We are Machane TBA…all of us

At Machane TBA, we pride ourselves on innovative, inclusive, Reform Jewish education where students are at the center of the momentum. We foster a love of Jewish living and learning through experiential programming, classroom activity, high-energy musical t’filah, and interpersonal relationship building. Machane TBA educators always seek new ways to combine meaningful Jewish learning and transformative programming in order to create the BEST experiences for our students and families, no matter what their needs.

Primary study highlights:

• Weekly specialty activities (Chugim) such as Omanut (Jewish art), Shira (music), Yoga and T’filah (prayer)
• Rabbi engagement via story time or Ask the Rabbi sessions
• Large scale interactive programs such as a Passover seder, Jonah and the Whale reenactment, “Noah’s Arkade” Program, and Jacob & Esau Sibling Rivalry Relay
• A variety of Tikkun Olam activities

Grades 3-6 highlights:

• Classroom-based learning block (L’mala or upstairs) featuring Hebrew reading and decoding, prayer literacy, Shabbat liturgy, Torah, holidays, Israel and history
• Experiential learning block (L’mata or downstairs) engaging students  in musical t’filah (prayer) sessions, large-scale interactive programming, and Jewish values lessons

Inclusive Approach:
Machane TBA is extremely proud of our long standing commitment to inclusion.  We believe that all students should have access to a quality Jewish education that fosters a strong Jewish identity and a sense of belonging and community.  The Machane TBA curriculum and program structure were developed to incorporate diverse methodologies, differentiated instruction, and interactive, hands-on experiences and activities. Individualized Educational plans can be created to provide further adaptations and personalizations to meet each child’s individual needs.

Modifications and Resources include:

• Individualized Education Plan created with TBA staff to design a program that works most effectively for a students individual needs 

• Highly-trained Inclusion Coordinator available for staff, parent and student training and support

• A team of trained student Madrichim (teen aids) who provide one-on-one support and assistance

• Option for participation in specific portions of the program/shortened day based on individual student goals and interests

• Intentional teacher and peer placement

• Individual or small group instruction

• Sensory room and breaks with inclusion specialist and/or trained teen volunteers

• Resources for neurodivergent learners such a break boxes, fidgets, noise­-cancelling headphones, or other manipulatives

• Classroom modifications and adaptations such as flexible seating and noise reduction techniques

• Hebrew resource instructors available during and outside of program hours, both online and in person, to provide one-on-one support for optimal language learning

• Differentiated instruction and adapted curriculums for individual needs

• Access to hearing loops, large print siddurim, visual t’filah and ADA compliant parking lots and play grounds
• Lots of movement with instruction held inside and outside the building

NEW K’far (“Village”) class:  We are excited to announce that we are expanding our program with the addition of the K’far (“Village”) class.  This is a class for students with neurodiverse needs who would benefit from a smaller, more sensory-friendly setting. The class will provide hands-on, individualized instruction across age groups with an interest-based Jewish curriculum and will be led by a highly trained special education teacher and an assistant.  Students in the K’far class will attend from 9:30-11:30am. 

In addition, the K’far class will feature:

• Non-traditional seating/classroom set up
• Separate arrival and dismissal location to reduce overstimulation
• Warm up to the day with free time from 9:30 to 10 in a separate space before entering the classroom
• Frequent breaks
• Opportunities for interaction with other Sunday morning programs