The family that learns together deepens their Jewish commitments and their communal connections. Our three-year old Mishpacha Family Alternative Learning program gathers parents and children together in the synagogue twice monthly for interactive learning. At the start of each session, parents learn with the rabbi about the same themes and texts that their children are exploring in multi-grade groupings at the same time. Later, parents and children come together to learn through plays, cooking, games and crafts activities. Over 40% of our children learn in the Mishpacha program, thereby deepening the family commitment to learning within the community.

Mishpacha sessions enable parents to learn and share their Judaism with their children in age-appropriate and multi-age activities. Limited to only 36 families per section, Mishpacha creates a warm, learning environment to support Jewish values of Mishpacha (family), expand Talmud Torah (Jewish learning), increase Simcha (joyous celebration), participate in Tikun Olam (fixing the world) and experience Kedusha (holiness/spirituality).

Mishpacha , the Family Learning Program of Congregation Or Ami, is an innovative program to experience and learn about Judaism as a family. For participants, it replaces the regular mid-week Religious School program. Families meet twice a month (usually on Sundays) for a 2½ hour session. 4th-6th grade students meet weekly in small groups for an hour of Hebrew tutoring.