"Providing Metro Detroit a cultural Jewish education since 1947"
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is JPI?
JPI was founded in 1947. We have always been affiliated with the Jewish Community Center and are supported by the greater Detroit Jewish Federation. We belong to a growing community of Jewish Sunday Schools in North America.
How is JPI different from a traditional Sunday school?
Parents are involved in shaping their child’s Jewish education. The parents create the school curriculum and special events. JPI’s educational purpose is to teach our children Jewish culture and history, and to explore the underlying ethical and moral values inherent in Jewish history. Through these programs of educational, cultural, and social activity we hope to instill in our members an ever-deepening sense of identity and pride in the Jewish people to help insure our survival and continuity.
What do you mean by secular?
Our school and adult groups function outside the framework of organized religion. We provide educational programs directed toward understanding our people's past and enriching our present Jewish lives. Although the Jews are a world people with a mosaic of views and beliefs, we hold that it is not only possible but essential for Jewish survival that Jews of all persuasions participate together in Jewish community programs of mutual interest.
How does JPI celebrate the Jewish holidays?
JPI families come together to celebrate the Jewish holidays in a way that merges the traditions and symbols of the past with the realities of today. Community Programs are held for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Family celebrations are held for Sukkoth, Chanukah, Purim and Passover. The public is always invited to attend JPI community programs and holiday celebrations.
Where does JPI meet?
Classes are held at the D. Dan and Betty Kahn building of the Jewish Community Center located on the Eugene and Marcia Applebaum Jewish Community Campus in West Bloomfield. JPI classes meet every Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. September through May.
How is the staff selected?
JPI has a highly professional long-standing staff, many of who have over 10 years experience with JPI. Staff members are from different backgrounds and are selected for their ability to meet the needs of our students. Some are parents of JPI graduates, others are professional teachers, and others are selected for their ability to stimulate learning and discussion.
How is our curriculum developed?
The educational director develops curriculum with guidance from parents in the program. The curriculum is revisited and revised on an ongoing basis.
Is there a Bar/Bat Mitzvah program?
JPI has an optional B’nai Mitzvah program that combines a community-related work project with a philosophical study of the Torah and Talmud, culminating in a rite of passage ceremony shared by the students, their families and guests.
Is there a program for Teens? Teens that have completed the JPI program are invited to work as Teen Assistants in the classrooms and are invited to attend an annual conference on Jewish identity. Teen programming during the school year is on an "as-requested" basis, coordinated by the parents.
Jewish Parents Institute, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Marilyn Wolfe, Educational Director 248-432-5472
