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Moved to Oklahoma and joined Jewish singles group
Joining a Jewish singles group was my first step in nurturing my involvement with Judaism., which was absent during my childhood. -
Moved to Phoenix and joined another Jewish singles group.
In addition to socializing with other Jewish singles I also began to attend lectures, presentations and temple services to learn more and appreciate my religion.. -
Married my Jewish husband Steve.
After embracing Judaism for the last ten years, it was my intent to marry someone who was Jewish.I joined a Jewish dating service and found Steve and we both agreed to live our life Jewishly and bring up our children in a Jewish home. -
1st trip to Israel
Everything I had learned about Judaism seemed to come alive in Israel. I feel like I only got a taste of Israel and can't wait to go back .Would love to live there for a while too. -
Three beautiful children were born.
Jordan (1994) and then Jared & Jessica (1996) were born.How proud we were to start their lives off as Jews with a bris and naming for the boys and a naming ceremony for Jessica. -
Inluential person -Bonnie Morris
18 years ago I became friendly with the Director of Education who was also the Pre-school director. This is the person who gave me the idea of and confidence to teach religious school when she noticed how enthusiastic I was to learn more about my Judaism. When I was preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, Bonnie, as one of my two teachers, lectured about Jewish holidays, lifecycle events and Torah stories. Even though pedagogically “lecturing “may not be seen as poli -
B'nai Mitzvah at age 40!!!!
Given the lack of involvent in religion during my childhood, it was wonderful, having my side of the family celebrate this milestone which was so meaningful to me. -
Florence Melton Adult Mini School
After my Bat Mitzvah my learning did not stop. Florence Melton enabled me to look critically at Jewish text, something I had not done before. After the course ended, several of my classmates continued our friendships by starting a Jewish book club., another new experience. -
Pardes Jewish Day School K-2 Judaica Teacher
Without a college degree in Jewish Education , I spent many hours researching, learning and planning curriculum for K-2nd graders.. I was hooked on teaching Judaica within a day school setting, but soon realized if I wanted to teach full time, I needed to get a degree in Jewish Education. -
Raker Religious School 2nd Grade Teacher
After developing curriculum and teaching second graders for nine years, I began team teaching with another teacher.Even though we have our own classes, we develop lessons together, support each other and have become good friends. I love working with someone who is as passionate about Judaism and teaching religious school as I am. -
Preschool Judaica Specialist
Every year I refine my preschool lessons to better accomodate the different learning styles of two, three, and four year olds. Now I know how to answer people who ask "How do you teach two year olds about Judiasm?" I am pleasantly surprised that I enjoy teaching children so young. -
Started Graduate School through Hebrew College.
Now that my chidren are more self sufficient and with the inredible support of my husband, I am persuing my dream, a Masters degree in Jewish Education to become a full time Judaica teacher. I hope to inspire my children to persue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face..