Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group BCC-JCG

C o n t a c t  U s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group 6125 Montrose Rd. Rockville, MD 20852 301-230-3763 BCCJCG@yahoo.com Our  H i s t o r y The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group is the oldest organization in Montgomery County dedicated to fulfillment of the cultural, educational and religious needs of Jewish families in the area. In 1941, there was no organized Jewish group in the county. Most families were left to their own resources when it came to educating their children in Jewish customs and culture and to observing some of the ancient traditions of the Jewish faith. When a group of these families banded together to do jointly what they could not do alone, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group was born. Our  Philosophy Still pioneering yet adhering to the original precepts on which it was conceived, the program is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to fulfill their Jewish cultural or religious expression, or the furtherance of the Jewish education of their children, without affiliating with a formal synagogue or temple. One of the aims is to impart to the children an understanding of, and identification with, the cultural, ethical and moral traditions of the Jewish people through the study and appreciation of the history of Judaism and its contributions to civilization. Another aim is to develop in the children an affirmative association with their Jewish heritage through familiarization with the history, customs and significance, both past and present, of Jewish holidays, and through meaningful experience in their immediate environment. The Sunday School The curriculum is designed to provide a Jewish education, consistent with the Group’s philosophy. Kindergarten through eighth grade classes are held most Sundays throughout the school year at the Jewish Community Center building in Rockville, Maryland. The BCC-JCG believes that its program should encourage: Parent Participation. Involvement of the parents serves to reinforce the child’s interest and facilitates the learning process. Interdisciplinary Studies. History should be taught through the interrelated subjects of art, music, literature, philosophy, customs and life styles. Varied Source Materials. Each grade, in addition to using a particular textbook, incorporates history, reference, biographical and holiday books. A well-stocked library is maintained. Optional Hebrew Program. Students in grades 4 and up may enroll in Hebrew classes. A Diversity of Activities. Teachers are encouraged to include projects, filmstrips, movies and field trips whenever possible. Observance of Holidays. All major Jewish holidays are celebrated appropriately as part of the school curriculum. In addition, many families gather for innovative High Holiday services, a weekend-in-the-woods retreat, a Hanukkah party, a Purim megillah-reading evening, and a Passover Workshop. The Understanding of Charity. The concepts of tzedakah and mitzvot are included at each grade level with appropriate projects. Current Events. In order to ensure that the student’s learning experience is relevant to today’s world, current events are emphasized appropriately in each grade. The Creative Arts. Music and Song are an integral part of the curriculum. Youth Group. The BCC-JCG has a Youth Group for Grades 4 and up. For some activities groups will be divided into two; grades 4 & 5 and Grades 6 and up. Evaluation and Reassessment. The BCC-JCG believes that the development of curriculum is a continuing process. Membership Requirements Families sending their children to our school must apply for Family membership in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington and accept such membership when tendered. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community group and its School has a racially nondiscriminatory policy toward members and students; and, it does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin. The group welcomes interfaith families.

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Last Updated on September 24, 1999