Religious Life
By Michelle Silva and Aliza Simons.
Under the returning leadership of Religious School founder Michelle Silva and new assistant director, Aliza Simons, the Religious School of Temple Kol Ami is preparing to embark on another exciting year of innovative and interactive Jewish learning for students in York County and the surrounding area. Celebrating 15 years of Jewish education, the school continues to nurture a love of Judaism while preparing students for lifelong involvement in Jewish life and community.
Temple Kol Ami Religious School meets on Sunday mornings from 10 a. m. to 12 p. m. and
Temple Israel
values-driven Conservative Jewish education that brings them to Temple Israel in the first place. At the same time, we’ re honoring the Hebrew proficiency and Judaic background they bring with them, and offering thoughtful entry points that feel meaningful, age-appropriate, and aligned with their prior learning. The result is a more inclusive, flexible learning environment where all students feel seen, challenged, and truly part of the community. From Content to Connection
By moving Hebrew into small-group settings, we’ ve reclaimed Sunday mornings for what matters most: deep, engaging, and personally meaningful Judaic learning. This expanded time gives teachers the freedom to integrate best practices from the wider field of education, such as play-based and project-based learning, which emphasize curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
These methods reflect a broader educational truth: that Jewish learning isn’ t just about content mastery; it’ s about character development, identity formation, and building lasting relationships.
Our Sunday curriculum is now truly grounded in connection: between students and teachers, between tradition and the present, and between each learner and their community. It’ s a space where Jewish ideas don’ t just get studied; they come to life. A Midweek Model That Sparks Joy
We’ re also preserving and expanding one of the most beloved elements of TIRS: choice-based, hands-on electives. Midweek sessions will feature rotating tracks like cooking, art, music, trivia, gaming, and more. Students will select new electives each trimester, keeping learning offers engaging, age-appropriate classes for children ages 2 and up, from Torah Tots( ages 2 – 4) to specialized b’ nei mitzvah training and post-b’ nei mitzvah learning( ages 13 +). Our program builds Jewish identity and pride by teaching the foundations of Hebrew, Jewish rituals, history, liturgy, and culture in a warm, inclusive environment.
Our student-centered approach emphasizes choice, hands-on learning, and meaningful exploration of all aspects of Jewish life, from simple Torah stories to semester-long biography research projects. With a strong sense of community and support, students of all ages feel confident, curious, and connected.
Enrollment is now open. For more information, call 803-417- 7565, email TKA. religiousschool @ gmail. com, or visit www. templekolamisc. org to learn more. fresh, social, and joyful.
This approach ensures students look forward to religious school, not out of obligation, but out of genuine excitement and engagement. Looking Ahead With Purpose
What ties all of this together is a clear, values-driven philosophy: at Temple Israel Religious School, we believe that while people may come for programs, they stay for relationships. As Jewish educator and author Dr. Ron Wolfson writes,“ Programs are vehicles for Jewish connection, but it is the relationships that transform the experience.” This vision of Relational Judaism is the foundation of our school’ s transformation.
Our new model embraces that vision fully. It’ s a place where students are known. Where families are true partners. Where Judaism is relevant, dynamic, and joyful.
To those seeking a fresh start, a warm welcome, or a Jewish learning environment that meets children where they are while guiding them toward who they’ re becoming, we invite you to come see what’ s taking shape.
This is more than a curriculum change. It’ s a culture shift. And we’ re just getting started.
As we welcome a new school year, we would be remiss not to take a moment to think about the upcoming High Holidays. At Temple Kol Ami, we are proud of our tradition of warm, welcoming, and inclusive services. Rabbi Bruce Aft and Cantor Mary Thomas will once again lead us through the sacred days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
Fall is a season of renewal. Just as the trees begin to shed their leaves in preparation for new growth, we too are invited to reflect, renew, and refocus. Through prayer, community, and personal introspection, we are guided to look back on the
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The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2025- Page 21
Temple Kol Ami Religious School Celebrates 15 Years and a New Chapter of Leadership Life
( Continued from page 16)
past year and recognize the ways we can grow stronger in the year to come.
We look forward to greeting you for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, as we enter the New Year together. The High Holidays offer us the opportunity to set our lives on paths of purpose, peace, and possibility. Please visit our website templekolamisc. org or reach out to us at yorksynagogue @ gmail. com for service times and information.
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