ABOUT

Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don't want to miss a day! They come in with a smile and leave humming a Hebrew song. Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism and understands its importance in today's society.

The Conejo Jewish Academy is a unique Hebrew School where the beauty, values and traditions of Judaism are brought to life through a kaleidoscope of activities and interactive lessons. We’ve dedicated our resources to ensure that your child’s experiences reflect a positive, cheerful and enjoyable chapter of his or her maturing process. Our school enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter in creative Jewish education for kids ages three to thirteen.

At CJA, families of all affiliations feel comfortable and welcome. Our teachers are sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of our many students and create their lesson plan accordingly. The classroom environment is one that emphasizes respect for people of all faiths.

Our school meets Thursdays, from 4:00-6:00PM.

LOCATION

Our school is located at 30345 Canwood Street, just off the Reyes Adobe exit. We will be glad to assist you in arranging a carpool.

Give us a call:

805-557-1555

MISSION

The mission of Conejo Jewish Academy is to provide and promote the highest quality after-school Judaic education to a diverse community of Jewish children.

Our aim is to nurture and build the foundation of your child's Jewish identity through our interdisciplinary educational approach. The focus of our dedicated teachers is to inspire a two fold love. A love for learning and a love for Judaism while fostering a feeling of familiarity within their heritage for each individual.

A well-balanced Hebrew education will develop in our students a commitment to using Torah values as a guide to the decisions of life, community, and life-long learning and teaching.

AFFILIATION

The Conejo Jewish Academy is affiliated with the worldwide Chabad movement, the largest global network of Jewish centers and Hebrew Schools. We enjoy drawing on the resources of thousands of teachers from the finest schools in the country and beyond. The result is an up-to-date, multi-faceted program complemented with cutting-edge materials and the most modern textbooks available today.

You do not have to be a member of Chabad to join the school. Our student body represents a wonderful cross section of children from all affiliations and backgrounds.

STAFF

Our caring and dynamic teachers are committed to crafting an atmosphere of joy and warmth with their creative lessons and enthusiastic approach. Every lesson becomes a unique learning experience as our students explore their Jewish identity in a most meaningful and relevant manner.

Our staff work closely with each other, sharing ideas and constantly evaluating our methods and the success of our program. We welcome and encourage a close parent-teacher relationship and are always on-hand to discuss your child’s progress. Because our classes average 12 students per grade (and never more than 18) our teachers develop a very special bond with each and every student. It is this loving and nurturing environment that has become the hallmark of our school.

FAMILY WORKSHOPS

It’s vital that a child’s excitement for Judaism be shared by the members of his/her family. That’s why we’ve created stimulating Family Workshops that invite the participation of the entire family. They’re fun, hands-on, very educational and they allow you - the parent - to interact with your child in a school setting. Our Family Workshops take place 4 times throughout the school year.

KIDS MAKE SHABBAT

Created and designed locally by our school staff, this innovative program has since been adopted by Chabad Hebrew Schools nationwide. Our students join together to cook and prepare a Shabbat dinner, everything from baking their very own challah to rolling the matzah balls to icing a scrumptious dessert. On Friday night, their families come together for a spirited and memorable Shabbat feast, served up by our proud student-chefs. It’s a sure thriller and it’s only at the Conejo Jewish Academy!

LIVING LEGACY PROGRAM

Our school participates in the Chabad Living Legacy Holiday Experience. Hands-on demonstrations give the children a firsthand look at how a shofar is fashioned; how honey is produced; they get to squeeze their own olive oil; bake a round matzah; and learn from a Scribe the techniques used in writing a Torah and a Mezuzah.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH

When your child is ready for Bar/Bat Mitzvah training, CJA will lay the foundation for a meaningful ceremony. Private tutoring is arranged and the rabbi is available for consultation regarding all aspects of this special day. In addition, we also offer a wonderful Bat Mitzvah Club for girls and the Bar Mitzvah Discovery Program for boys. Both of these programs are offered independent of the Hebrew School.

CURRICULUM

HEBREW - Our students learn to read Hebrew and to write Hebrew script. They also learn to pray from the Siddur, allowing them to follow along at Synagogue services.

TORAH - This subject offers an overview of the weekly Torah portion, its highlights and the practical lessons that are relevant for our day and age.

HISTORY - We take our students from Creation to modern-day Israel including Exodus from Egypt, The Ten Commandments and the era of the Prophets and Kings. We also focus on Jewish life in medieval times, the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust and Jewish Heroes of Yesteryear.

HOLIDAYS - In addition to teaching the customs and reasons behind the rituals, our holiday curriculum is imbued with the spirit and excitement of our beautiful festivals. Hands-on demonstrations fill the calendar as we advance from Rosh Hashana to the holiday of Shavuot.

JEWISH VALUES - An important component of a Jewish education is the understanding that our religion is based on a G-d given set of values and ethics. Our students learn about Mitzvot and gain an appreciation for their relevance in the 21st century.

ARTS & CRAFTS - Our Arts & Crafts have Jewish holiday and mitzvah themes and will add a touch of elegance to the Jewish decor of your home.

ISRAEL - A primary focus of the school is to inspire and instill feelings of pride and affection for our heritage and for the land of Israel. Our students understand that Israel is not just another country but our own homeland.

EXTRA CURRICULAR - The Academy offers a variety of extra curricular programming such as guest speakers, Shabbatons, contests and Rosh Chodesh assemblies. These activities add a wonderful dimension to our school curricular.