Federation Programs

Informal Jewish Experiences

Our Mission

The IJE initiative seeks to promote learning and build indentity by providing Jews of all ages, regardless of affiliation, with informal Jewish learning opportunities in a variety of formats. These include long and short-term programs, information about existing opportunities both local and national, and innovative informal initiatives.

Jewish books

Our Vision

IJE offers non-traditional courses in non-traditional formats. Some classes are peer led, while others involve learning by yourself or learning from a professional. Activities aim to offer new learning options within the El Paso Jewish community and to strengthen existing ones.

The El Paso Jewish Federation continues to provide unique Jewish learning opportunities in areas not offered by other community institutions through the Federation’s Office of Informal Jewish Experiences. IJE’s goal is to have an every-increasing number of Jewish El Pasoans participate as a way to create commitment and energize the community

IJE offers non-traditional courses and program formats. Some classes are offered only once; others meet regularly. Through IJE, our community had the  privilege  to  hear from fabulous speakers such as Dr. Khalil Mohammend, Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter, Rochelle Krich, and by satellite, Elie Weisel, Dennis Prager, and Alan Dershowitz.

Whenever other opportunities knock for Jewish learning, IJE responds. We were privileged to present Dig the Past for our children. This is an ambitious recreation of a Israeli archaeological excavation, complete with visiting experts and learning stations. Also, It’s a Girl Thing, for teen girls; Panim el Panim, a Jewish social action program that focuses on social issues and the legislative process; and remote classes from the Shalom Hartman Institute in Israel.

On-going programs to which we point with pride are:

  • Arthouse Jewish Film Festival: Three-film late summer spectacular. This event has broad community support and gives us the opportunity to experience Jewish-themed films that were previously only screened in larger cities.
  • Each November, we convene our Yom Limmud family day of learning, with over 20 short courses. There is truly something for everyone at this widely-anticipated event.
  • Monthly classes under the course title “Judaism Beyond the Basics” continue for the seventh year. These classes are open to all and take place in the Monte Vista meeting room on select Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
  • We are proud of our on-going PJ Library Program. Since May 2007, each month the Federation, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, has been sending preschool kids a children’s book or CD that is age appropriate. These are theirs to treasure for years to come. With the help of our PJ Pro, Tara Schrier, we have also been able to provide quality programming. The most recent program was the premiere of the new Shalom Sesame series.

> Message from Cheryl Gordon