WHAT IS SDJH?

San Diego Jewish Homeschoolers is a Jewish enrichment community co-op serving San Diego families. Together, we organize Torah educational enrichment programs for homeschoolers in various beautiful settings throughout San Diego, as well as support and resources for parents. Our enrichment programs were developed by and for local Jewish families desiring child-centered & community-based Jewish education. In order to signup for our incredible enrichment programs, please make sure to become an SDJH member.

HOW DOES MEMBERSHIP WORK?

Every family must become an SDJH member in order to access and register for our programs. Initial membership costs $100/family each year. In order to become a member, you’ll need to fill out our application form, agree to the responsibilities of membership, join us for a family get-together/interview, and pay your dues. Once you become a member, you will be sent a code and registration access link so you can access our program sign-up pages.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATION?

We believe in child-driven education, that Torah and Judaism can and should be lived through life experience, and encourage self-motivated growth and creative expression for children and adolescents in all areas of their development. We want our children to be connected with Hashem and their own intellectual, spiritual, and emotional selves with a goal of holistic development rooted in Judaism. We believe in collaboration and group education, coming together to plan, coordinate and implement all our programs.

HOW DOES NATURE SCHOOL WORK?

The Baal Shem Tov Nature School is a Monday drop-off program run by Rabbi Mendy & Morah Bluma Rubenfeld, the program coordinators. You must be an SDJH member in order to register. All registration and payments are completed via the Ball Shem Tov signup link. All inquires and communication about the program can be directed to the program coordinators. The program is geared towards 6-13 year olds and you must be at least 6 years old to enroll.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DROP OFF OPTIONS?

Yes, the Baal Shem Tov Nature School is a once a week drop off program from 11am-4pm located in various outdoor destinations in San Diego. It meets weekly for 14 days per session. There are 2 sessions per year, Fall & Spring. Each session is $910/child. Monthly payment options are available upon request.

HOW DO THE WEEKLY CO-OP MEETUPS WORK?

The Co-Op meets weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Families are welcome to commit to joining the Co-Op for one or both days. In order to build and maintain community, all children should attend every week (except for illness or travel). Our program prioritizes community and togetherness, so we ask all families to commit for the entire school year. Each week a different parent is responsible for organizing or teaching. All parents should be present on Tuesdays, being field days these meetings require all hands on deck. On Thursdays, parents will rotate through being “on-duty” and “off-duty.” “Off-duty” parents can drop off their kids or stay on-site.

WHAT DOES THE CO-OP COST?

As a Co-Op, each family shares Co-Op costs, which may include supplies and studio rental (price TBD based on the number of families enrolled), and we will share any additional costs. Field trips, book club novels, and all outside vendors/specialty teachers are charged separately with prior notification.

ARE CHILDREN DIVIDED BY AGE?

Each activity is different, so we divide the children by age groups on an as-needed basis. Usually, this means ages 6-9 in one group and 10-13 in another. Each group is supervised by a parent or program coordinator at all times.

WHAT IS A PARENT’S ROLE AT SDJH?

Parents are more hands-off when it comes to the Baal Shem Tov Nature School since it is a drop-off program. The Tuesday/Thursday Co-Op requires more parent involvement. On Tuesdays, a different parent is responsible for organizing or teaching the Parsha weekly. All parents should be present on Tuesdays, as a field day, these meetings require all hands on deck. On Thursdays, parents will rotate through being “on-duty” and “off-duty.” “Off-duty” parents can drop off their kids or stay on-site. Parents must be present for all toddler programs at all times. Parents meet quarterly throughout the year to plan upcoming programming and stay involved in co-op planning.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU BUILD COMMUNITY?

In addition to our weekly meetups and quarterly parent meetings, we host Shabbatons & family Siyums, special Jewish Holiday events, and more! If there’s something you’re interested in, please let us know. If you want to spearhead it yourself, even better. We love parent involvement!

WHAT SAFETY GUIDELINES DO YOU HAVE?

SDJH stresses safety first and keeps health and well-being in the forefront of our programs. For example, we ask that everyone wear proper attire and footwear at all times.

WHAT BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES ARE IN PLACE?

Children must agree to the following guidelines:

• I agree to be a positive participant in the program even if the activity is something new or “weird” to me.
• I agree to be a good sport and try new things with a positive attitude.
• I agree to be a positive influence on others in the group.
• I agree to live up to my role as a Child of Hashem- treating everyone with respect, speaking nicely, making a kiddush Hashem wherever we go, following halacha, and more.
• I agree to not use phones or technology during meetups.
• I agree to conduct myself in a manner reflecting positively upon my family and community.