Exciting changes that make religious education more relevant, empowering, and easier on family schedules.

Temple Kol Ami, a Reform congregation in North Scottsdale, is making exciting changes to religious school scheduling in a growing trend that makes religious education more relevant and empowering to students. With the blessing of our member families, traditional Wednesday Hebrew School will be replaced with an expanded Sunday schedule for pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students. In addition to its already award-winning curriculum, Kol Ami will offer an online, interactive lesson to the Hebrew education component for these students.

“Technology has changed the way students learn, and enhanced our ability to teach Hebrew,” stated Bill Sinclair, Kol Ami’s Religious School Principal. “Adding an online Hebrew component not only expands our vibrant curriculum, it also helps meet the needs of families who struggle with scheduling and transportation issues,” he stated. Michael Rosenthal, Kol Ami’s Administrator noted a national trend of absenteeism in mid-week Hebrew schools, and remarked that Kol Ami, “wanted to be ahead of the curve on this.” He added, “students and parents in our society have a lot on their plate between work, homework, and all of their after-school activities. When school and scheduling becomes a burden, learning suffers. Our new schedule increases the student’s opportunities for an interesting, focused, and engaged education.” Rosenthal also pointed out that the online Hebrew component, “is a fantastic opportunity for parents to learn Hebrew with their children, and remain engaged in their children’s religious educations. It’s good for the environment as less travel means less gas, and it is in keeping with Kol Ami’s motto…“Where Innovation Meets Tradition.”

As part of the religious school requirement, students will be attending at least one Friday Shabbat service per month during the school year. Religious and Hebrew education is incorporated into Shabbat services and attending will help students learn and prepare for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. “These events, outside of the classroom, foster friendships and social relationships between Kol Ami children and their families,” observed Sinclair, “and making life-long friends is a big part of the religious school experience at Kol Ami.”

Temple Kol Ami, now in its third decade, is serving a second generation of families. Parent involvement is an important aspect in the successful results of every student. At Temple Kol Ami, we encourage parent participation and welcome our family volunteers at all levels of programming. Chugaton, family educational events are scheduled for four times during the school year. Religious school programming includes pre-Kindergarten (Chaverim) through 8th grade education. K.A.T.Y. (Kol Ami Temple Youth) stays actively involved in the NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth) community.

For more information about Temple Kol Ami’s Religious School and Teen Youth Programs, contact the Temple Office at 480-951-9660.