The Rady JCC is implementing a Jewish ethics program at the Kaufman Child Care Centre with sponsorship from Congregation Shaarey Zedek. The Sheva program: An Ethical Start, was launched in late fall 2012 at the Centre and focuses on teaching Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) with the goal of instilling Jewish ethics and values to young children, their teachers and parents.

Rabbi Alan Green, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek commented "From ancient times, the Jewish people have been extraordinarily successful in transmitting the core ethical values of Western civilization encoded in our tradition. Living in the times that we do, transmitting this tradition has become a challenge for many of our families. The Rady JCC has therefore responded wisely and appropriately with its Sheva Program initiative to teach very young children the basics of Jewish ethics." 

The program was introduced to Preschoolers ages 3 to 4, and will be made available to other age groups and the after school program in the future. The curriculum includes selected mishnayot or teachings from Pirkei Avot, and focuses on Jewish identity, self-respect, the Jewish people, community and enriching humanity. According to Eleonora Caporalini, Director of Child Care Services at the Rady JCC, the program enhances the already rich learning opportunities that the Early Childhood Educators at the the Rady JCC provide to the children. Rabbi Alan Green will also be involved in the program to help with additional training of the facilitating team.

“We are very pleased that we are able to bring the Ethical Start Program to the Kaufman Child Care Centre and we are equally pleased to be partnering with Shaarey Zedek. The Rady JCC is committed to providing the children in our daycare with enriching experiences that help them develop a strong Jewish identity. This program, along with our wonderful staff, allows us to do so” said Gayle Waxman, Executive Director of the Rady JCC. Ian Staniloff, Executive Director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek shared “We are very pleased to provide our support to the Rady JCC to assist in the delivery of this exceptional program. We take pride in joining with our community partners in developing and delivering quality programs for the Winnipeg Jewish Community.”

Sheva is a program developed by the Jewish Community Centre Association of North America.