Previously existing in the late 1960's as the Tidewater Advocacy of Jewish Education, the Jewish Education Council (JEC) of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater was officially founded in June 1991. The mission of JEC is multifaceted as it provides pedagogic services while working on a wide range of communal Jewish issues throughout Southeastern Virginia. As a true community council, there is broad representation from every school, synagogue and agency forming a leadership group of active lay and professional educators who not only participate as council members, but who also advocate Jewish educational concerns for the entire community.

Specific workshops for early childhood teachers have been conducted, instilling teachers with fresh Judaic curricula and teaching techniques.  Issues are designed to encourage all students to plan a trip to Israel by creating a unique path for financing their trip. The Simon Family Passport to Israel Program showcases an excellent example of Synagogue-Federation cooperation by facilitating funding for families to provide an Israel Experience to any young adult (11th grade through college).

The Jewish Life and Learning Office at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center coordinates our education programs and is at the root of our vision that Jewish education will continue to be an integral part of all aspects of our Tidewater community.  For more information, email us or call the Federation at 757-965-6100.