About Us:

The JCS maintains the only Jewish parent cooperative on Long Island aimed at providing families with a Jewish enrichment program that is an alternative to the traditional Hebrew school setting. For over 35 years, we have succeeded in creating an enriching and progressive approach to Jewish learning and celebration. What began many years ago as a small group of mostly Yiddish speaking individuals that met in members homes, and who were the descendants of working class Jewish immigrants from NYC, has blossomed into a comprehensive school and community for Long Island's diverse Jewish and interfaith families.

As a parent cooperative the JCS relies on the passion and involvement of each of its members. Together we plan, organize, and promote an atmosphere that is openly inviting and intellectually stimulating. Everyone here learns at their own pace and at their own level of interest. The JCS helps each family to cultivate their own Jewish identity - providing them with the support and care that only the JCS can. Our interfaith and intercultural families are encouraged to learn about our expansive Jewish history while at the same time unearthing and expressing their own value system. Many of our families have developed interesting and creative practices around holiday celebrations and family life cycle events. In doing so, families maintain a strong connection to the Jewish people and community and to their own family heritage as well. All of these celebratory practices add to our long history of diversity and creativity. Additionally, at the JCS, ancient Jewish traditions are often meshed with modern concerns (such as equality, democracy, the environment, and peace) and incorporated into our family programming and celebrations. This creates an enriching and progressive experience for all.