Reimagining religious school

Published on November 8, 2012

From my first interview at Temple Israel of Hollywood (TIOH) in 2009, when the search committee declared, “We want revolution, not evolution!” to the visioning work I do with families today, my purpose at the congregation has been clear: to help families build deeper relationships to Jewish community, Jewish living and Jewish learning.

[PODCAST] An Emmy Nomination for the Kosher Porky Pig: ‘Looney Tunes’ ’ Bob Bergen [UPDATE]

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on September 19, 2011

My (early) ‘golden years’

By Jay Firestone
Published on July 9, 2008

My nursing home is my mattress, my "stories" are Sunday morning football and my "meals-on-wheels" program is a delivery of Buffalo wings. At 24 years old, this is my retirement -- from teaching religious school.

Eighth-Graders to Chart Own Course

By Andrea Adelson
Published on April 1, 2004

Allowing students to chose what they want to study in religious school is sure to loosen a standardized curriculum. But such an exercise in democracy potentially can also instill commitment by its participants.

Esther Re-enactment Takes Whole Megilla in O.C.

By Journal Staff
Published on September 5, 2002

Incense burned, rose petals fluttered, Persian entrees simmered and Persian slippers were sewn. That was the scene at University Synagogue as congregants re-enacted Queen Esther's wedding during this year's Purim celebration. The event was the trademark approach of director Heidi Jo Kahn, whose approach to religious school teaching is a blur of sensory stimulation.

"I know everyone learns in a different w