Brandeis. I am the Tefillah Coordinator at BJEP! I was born and raised in New York City, in a vibrant pluralistic Jewish community, which has made me love non-traditional spaces for Jewish learning. My years as a Hartman teen fellow also gave me a passion for learning at all moments in the Jewish journey. I also led Tefillah for families and the congregation throughout high school at my synagogue, which has made me a passionate service leader. This is my second year at BJEP, and I can’t wait to meet everyone! When not teaching or studying, I love to play piano and guitar, read historical fiction, and bake dairy free desserts.
Rachel Shpuntoff
Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Rachel and I grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with roots also in Queens, NYC. I am a senior majoring in Education Studies with minors in Creative Writing and Theatre, and I am getting my elementary teaching license this year, so I have spent a lot of time in the classroom. This is my first/only year at BJEP but I am so excited to join the team, meet some wonderful little humans, and learn and grow together!
Laurel Kane
2nd Grade Teacher
Laurel Kane is a senior from Chevy Chase, Maryland majoring in History and International & Global Studies, with minors in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies, Medieval & Renaissance Studies, and Arabic. Her interests include theatre, travel, film, and learning (and teaching!) Semitic languages. She is an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow, and this is her first year of teaching at BJEP.
Emily Kolodney
5th Grade Teacher
Hi! I'm Emily Kolodney, I am from Weston, Connecticut and part of the class of 2028. My majors are Environmental Studies and Biology. This is my first year teaching at BJEP but I have experience in classrooms in both Waltham and my hometown as well as leading programming at a summer camp. I love anything to do with the outdoors and have been passionate about dance for quite a long time!
Ollie Small
6th Grade Teacher
Ollie (they/them) is a sophomore from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They’re studying Education, with minors in English, Politics, and Hispanic Studies. They love reading, music, and any social science research, and they’re so excited to be joining BJEP this year!
Logan Miller
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Logan (any pronouns) and I am the 3/4th grade teacher and the administrative coordinator! This is my second year teaching at BJEP and I’m so excited to be working here again! At Brandeis, I am a senior majoring in psychology and anthropology. For fun, I like to hike, play board games, and make jewelry! I went to and worked at a Hebrew school back home (in New Jersey!) with a very similar mission to BJEP so I am super excited to get to work here again and contribute to such special Jewish education.
Morissa Kranc
Madrichim Teacher
Hi! My name is Morissa Kranc, and I am a Junior here at Brandeis, majoring in International and Global Studies, Anthropology, and Health, Science, Society & Policy. I was born and raised in Colchester, Connecticut, and am so excited to be closer to Boston! I love everything music, and could spend all day playing an instrument or listening to the radio. The Jewish holiday that I connect most with is Chanukah. I love spending time with friends and family, eating good food, and remembering the miracles while being by the Chanukah lights. I am so excited to be a part of BJEP again this year, and I hope that I can contribute to another wonderful year!
Aaron Rosendorf
7th Grade Teacher
Hi! I'm Aaron, a senior at Brandeis University studying International & Global Studies and French. I'm excited to be teaching 7th grade at BJEP this year. I've been involved in a few different Jewish learning settings and am looking forward to a great year ahead. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing guitar, and going to local cinemas.
Board of Directors
BJEP is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents of active K-7th grade BJEP students. The board oversees the organization’s finances, programming, educational philosophy and governance.
