The Sinai Learning Center (SLC) is reimagining what Jewish education can be. We are moving beyond the traditional Religious School model to create a dynamic learning hub where students of all ages don’t just learn about Judaism – they experience it.
Our mission is to joyfully build Jewish identity, connection, and community through a program designed specifically for modern families. We believe that learning should feel like a destination, not a burden, which is why we’re supplementing traditional classroom instruction with a discovery-based framework that invites every child to find their own place in our 3,000-year-old story. Our programs are designed to adapt to the modern lifestyle, meeting families where they are.
Every family’s journey is unique. Whether you are looking for a full-year immersive track or a more casual learning experience, Sinai Learning Center’s programs are designed to adapt to your lifestyle – meeting you exactly where you are. Our roadmap includes everything from immersive, hands-on experiences, like GTY (Glendale Temple Youth), to one-day community programs designed for families just beginning to explore their Jewish path.
While SLC is a forward-thinking program, it is rooted in the pioneering spirit of Temple Sinai of Glendale, a traditional Reform congregation that has served Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank for a century. We connect our students to a legacy of brave leadership – from our origins as a small community of visionary women to our history of ordaining pioneering clergy. At SLC, we provide the tools for students to navigate the modern world through a Jewish lens, fostering a lifelong love for tradition that is as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago.
My Family and Me (pre-school age children) – This monthly session is for two-to-four-year-olds and the adults who love them. Each session features cooking and eating a treat related to a Jewish holiday or theme. Then, while the kids play, parents discuss issues related to raising Jewish children with the Rabbi.
Sinai Learning Center Programs
(K – 7 grade) – SLC classes meet Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30. Curricula are designed around specific Judaic topics that vary for different grades. Over the course of eight years, students will receive rich exposure to Jewish history, the Hebrew language, Israel past and present, the Bible, Jewish life-cycle events, all the major holidays, and much more.
Hebrew at SLC (4 – 7 grade) –As students deepen their Hebrew knowledge, they begin attending on both Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings. Our program emphasizes fluency in reading and understanding key prayers from the Shabbat service, helping students build the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in Jewish life—at synagogue and beyond.
Grades 4 – 7 Fun Zone
A monthly Wednesday night gathering for 4th and 5th graders right after class. Each session includes dinner and a fun Jewish activity—like cooking, crafting, or games—to build friendships and strengthen connection to Jewish life.
Sunday Potluck
A monthly community-building event held immediately after Sunday sessions (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) to foster connections between SLC families.
GYT Glendale Temple Youth (Ages 13 – 18) –Many of our teens volunteer their time on Sunday mornings as assistants in the SLC, but their involvement doesn’t stop there. GTY (Glendale Temple Youth) offers fun, meaningful, and teen-led experiences throughout the year—from movie days and art workshops to social justice projects, community service, and Jewish learning. Teens also attend retreats, help lead holiday celebrations, and explore what it means to build a proud, grounded Jewish identity and navigate the world through a Jewish lens. Those who want to deepen their connection can join the Derech Certificate Program by completing a mix of learning, service, social, and immersive Jewish experiences. It’s a chance to grow, connect, and be celebrated for their commitment to Jewish life and leadership.
View a year-by-year description of your child’s educational journey at Temple Sinai
Check here for additional SLC information and enrollment forms.
