Winter 2013 - Shir Tikvah

and I talk about being Jewish more
since we began Nesiya.” For their
family, the integrated programming
of Nesiya has helped Gwyneth and
Frances experience Jewish learning
together and build a stronger Jewish
identity.
The new pieces of Shir Tikvah’s
Lifelong Learning Program for
Youth reflect the Vision for Lifelong
Learning that was created by a task
force last year to develop “innovative
and flexible learning models in rhythm
with Jewish holidays, life-cycle events
and Shabbat.”
Rabbi Melissa Simon, Director
of Lifelong Learning, puts it best
when she explains that Shir Tikvah
is committed to “meet each family
where it is and to find the best Jewish
learning opportunities for each
member of the family.” One powerful
example of this can be found in our
weekly Hebrew School t’fillah (prayer
service), where we foster engagement
through mixed-age opportunities as
younger children watch “wide-eyed”
while older B’nei Mitzvah students
read from the Torah.
Of course, innovation alone can’t
produce the type of results we’re
Nesiya participants gather around the Torah. Photos by Chris Geller
seeing with our Youth Education
programs. As usual, Shir Tikvah
brings something different to this
endeavor. Through each of our youth
learning opportunities there is a sense
of warmth and welcoming that is not
easily replicated. Whether it’s Rabbi
Simon greeting each child by name, or
dedicated teachers working to create
fun, meaningful and educational
classes, Shir Tikvah plays a special
role in welcoming our families
and children in a way that not only
encourages lifelong learning, but
establishes a sense of community and
connection that will last a lifetime.
www.shirtikvah.net | Kol Tikvah | 7