Meet Rachel Weinstein White, Bed-Stuy mother of 3, and founder of a new Brooklyn Jewish education program for kids ages 3-11 years called Fig Tree. They offer after school and weekend classes in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy area with more locations to come.
You describe Fig Tree as: a “new kind of Hebrew School” and like no other program you were able to find when searching for a school for your own kids. Can you talk about the criteria that was important to you and your family?
While I was searching for (and not finding!) a Hebrew School for my own kids, I was looking for three big things: meaningful classes with fresh, modern content; the flexibility to choose my neighborhood and schedule; and I wanted the program to be fundamentally inclusive such that my Jewish multi-racial kids would feel welcomed and celebrated for their wholeness, not for their difference. AND I wanted all of that without having to join a synagogue or other Jewish institution; OK, so that’s four things. But I really don’t think I’m unique; I think there are lot of Brooklyn parents who want this, too.
What elements of your own Hebrew School experience do you wish for your children to experience and which parts are you hoping to change or improve upon?
Growing up, I attended a fairly traditional Conservative [branch of Judaism] synagogue. My own Hebrew School experience, I think, was very typical for my generation: a lot of rote memorization, not a lot of experiential learning, religion without room for interpretation. It was very dry, and I dreaded going. I kind of want my kids to have the opposite of that experience. I want them to leave Hebrew school inspired by what they learned. I want them to be excited for and curious about the next class. If it is something I have to drag them to, then that defeats the purpose!
Who are you reaching (and hoping to reach) to join your Fig Tree community?
We’re reaching all flavors of Jewish families: interfaith, interracial, and a lot of “mostly secular” families who, now that they are parents, want to give their kids a Jewish foundation. What we all have in common is our desire for a welcoming, innovative Jewish education program for our kids.
Brooklyn being such a diverse city and parenting community, I would imagine you’ve met many other like-minded folks. What has your feedback been so far in the process of forming this school?
The feedback has been amazing! It’s been very positive. I think what we’re doing really resonates with so many Jewish parents, who may have felt like they didn’t have options before. It’s been heartwarming to hear that Fig Tree is filling that gap for Brooklyn families.
Thank you for talking to us at A Child Grows in Brooklyn. We look forward to watching your community grow and wish you the best of luck!
Visit www.FigTreeProgram.com for details and to register and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
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