Cantor Paul Silbersher with Kol Ami Religious School students Tim, Katie and Sammy Fine; Camille and Liza Faraldi; and Sarah Rawitch.
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Chai Times
Congregation Kol Ami's Religious School Newsletter
Congregation Kol Ami's Religious School Mission Statement:
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It is the mission of Kol Ami's religious school to instill in our students the passion, the desire, and the skills to learn their story: who they are, where they came from; where they are going, and the role Judaism plays in their lives. We will teach our students that being a Reform Jew carries the responsibility and privilege of choice and we will encourage them to engage in critical thinking as well as to embrace diversity. We will help them to develop a rich sense of community and family as well as the ability to study and live a life of Torah. Students will commit themselves to participating in Tikkun Olam, performing Mitzvot, and understanding and appreciating the role that Israel plays in the lives of all Jewish people. We will accomplish our mission by creating an environment in which all students feel safe to explore Judaism. We will hire enthusiastic, dedicated educators who strive to learn by teaching, and who share our commitment to helping our students become educated Jews. |
The educators at Congregation Kol Ami believe that to be a committed Jew, one must first be an educated Jew. To that end, we believe that there are two communities of learning: the first is the family, the second religious school.
Parents play a crucial role in the education of our students. It is at home that students learn the sense of belonging, and the significance of being a part of not just a group, but a Jewish group. Parents teach their children that being Jewish means never reaching the summit – that learning is a process that is never complete. –
The role of religious school is to be the second community of learning. Beginning with the teachers, students must be shown that learning is exciting, fun, and essential to their self actualization. Knowing one's story is not an option, it is required. Our story is who we are; where we've been; and where we're going. It is our teachers' responsibility as role models to exemplify enthusiasm and excitement for learning.
Our curriculum is based upon two concepts: religious knowledge, and ethical training. In other words, Jewishness and Judaism. It emphasizes our history, culture, and a basic mastery of Hebrew. The study of Torah, an introduction to Talmud, and the study of the Siddur are necessary pillars to Reform Judaism. The inclusion of Tikkun Olam, and Mitzvot combined with an active social justice program commit our youth to serving the needs of our community.
Education Goals:
- Provide innovative, meaningful and quality Jewish education for children, families and adults that teaches the past and ensures continuity through mastery and practice of core Jewish values including Hebrew, prayer, Torah, history, holidays, life cycle and mitzvot.
- Provide all students with a fundamental, yet comprehensive awareness and knowledge of the scope of Jewish learning and Jewish living while gaining a greater awareness and knowledge of the Jewish heart and Jewish destiny.
Our Focus:
To create a religious school for youth and families that becomes a place of exploration, discovery, learning and celebration that creates memorable experiences and encourages continuous learning for all members and offers stimulating opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth.
- Jewish Learning will take place through "hands-on" activities and experiences utilizing the creative arts; music, dance, storytelling, drama, crafts, cooking, etc.
- Jewish Living will occur through active participation, celebration and observance of Jewish holidays, Shabbat, traditions, life cycle events, worship and mitzvot and students will make personal connections with Jewish rituals.
- Jewish History will evolve each week as we learn about our past using innovative and engaging methods.
- Our Jewish Journey will be pursued as we learn about our Jewish story.
- Beginners Hebrew: Course is moderated by Robert Sokol. For more information, contact Robert at:rsokol@afiks.com.
- Adult Education: Course is moderated by Barry Speert. For more information, contact Barry at: barryspeert@aol.com.
