AJP enhances Judaic learning for students in Edmonton

by Regan Lipes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 

(AJNews) – The Ancillary Judaic Program, lovingly referred to by parents and youngsters as AJP, is a valuable resource for those with school-aged children in Edmonton looking to augment and enhance Judaic religious learning. As the academic calendar year winds to a close, afterschool enrichment for the coming year may not be foremost on everyone’s minds, but for those wishing to supplement their children’s Jewish education in a deeper way, AJP is the perfect solution.

Rabbi Guy Tal described this vision noting: “We aim to provide a supplementary Jewish education that expands our students’ knowledge of Judaism, Hebrew, traditions, customs, Torah stories, and more. Although we are an Orthodox organization, it is important to me to emphasize that the program is intended for the entire community. We focus on foundational concepts in Judaism that are important for every Jewish person to know, regardless of whether they are practically observant of all the commandments.”

For the past five years, AJP has operated four days a week after dismissal at Talmud Torah School. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 have the opportunity to elevate their Judaic learning from the school day with religiously rooted and spiritually nourishing lessons. Educator Yitzchak Borenstein described his role stating thoughtfully: “As a teacher, I focus on covering the material in a summarized but experiential way. It is important to me that students are interested, and I try to stimulate this by adding graphical riddles, stories, and presentations.”

Admittedly, one might think it would be a challenge to keep young people motivated to learn after the school bell rings, but AJP kids are excited for their Judaic classes because of teachers like Yitzchak. “It depends on the curriculum of the day…I’ve developed a method of teaching in a way that adds interest and helps deal with their fatigue and burnout,” admitted Yitzchak. “We study as usual with a worksheet, but every now and then I add a story, game, presentation or pictures related to the topic to increase interest. I also try to make the worksheet part easier and more interesting.”  The results are real, and parents like Aliya Spigelman have expressed how impressed they are with the diverei torah their children share at the dinner table.

Parents considering enrolling in AJP for the 2026/2027 school year should not be discouraged if they worry their child’s Judaic knowledge may not be enough yet to deliver a dvar torah.  Rabbi Tal explained that all students may have different levels of knowledge but share their desire to learn more. “The material we study is designed to be suitable for all levels of knowledge. It is not an issue when children with varying backgrounds and levels of prior knowledge join the group.”

In his role, Yitzchak sees a diversity of backgrounds as an opportunity to evolve his teaching approach. “Sometimes there’s no choice – when the differences in levels are really big, you have to prepare different lessons and work with them separately.” It is this individualized approach to engaging students which ensures the kids sincerely look forward to their AJP studies and want to be actively involved in their own learning. Like Yitzchak, teachers for all the AJP groups K to 6 get to know their students and find the best strategies for addressing their unique learning styles and needs.

The holidays play a big part in structuring the curriculum, but these lessons are always accompanied by ample servings of fun. During Chanukah, a special painting programme was held for the AJP kids, giving them a chance to socialize, talk about the Festival of Lights with their teachers and friends in a more free-flow manner, and express their artistic talents with glow-in-the-dark paint. AJP works to ignite a love of learning in students while guiding them as they connect with Judaism.

AJP is so much more than an afterschool religious education program – it is a community. This past March, AJP organizers put together a youth Shabbaton for the AJP children. “We are always pleasantly surprised by how active, engaged, and enthusiastic the children are during the Shabbatonim. It’s wonderful to see them outside of a formal educational setting, and it’s especially nice to see children who do not typically attend synagogue on a regular basis,” explained Rabbi Tal. “Above all, the atmosphere – created by the activities, the meals, the songs, and the games – is incredibly enjoyable and uplifting.”

Yitzchak also offered his observations, commenting: “As a parent, I think the songs we taught, as well as the experience of playing and being together, connected the little ones to the shul and Shabbat in a positive way. It leaves an impression and memories that last long beyond Shabbat itself.”

Parents who are interested in signing their little ones up for AJP can select from different programming for each day. Monday through Thursday, every afternoon of the week targets a different set of learning goals, and families are able to enroll their children in as many tracks of study as they wish. Different teachers are dedicated to age-appropriate learning levels, but this certainly does not mean that the content is watered down for younger groups. Children work on weekly Parashot readings and even engage their families in their learning by bringing home fun quizzes to complete together. Some parents are surprised, and even amazed, by their children’s breadth of knowledge. AJP helps Jewish youngsters launch their learning to new heights, and the results are noticeable.

The AJP team is always striving to find new and meaningful ways of inspiring the children. Yitzchak commented about possible directions he might like to explore in his teaching, saying: “I would be happy to see an increase in the number of students, and to have more time to teach additional important and interesting content such as Nevi’im (prophets).” There are big ideas brewing and so much potential for building strong Judaic literacy in a new generation.

“I would love to see a follow-up program for children who graduate from elementary school and move on to public schools in the city,” added Rabbi Tal. “It is precisely at this age, when they leave the Jewish “bubble,” that it is vital to provide them with ongoing support, connection, and the opportunity to continue learning and deepening their knowledge.”

The end-of-year AJP celebration was bitter-sweet for kids, parents, and teachers. Everyone enjoyed an amazing afternoon together at Galaxyland, making wonderful memories. For the younger children it was all fun and smiles till they realized they would need to wait till September for their next AJP class, and for older kids it was an emotional moment to wish graduating grade six students well as they prepare to move on to junior high. This special field trip was a successful coordinated undertaking with volunteer drivers, chaperones, and organizers.

AJP parents and students are excited for another year of lively and enlightening enrichment for the 2026/2027 academic year. The AJP organizational and teaching team, as well as their Board of Directors, deserve an effusive and heartfelt Kol HaKavod!  With so much to gain, AJP is an exceptional option for afterschool programming – it is an investment in learning to feed the mind and also to nurture the soul. Parents are encouraged to reach out to info@kadimaacademy.com with any questions they might have.