The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2025- Page 16 Religious Life
Jewish Education, Reimagined: A New Chapter at Temple Israel
By Naomi Fabes, Director of Temple Israel Religious School and Family Engagement
Temple Israel Religious School( TIRS) is embarking on a new chapter: one shaped by research, reflection, and a renewed commitment to providing meaningful, relational Jewish education.
Over the past year, TIRS has been quietly undergoing a transformation. The energy in our classrooms has been unmistakable: voices singing in Hebrew, friends laughing over group projects, and students leaning into conversations that matter. Beneath that surface, a deeper shift has taken place: a reimagining of what Jewish learning looks and feels like for today’ s families.
This transformation isn’ t about inventing something entirely new; rather, it’ s about aligning our work with what the broader field of Jewish education already knows to be effective. Across the country, educators and institutions have been refining innovative, learner-centered practices for years. Now, Temple
Temple Israel kids read the Magillah
Israel is bringing those proven approaches to Charlotte in a bold and intentional way.
The process began with listening. We spoke with parents, observed students, and reflected with teachers. We immersed ourselves in the work of respected thought leaders, including The Jewish Education Project, the Mandel Center at Brandeis University, and The Covenant Foundation, and challenged ourselves to think not only about what we teach, but how we teach, and why it matters.
What we found affirmed what many of us have long sensed: that Jewish learning thrives when it’ s personal, flexible, and rooted in community. These guiding principles are now shaping the future of TIRS in exciting and meaningful ways.
A Hebrew Program for This Generation
At the center of our new model is a reimagined approach to Hebrew learning, one that aligns with how children naturally acquire language and how families want to engage with it. Our Hebrew program leverages immersive, experiential learning to bring Hebrew to life: not only as a sacred text, but as a living, dynamic language that connects Jews across time and place.
Rather than relying solely on decoding or translation exercises, our new approach:
- Integrates conversational Hebrew, helping students internalize the language as a tool for expression and connection.
- Mirrors how children learn their first language— through repetition, movement, listening, and joy.
- Builds foundational skills while fostering positive associations with Hebrew and promoting long-term retention and confidence.
-Incorporates Hebrew Through Movement across grades K – 6, using physical activity and play to deepen comprehension.
Families will choose between two flexible and accessible options:
- In-person small group instruction, paired with Ivrit & Eat— an immersive, low-pressure Hebrew environment infused with culture( and pizza!).
- Virtual small group tutoring, ideal for families seeking greater flexibility while maintaining consistency and connection.
Together, these offerings empower families to select the path that best meets their needs, without compromising quality or outcomes.
We’ re proud that over 20 % of our TIRS students attend Charlotte Jewish Day School( CJDS), and we recognize that our previous structure didn’ t always offer a seamless or satisfying experience for them. Our new model changes that. By shifting Hebrew instruction outside of Sunday mornings, we’ re creating space for CJDS students to more fully engage in the rich,
( Continued on page 21) charlottejewishfoundation. org
LEGACY DONORS
The following individuals / families are in the Book of Life Society and have granted us permission to share with you that Foundation of Shalom Park has been included as a beneficiary of their legacy gift.
Anonymous *( 2) Susan and Benjamin Aizenman Sanford and Lois Benjamin Bobbi and Don Bernstein Mark( OBM) and Louise( OBM)
Bernstein Nancy and Sam Bernstein Susan P. Bessey Peter Martin Blair Barry Bobrow and Karen Knoble Justin Bregman and Diana
Warth Bregman Steven and Olivia( OBM) Cohen Paul and Lynn Edelstein Adam Foodman Ken and Tammy Golder Allen( OBM) and Ethel( OBM)
Gordon Jeff and Bari Gorelick Bill and Patty( OBM) Gorelick David Jacobson Robert and Nancy Kipnis
Lorrie and Barry Klemons and
Family Alison and Mark Lerner Eric and Susan Lerner Harry and Gloria Lerner Leon( OBM) and Sandra Levine Holly and Hal Levinson Annie and Harrison Lord Rose( OBM) and Abe( OBM) Luski Polly and Steve Menaker Eliot and Shirley Rosen Marty and Elaine Schefflin Melvin Segal Louis A. Sinkoe and H. Kevin
Levine Lori and Eric Sklut Ken and Marcia Stern Marilyn( OBM) and Harry Swimmer Mort Wise Eric and Joanna Wisotsky
* Donors who wish to remain anonymous OBM- Of Blessed Memory
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Want to join the growing list of CJL donors? Contact Phil Warshauer( 704) 973-4544 or Abby Kleber( 704) 973-4554.