Education
The Talmud, in tractate Kiddushin (40b), recounts a story of Rabbis grappling with
the following question: “What is greater – study or action?” They ultimately conclude,
“study is greater.” Why? Because “study leads to action.”
Our goal here at Tiferet Bet Israel is not only to teach our students about their
Judaism, but to show them how to love it. Education is a vital component of continued
growth for each of us. However, if we do not create meaning and connection while
we learn, then none of the facts and skills acquired will matter.
At TBI we focus a great deal of time and energy on teaching our young. We strive
to give our children the tools that they will need to live a full and rich life,
with the room and support for them to become the unique individuals that we hope
them to be. We continue to develop a well-rounded curriculum that will expose them
to a broad spectrum of knowledge and experiences from our incredible tradition.
Then, to that we add opportunities to play together, to pray together, and to celebrate
together. We make every effort to reach the whole child so that he or she might
fall in love with this amazing way of life, just as we have.
But that is not where education ends here at TBI. We recognize that while it is
natural for our children to have much to learn, they are not the only ones. When
looking at over five thousand years of tradition, philosophy, text, history and
prayer, all of us have more to learn. Therefore, we are happy to focus energies
on family education and engagement and adult education as well, making room in our
busy lives to learn with and from each other. This sends a clear message to our
younger students: learning is important enough that even the adults choose to spend
their time to do so. And, we hope, each adult will have deepened his or her knowledge
and connection along the way.
In the role of Director of Education, I have led congregations both large and small,
and have worked with professional teams of a variety of sizes and talents. However,
as I become a part of the TBI community for the first time as a professional, I
feel truly blessed. Rarely have I found a community so full of warmth and welcome;
or a staff whose professionals who value humor, compassion, and teamwork equally
with skill and training; or a student and parent body so thirsty for dynamic dialogue.
It is with joy that I share my love of this sacred kehillah with those who already
are a part of it, and welcome all others who are searching for a home to enhance
and celebrate their Jewish journey.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Selilah Kalev