At Congregation Or Ami, we believe that Jewish learning should nurture our students and leave them with a love of Judaism, a love of their synagogue Congregation Or Ami, and an understanding and appreciation for why Judaism and Or Ami are worthy of their love. We seek to foster within each child the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed:

• To participate comfortably in Shabbat and Holy Day services;
• To act ethically in daily life based on Jewish values;
• To observe Jewish rituals at home and in the synagogue in meaningful ways; and
• To appreciate the centuries of Jewish history, literature and civilization contributing to the strength and survival of the Jewish people and Israel.

Kesher meets for Judaica as follows:

• K through grade 2 meets weekly, on Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Depending on enrollment, 3^rd and 4^th grade may be combined, allowing you to choose a Judaica class on either Monday from 4:00-6:00 pm or Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 pm.
• Depending on enrollment, 5^th and 6^th grade Judaica classes will be offered on both Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 pm, allowing you to choose either day.
• For information on grades 7 - 11 Wednesday classes, please follow this link.

Kesher meets for Hebrew as follows:

• All 4th to 6th grade students meet for one hour per week in small groups of 4-6 students per group.
• Hebrew classes are being offered on Mondays (4:00-6:00 pm), Tuesdays (4:00-7:00 pm) and Thursdays (4:00-7:00 pm)
• Private Hebrew tutoring is optional. Please contact Principal Michal for more information.

Michal Rozenberg-Yalovsky is Congregation Or Ami’s Principal and Program Director. Born and raised in Israel, Michal holds both Masters in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism (UJ) and a Masters in Cognitive Psychology from Tel-Aviv University. In reflecting on the journey that brought her to Congregation Or Ami, Michal writes,

My journey into Jewish education was unplanned. I came from a secular Israeli home. My parents taught me how to celebrate every Jewish holiday with its traditions and joy, but without its religious and spiritual significance. I have always taken my Jewish heritage for granted. When I joined to the University of Judaism Masters in Education program, my intention was to focus on the education side and not on the Jewish aspects of the program.

I still remember the first day I joined the Shacharit (morning prayer) service – it felt like home. The experience of people from different backgrounds sharing a communal Jewish experience was amazing. This is the kind of memory that I wish for my students to experience and cherish.

Upon graduating the program, I was looking for a synagogue that will give me that same “home-like” feeling. I am thrilled to find that home at Congregation Or Ami: with our amazing Rabbi and Cantor, with warm and welcoming congregants, and with a genuine commitment to Jewish learning and education.

Ever since joining this community, I try to share my passion for Jewish education with our students, parents, and faculty. I believe in not only teaching the facts but also in providing opportunities for experiencing Judaism as a joyful spiritual, family, and community-based experience. I want Congregation Or Ami students to leave our school with a smile on their faces, hands-on knowledge in their minds and a love for Judaism in their hearts.

Before her current position, Michal directed an alternative learning program for 250 middle and high school students, was a part-time faculty at the UJ, and received an award for outstanding achievement in Jewish Learning from the UJ. Michal also taught psychology in education class at the University of Judaism’s Master of Arts in Education program. You may contact Michal by emailing principal@orami.org.

Why My Three Children Love Going to Religious School
By Caryl Kaplan

For me, "being Jewish" IS mostly about heritage and family traditions. Let's just say that I HATED going to Religious School so much that I debated whether or not to make my children suffer through it as I did, or tutor them for Bar Mitzvah and let them learn about Judaica and the holidays through our family experiences and traditions at home.

Being a member of Or Ami has drastically changed my opinion. All three of my children LOVE going to Religious School and never complain about it. As a matter of fact they get angry with me. If we have other plans and they have to miss it! Let me also add that my husband, Gary and I are even enjoying learning together with them.

When asked, "What do you like about Religious School,” my children responded:

Jordan (5th grade):
“I LOVE my teacher. SHE IS THE BEST. She never says ‘sit down and use your book.’ She always uses games to teach us and it is lots of fun. I wish she could be my 5th grade teacher in public school."

Michael (3rd grade):
“I also LOVE my teacher. She is really nice. She teaches us a lot. She always reads to us and makes it interesting. It is never boring and I like the Pizza!"

Alyssa (Kindergarten):
“I LOVE Miss Patty. I wish she could come visit with us. I love having fun and making art projects. She even lets us color I love learning about the holidays.”

All three children responded that they like learning from Rabbi Paul Kipnes because he teaches them about being Jewish in a way that they can understand. They say he is fun and he does not confuse them. They also expressed that they love to sing with Cantor Doug at Hebrew School and listen to his music in our car.

At 6:15 p.m. (at the end of a very long day), my three children always come home enthusiastic and happy. They are always eager to share what they have learned in Religious School. WOW!!! It sure is a lot different now than it was then!!! "No Fair." We even love going to Family services and celebrating all of the holidays with Congregation Or Ami! Thank you for bringing us back home to Judaism.