Temple Israel Youth Education and Programming
Nurturing Minds, Fostering Community, Inspiring Growth
The Temple Israel Religious School’s mission is to provide a nurturing, multi-faceted and inspiring learning environment for everyone. We offer an engaging education experience that fosters Jewish identity, builds a commitment to Jewish living and values, creates a connection to one another and sparks a concern for the world around us. We meet families where they are and offer flexible options to ensure that every child can build a foundation of Jewish literacy and receives the tools they need to grow into proud, informed, and inquisitive Jews who are full participants in their Jewish communities.
Message from the Director
A New Year and New Beginnings,
As I approach the beginning of the New Year, I reflect on the past year and feel gratitude for all that we have accomplished. I am thankful for my professional team, our Madrichim, lay leaders, parents and students who collaborated throughout the year to realize our vision and goals. Our program is innovative, creative and fun, and our students love the learning and activities.
I am excited to begin next year's adventures. I am looking forward to teaming up with Rabbi Fineberg and Education VP Lisa Kirtz to continue to enhance and grow our program. I am also would like to welcome back Adrea Gerber as the Administrative Assistant for the Youth Education and Programming and to congratulate Natan Fandel for his new appointment as the Assistant Director.
As an Assistant Director, Natan responsibilities will include a planning and teaching in the Religious School, be the Youth Advisor, leading Shevet Achim, Judaic High, and Jr. Congregation, and Ulpan Kef.
For additional information about our program please contact me at elevy@tisharon.org
I am looking forward to another great year of learning and growth and wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year,
Dr. Ella Levy
What's new?
Religious School
This academic year, we are continuing to offer our successful and popular program in Jewish Education that feels like summer camp all year long. Our students learn and improve their Hebrew language skills and Judaic through experiential learning, art, music, movement, cooking, photography, drama, and continue to develop their socializing skills, relationship building, and memory making. Our program is offered to grades K-7 students and promotes a culture of learning that strengthens their Jewish identity and commitment to a Jewish lifestyle that is deeply rooted in tradition and practice.
Family Education Program
“A Jewish home is where Judaism is at home.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
Our Family Education program provides families and individuals the opportunity to celebrate the joys of Judaism in a communal setting, as well as integrating ritual, practice, and values into their home lives. We concentrate on promoting Jewish values and learning through interactive student-parent workshops for each grade in the Religious School.
Family Shabbat Services
This year we integrated Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning services, and Havdalah Family services into our program. During these services, our Religious School students in grades K-7 will lead the congregation in prayers, through readings, teachings, and songs. These services reflect the skills gained, the youthful vision, and the spirit of Shabbat.
Schmooze@ Booze
Every month after dropping off their kids, and participating in our Havdalah program, our parents have gathered to socialize and create community. If you are interested in hosting an event or need more information, please get in touch with Dr. Ella Levy at elevy@tisharon.org
Jr. Congregation
Jr. Congregation continues to meet every Shabbat from 10:00am-12:00pm with Natan Fandel and invite all RS students to join him. Junior Congregation offers our Religious School students a solid understanding and the skills to lead the Shabbat morning service. It is highly recommended as a tool to prepare our students for their upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah and their role in the Jewish community.
Once a month, students in grades K-4 will be treated to a special hour (10:30-11:30am) with our Madricha Alyssa Ugent. Madricha Alyssa offers our students story time, portion of the week, practicing prayers and blessings, and socializing time.