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Service learning is a critical part of a Contra Costa Jewish Day School education. All CCJDS students, from the kindergarten to eighth grade, participate in our Shir HaLev — Shirut Ruchani “Spiritual Service of the Heart” program. Direct service projects like visiting the elderly, tutoring children and cleaning local waterways empower our students. Student research related to these projects deepens their level of engagement and understanding. “I want each child at CCJDS to realize that they do make a difference in this world,” said Hadas Rave, CCJDS Judaica teacher. “We want our students to gain empathy, understanding and knowledge of what the issues are and how they can make a positive impact.”
An example of this blend of academic and hands-on work is seen in our fifth-grade project devoted to literacy. CCJDS has developed a strong relationship with the Bay Area Jewish Coalition for Literacy, which helps children in public schools improve their literacy skills. CCJDS students are trained as tutors and then spend eight weeks volunteering in an underprivileged school working with a group of first-graders. They develop close relationships with their little reading buddies. The program culminates with our fifth-grade tutors writing and illustrating for each buddy a personalized storybook.
The Contra Costa Jewish Day School combines the highest quality academics and Hebrew/Judaic studies. A CAIS/WASC-accredited community day school, CCJDS includes all Jewish backgrounds and attracts students from Oakland, Berkeley and Contra Costa County.
CCJDS prepares students for success in school and life — educating mensches who are the future of our Jewish community. Come visit our beautiful campus in Lafayette! Contact Amy Wittenberg, admissions director, at (925) 284-8288 or www.ccjds.org.