Gan Nefesh learners are divided into three groups. These groups learn together throughout the day to develop a sense of community, but also spend time in their age group to better reflect their educational needs. 

Geshem (rain in Hebrew) is designed for our PreK-Grade 1 learners. Geshem is a play-based educational program that spends little time sitting, and more time exploring nature, creating art, singing songs, and developing a personal connection to Judaism. Geshem learns about Jewish holidays, Torah stories, Jewish ethics and values, nature systems, Hebrew, and self-awareness while exploring the seasonal nature of the Jewish calendar. 

Nahar (river in Hebrew) focuses on holistic education that encourages imagination, creativity, exploration, and a personal connection to Judaism four our Grade 2-4 students. Through movement, art, song, and text student students will learn about their Jewish heritage, traditions, nature, mindfulness, and develop a sense of what Judaism means to them. 

Ruach (wind/spirit in Hebrew) is a program focused on preteens’ deep sense of justice and exploration of the world for our Grade 5-7 learners. They will engage in movement-based practices that broaden their mind and connection to the Jewish world by digging deeper into the topics they learned in Nahar and preparing for their b’nai mitzvah. Tzedek participants take on leadership roles within the learning community by teaching younger grades, preparing physical space, leading services, and uplifting one another as they each prepare for their b’nai mitzvah. When they reach their b’nai mitzvah age, they will lead services for the community and demonstrate what they have learned at Gan Nefesh, including Hebrew knowledge, giving a teaching (drash), and leading Jewish rituals.

Counselors are students who are post-b’nai mitzvah and are energetic helpers to their learning community. If you are interested in becoming a counselor, please apply here.