MAKOM: K–7 Jewish Learning

What Your Child Will Experience 

  • Music that brings Jewish learning to life.
  • Stories that spark curiosity and conversation.
  • Hands-on learning in the classroom and throughout the valley.
  • Jewish values that help children navigate everyday life.
  • Substantive learning about Jewish ritual, tradition, language, and text.
  • A caring community where every child belongs.
  • A flexible approach to meet families where they are.

Why the Name “Makom”?

Makom (מקום) means “place” in Hebrew. In Jewish tradition, HaMakom (“The Place”) is also one of the names for God, reminding us that holiness can be found wherever we are.

We chose this name because we want every child to find a place where they belong – in our Jewish community, in the Roaring Fork Valley, and in Jewish life.

Our Philosophy

Children learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and having fun.

At Makom, students don’t just learn about Judaism – they experience it. Every week, they sing, hear and tell stories, ask questions, create, celebrate, and discover how Jewish traditions and values connect to their own lives. Along the way, they build friendships, learn from caring teachers and clergy, and become part of a community that celebrates Jewish life together. 

Our goal is to help every child grow in Jewish knowledge, confidence, and connection. We want our students to feel at home in Jewish life and carry its stories, traditions, and values with them wherever they go. 

What We Hope for Your Child

By the time your child completes Makom, we hope they will:

  • Feel proud to be Jewish and confident in participating in Jewish life.
  • Feel at home in Jewish prayer, traditions, and celebrations.
  • Build lasting friendships and know they are part of a caring Jewish community.
  • Know the stories, values, holidays, and practices that are at the heart of Jewish life.
  • Continue asking questions, exploring ideas, and finding meaning in Jewish tradition.

What's New This Year

Learning Throughout the Valley

Some of our best classrooms don’t have four walls.

This year, some of our students’  Jewish learning will take place at the Farm Collaborative, the Aspen Art Museum, Harvest for Hunger, and more. These experiences help children discover what Judaism teaches about the environment, the arts, service, and community.

An Overnight Adventure

Fourth- through seventh-graders will travel together for a memorable Shabbaton (weekend) that includes Shabbat dinner with a Denver Jewish community, a sporting event, and a visit to a matzah factory before Passover. (April 2027)

A Fresh Curriculum

We’re introducing a new Judaic studies curriculum designed for small, vibrant Jewish communities like ours while continuing the warm, relationship-centered approach that has always been at the heart of Jewish learning at AJC.