History

Founded in 1951, the Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island (BJE/RI) is the central agency for Jewish education in greater Rhode Island. For 57 years, BJE/RI has provided Jewish educational programs and services because we believe that Jewish education is the key to Jewish identity and continuity. BJE/RI is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the transmission of our heritage to our Jewish community. BJE/RI identifies the changing educational needs of the community and plans for the future in order to meet those needs. It advocates for making Jewish education the highest priority of the community.

The BJE/RI believes that Jewish education is a life-long enterprise; its constituency includes all age groups. Jewish education occurs in a variety of settings, both formal and informal, and BJE/RI works to provides opportunities in both areas. It believes that there is a plurality of ways in which people might choose to express their Judaism, and reaches out to all segments of the community.

The BJE/RI acts as a catalyst for educational excellence. It promotes the professionalism of Jewish educators and provides materials and training to enhance their skills. The BJE/RI disseminates all aspects of Jewish educational information to the general community.

The BJE/RI builds partnerships with the many agencies, organizations schools, and congregations which serve our community, in order to strengthen the Jewish family, and to cement ties to the Jewish community, locally, nationally, and in Israel.

The Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island and the Jewish Educational Service of North America.