JCC Chicago and BJE Chicago Merge Jewish Early Childhood Programs

EVANSTON, IL  (September 13, 2024) — JCC Chicago and BJE Chicago are proud to announce a new partnership between their more than 100-year-old institutions. With the sale of the building in Wilmette where BJE’s early childhood program is located and BJE’s lease ending in June 2025, BJE has decided to merge its early childhood program into JCC Chicago’s early childhood program located at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston.

Rebecca Anisfeld, current Director of BJE Early Childhood in Wilmette, is being named the Director of both programs for the current 2024-2025 school year and will relocate with the BJE program to the JCC’s Evanston location on July 1, 2025, to serve as the Director at JCC Early Childhood at Beth Emet. “I am excited for the opportunity to bring our exceptional programs together,” says Rebecca.  “Teachers are the heart and soul of any school. Without them, BJE ECC would not be the program that it is—our teachers will have the opportunity to join our merged program at the JCC. Together we will form a powerful kehillah (community) to benefit young children and their families.”

JCC currently operates seven early childhood centers, including the program located in Evanston at Beth Emet, which opened in August 2020. Like BJE, the JCC program is full day and serves children ages six weeks through five-years-old. Both JCC and BJE participate in the JUF Early Childhood Collaborative, an initiative of the Jewish Federation that provides consulting and professional development to Jewish early childhood centers.

“Over the years, our programs have become more aligned,” explains Anita Denes-Meador, Chief Program Officer for JCC Chicago. “We both embrace the Reggio-Emilia approach of child-centered, play based, hands-on learning, invest in and elevate our educators, prioritize the natural environment and value the involvement of our families.”

“With our lease ending this year, we welcome the opportunity to work with JCC and their leadership to transition and preserve BJE’s strong 52-year tradition in Jewish early learning. When the idea was put on the table, it was a win for our community to work with the JCC and their excellent early childhood program. It’s the best of both worlds,” shares Dr. Michael Halpern, President of the BJE-Chicago Board of Directors. BJE will continue its independent existence and all of BJE’s other programs, including JTeach, for the entire 2024-2025 school year and in future years.

Rebecca Anisfeld will enhance JCC’s program in Evanston with elevated Jewish education methods, bringing her early childhood expertise and BJE experience and know-how to a team of passionate, tenured early childhood leaders. Children and families will especially benefit from the integration of BJE’s Judaic curricula as well as from being part of the greater JCC community where there is aligned trust and embrace of Jewish values.

“At the J, we understand the high cost of childcare and preschool. We offer free day camp for three- and four-year-olds, essentially covering the cost of care for two months. Our need-based scholarship program and year-round free family events are all designed to provide families support and foster community during these young family years,” explains Addie Goodman, President and CEO of JCC Chicago. “We are here for children and young families in every way possible and are very proud to join forces with BJE.”

Registration for the merged program will open on October 15, 2024, at earlychildhood.jccchicago.org/beth-emet-synagogue.

About JCC Chicago:

JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 65,000 community members who learn, grow, and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round. For more information on JCC Chicago programming and commitment to community visit, www.jccchicago.org.

About BJE Chicago:

The mission of the Board of Jewish Education is to nurture the continuity and quality of Jewish life through Jewish education, and to be a leader in implementing the vision of Jewish education. BJE-Chicago’s JTeach.org encourages and enhances vibrant contemporary Jewish living through original and innovated pedagogic connections to thousands of years of Jewish Wisdom. The online educational resource supports educators through online learning communities and over 500 original lessons with 475,000 downloads worldwide. To learn more visit www.jteach.org.