Educational Opportunities

YOUTH STUDIES

The Louis B. Silver Religious School (LBSRS) is PJTC’s youth education program. Headed by the warm and inspiring Rabbi Jill Gold Wright, the LBSRS faculty is focused on developing each student’s life-long commitment to Judaism through learning and social engagement. With over 120 students enrolled in PreK through 12^th grade classes, our community represents a range of Jewish observance and identities that we cater to and embrace. For more information or to register, click here.

PJTC hosts an award-winning chapter of United Synagogue Youth, offering a USY program to Jewish 7th-12th graders, Kadima program to 4th-6th graders, and Machar to TK-2nd graders, with Jewish education organically infused into each fun-filled youth event and activity. Whether it be a sleepover in the Sukkah, a day of volunteering, jumping at a trampoline park or making a Purim music video, our local chapter has created a haven for any young Jew to build their Jewish foundation and feel at home with both old friends and new. For more information, click here.

B'nai Simcha is a developmental preschool that shares the PJTC campus. They encourage children to explore the world while developing gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, language skills, and a strong sense of self esteem. B'nai Simcha's approach is total integration — there are no "Jewish" times or "secular" times. Their goal is to present a program in which developing a Jewish identity is a natural and enjoyable process. Click here to visit the B'nai Simcha website.

B'NAI MITZVAH PREPARATION

The B’nai Mitzvah (Bar for males, Bat for females) is a rite of passage in Judaism when the person “comes of age” and is obligated to perform the Jewish mitzvot (commandments). This generally occurs at age 13 for boys and age 12 for girls, but many adults who convert to Judaism or choose to affirm their commitment to Judaism can also become B’nai Mitzvah at any age.

PJTC’s religious school builds the knowledge-base and foundation for B’nai Mitzvah, and during 5^th grade, our clergy and Youth Director will work with your family to begin planning and study and to set their date for the big day. The B’nai Mitzvah student’s obligations will include:

• 10-12 months of tutored study, leading prayers according to their inclination and ability
• Reading/chanting Torah and Haftarah text
• Delivering a d’var Torah (sermon)
• A Mitzvah Project fulfilled by the student and, at times, as a group with other students.
• Supporting each other by attending each other’s B’nai Mitzvah and leading mincha (afternoon prayer service) together

Our clergy and staff are here to make sure your family is supported during this transition and ready when your special day arrives. For more information, contact our B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.

Are you a PJTC B'nai Mitzvah student preparing for your big day? Click here for resources. 

ADULT STUDIES

There are always opportunities to learn and grow at PJTC, no matter your age or interest. Our staff and clergy, along with our Adult Education Committee, have designed educational programming to meet the needs of our very diverse congregation and the Greater Pasadena Jewish community. We are always listening for new, exciting courses to pursue, and welcome your input and participation (just email our Adult Education Committee). Click here for more information and our current curriculum offering.

INTERFAITH STUDY GROUP

PJTC is part of the Interfaith Study Group, a joint effort by All Saints Church, the Islamic Center of Southern California, and PJTC to learn and appreciate the commonalities and differences between our faiths. To learn more or get involved, click here.

SCHOLARSHIP

The Rabbi Maurice T. Galpert Memorial Scholarship Award is given annually to stimulate and support meritorious scholarly pursuit of higher education. Applicants should submit proposals for a specific project or activity characterized by breadth and depth, having a long range goal, and leading to their scholarly development. Eligibility is restricted to Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center members, their children and grandchildren. Click here to read more!