The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 20
Light, Learning, and Miracles: Temple Kol Ami Students Illuminate Chanukah Through Art
By Jonathan Shaw
This Chanukah season, the students at Temple Kol Ami Religious School will creatively bring Torah learning to life in a schoolwide art exhibit titled“ Or v’ Nissim – Light and Miracles.” At Temple Kol Ami, experiential learning is at the heart of our approach to Jewish education. It deepens engagement, sparks curiosity and empowers students to take ownership of their own Jewish journeys.
Every Sunday, students come together to explore the rich traditions of Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, and Judaica. This vibrant environment encourages creativity, curiosity, and meaningful connections among participants. During the months of November and December, each class— from Mazel Tots through Daled— explored a Torah story or the miracle of Chanukah and created original artwork inspired by the themes of courage, connection and light. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding but also strengthens their Jewish identity in a meaningful way.
The youngest learners, our Mazel Tots( ages 2 – 3), studied Bereshit, celebrating the idea
that“ God made the world,” and later explored Noach, focusing on caring for all creatures. The Alef class learned about Vayeshev through the story of Joseph’ s dreams, while Bet students brought Shemot to life in studying the Burning Bush and discovering God’ s presence in everyday moments. The Gimmel class delved into Beshalach, reflecting on freedom and courage in the parting of the Sea of Reeds. Daled students examined Yitro and the Ten Commandments, creating artwork that highlighted
Jewish values and responsibility. Finally, our Post – B’ nai Mitzvah teens explored the miracle of Chanukah, expressing resilience and the search for hope through a collaborative“ Light Wall” installation.
The students worked with care, focus and imagination on projects ranging from colorful creation collages and mosaic“ coats of many colors” to clay renditions of the Ten Commandments and other mixed-media interpretations of Torah themes. The exhibit will be unveiled during the congregation’ s Chanukah celebration, transforming the social hall into a gallery of faith, imagination, and community spirit.
Families and guests are invited to view the student artwork, enjoy Chanukah treats and celebrate how learning and creativity illuminate Jewish life. Through this joyful display, students remind us that the lessons of Torah and the story of Chanukah continue to shine in every generation.
Temple Kol Ami is in Fort
Mill, South Carolina, serving York County and the greater Charlotte area. For more information, email yorksynagogue @ gmail. com or visit www. templekolamisc. org. 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 Charlotte Jewish Day School has been included as a beneficiary of their legacy gift.
Anonymous *( 4) Susan and Benjamin Aizenman Michael and Meredith Baumstein Susan P. Bessey Lillian( OBM) and
Irving( OBM) Bienstock Barry and Lisa Blau David and Bonnie Bornstein David and Janice Cantor Suly and Richard( OBM) Chenkin Brian and Sonia Cohen Andrea and George Cronson Dana and Jeffrey Ditesheim Paul and Lynn Edelstein Steven and Ellen Block Englehardt David and Aleen( OBM) Epstein Alec and Nancy Felder Mark and Linda Goldsmith Erin Goldstein and Amanda Vestal Michelle Goodman Bill and Patty( OBM) Gorelick Stacy and Todd Gorelick Yossi and Mariashi Groner Robert and Nancy Kipnis Paula and Richard Klein Lorrie and Barry Klemons and Family Elise and Jaime Kosofsky Judy and Eric Laxer Alison and Mark Lerner Eric and Susan Lerner Gary and Donna Lerner
Binyamin and Ilana Levin Barbara and Jerry Levin Elissa and Joshua Levine Howard Levine and Julie Lerner Levine Joshua and Adina Loewensteiner Jon and Dina Massachi Risa and David Miller Gale Osborne Richard J. Osborne Nadine and Arthur Oudmayer Marcelle and Allan Oxman Harriet and Mark Perlin Diggie and Lee Pesakoff Baila( OBM) and John( OBM) Pransky Michael and Cheryl Rabinowitz Dena and Michael Raffler Karen and David Ransenberg Ilya and Chantal Rubin Bobby and Stacey Selkin Lisa and Fred( OBM) Shporer Marc and Shari Sokolowicz Bob( OBM) and Carol( OBM) Speizman Philip and Lauren Stark Eleanor and Morton( OBM) Turk David and Debra Van Glish Judie and Michael Van Glish Amy and Mark Vitner 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.