Congregation Dor Hadash
San Diego's progressive, down-to-earth
Reconstructionist community, welcoming all,
including LGBTQ+ and interfaith families
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PictureBetsy Schneider, Director of Education and Engagement
We're
Creating Jewish Memories
with your family in the Gesher community at the JCC.


We are pleased to offer optional free synagogue membership
for one year to new Gesher families.
​


Schedule:
Newborn – 6-ish:
Todah Shabbat!  with Betsy and Todah, the sloth. 
One Shabbat morning per month either in person or on Zoom.
Meet Todah here.
Contact Betsy to join us!  All families are welcome!

3-, 4-, and 5-year olds:             
​Taste of Gesher, several Sunday mornings each year

Pre-K–7th Graders:           
  • Two Sunday mornings per month (unless otherwise noted)
  • One "First Friday" per month 6:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Several Shabbat B'Yachad Saturday mornings per year     

6th and 7th Graders                 Attend via Zoom on Tuesday afternoons (plus Sundays)

8th–12th Graders                     Madrihim (helpers) and DHYG (Youth Group)



​Highlights:

  • Small class sizes
  • Electives (chuggim) for children each Sunday (art, cooking, discussions, drama, storytelling, games, etc.) New chuggim every six sessions 
  • Hebrew learning is individualized and grouped according to current knowledge.
  • Planning Team (optional); kids and adults create holiday celebrations
  • Social Sundays include family fun and a community service project off campus.
  • Madrihim:  Teens Hangouts, Film Club, Discussions with Rabbi Yael, and more.​
  • ​DHYG, Dor Hadash Youth Group, for 6th grade and up.

The best things about the Gesher Program are:​

Soulful Sundays with Rabbi Yael and other teachers
During Gesher classes, adults are invited to Dor Hadash for conversations with Rabbi Yael, gentle yoga, Israeli folk dancing, a nearby hike, art sessions, and more.


Our Wonderful Teachers!
Our teachers teach here because they love it. Marcia, Carolyn, Mindy, and Holly have a passion for sharing their love of Jewish values and traditions with children. They nurture close-knit communities within their classrooms and use experiential education so their students have FUN.

Kehillah Gatherings
Weekly community gatherings on Sunday mornings for all students and parents. We connect, sing, share, and learn together with Betsy and Rabbi Yael.

Shabbat B'Yachad

On Several Saturdays throughout the year, families gather to pray, learn and connect as a kehillah (community) for Shabbat services.  We end with a potluck kiddush lunch.  There is no Gesher Sunday those weekends.

Gesher Shekels
Students earn Gesher Shekels for participating in Jewish activities with their families. Students spend their shekels on prizes at our shuk (store). They love this!

Favorite Annual Events
California's largest Hamantashen Bake, MLK Mitzvah Day, Purim celebration, ILP (Independent Learning Program) for 4th–7th graders, Israel Day Celebration, Teen Chocolate Seder, and PRIDE Parade to name a few...

If you'd like more information about our Gesher Program, please contact Betsy.

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Rolling out dough at our beloved annual Hamantashen Bake
Picture
Israeli folk dancing!
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Teens serving lunch at a soup kitchen.
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Third generation Dor Hadash-niks
Congregation Dor Hadash | Mailing address: PO Box 12768, La Jolla, CA 92039 | 858-268-3674