About Us
Temicha (Support) is one of our four Core Values. Discover the many ways JES supports Jewish Education in Baltimore. JES is your partner in educating the next generation of Jewish leaders. Whether you are a parent or teacher, we are here to assist you.
Our Mission
Promoting & Strengthening Jewish Education In Baltimore
Jewish Educational Services (JES) promotes and strengthens Jewish Education in Baltimore by supporting families, educators and schools to help children learn, develop their Jewish identity and values, and reach their fullest potential.
Our Vision
Building a culture of educational excellence in the Baltimore Jewish community will lead to thriving schools where educators want to teach and where children want to learn. Any Jewish family who wants a Jewish education for their child will be able to find an appropriate high-quality program that meets their needs. JES will help each school live its Mission and become the best version of itself.
Our Philosophy
JES supports Jewish day schools, congregational schools, and preschools by offering impactful professional development for their educators, providing opportunities for meaningful Israel education, and supporting them in meeting the diverse needs of their students. We consult with schools to help them navigate the challenges of day school affordability, teacher recruitment and retention, and mental health.
We bring educators together to learn from each other and to share best practices. Additionally, we serve as a resource for families seeking educational support for their children. Serving as a central hub, we connect everyone together as part of an incredible community of Jewish Education.
Our Core Values
LIMMUD – לימוד (Learning)
Inspiring everyone to pursue lifelong learning and growth
TEMICHA –תמיכה (Support)
Supporting and respecting the unique needs of each institution and individual
SHITUF – שיתוף (Partnership)
Promoting a culture of collaboration and sharing
AHAVAT YISRAEL – אהבת ישראל (Love of Israel)
Building a caring inclusive Jewish community in which people feel connected to each other and to Israel
Our History
Jewish Educational Services (JES), an operating program of The Associated, was created in July 2022 to bring together the educator training, student support, and Israel initiatives of the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE) and SHEMESH.
JES is continuing a long legacy of Jewish educational support in Baltimore. In 1921, the Board of Jewish Education was inaugurated. The organization went through several name changes, eventually transforming into the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education. In 1965, the board launched a department of education for special needs, one of the first Jewish boards to recognize the needs and educational rights of individuals with disabilities.
In 2009, Dr. Aviva Weisbord, a”h, served as the inaugural Executive Director of SHEMESH, an Associated agency created on the legacy of Weinberg Academy and P’TACH of Baltimore, that provided educational support necessary for Jewish children with learning differences to reach their full intellectual, academic, emotional, and social potential in a Jewish setting.
Building from this incredible foundation, and merging the strengths of CJE and SHEMESH, JES is now able to offer support to families, educators, and schools to meet the educational needs of the children of our community.
Our Team
Read more about our professional staff and how we can help YOU.
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JES News
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A Day of Inspiration and Growth for Early Childhood Educators
On March 3rd, nearly 300 early childhood educators from eleven different programs and schools came together…
Jewish Educational Services Nurtures Mental Wellness in the Community
Jewish Educational Services, a program of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, recently hosted…
Jewish Educational Services Hosts 2nd Annual Educator Expo, Celebrating Collaboration and Innovation
Jewish Educational Services (JES), an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, hosted…
Work that speaks volumes
I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve provided, it’s night and day, the change is remarkable!
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Our Associated Connection
JES is proud to be part of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, alongside 26 other agencies. Together, we form one network to better serve our community and the world. The Associated provides essential funding and shared services—like finance, HR and marketing—enabling us to meet today’s needs and prepare future leaders.
Supporting The Associated directly benefits JES and all partner agencies. Your donation reflects the value of “kol areyvim zeh b’zeh” – all Jews are responsible for one another – and strengthens our collective community. With your help, we can deliver impactful education, critical social services, and advocacy for justice, while connecting with Jews worldwide. The Associated has earned Charity Navigator’s top rating, with 90% of donations going directly to programs and services.