Rabbi Selilah Kalev received her ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic
Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California in 2003. Raised
in Anchorage, Alaska and the granddaughter of a Protestant minister, Rabbi Kalev
brings a unique background to her love of Judaism and education. Having performed
as a member of the professional Alaska Children’s Choir, Rabbi Kalev also has a
deep connection to music and holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music from the California
Institute of the Arts. Her passion for teaching others and developing new and innovative
curricula led her to receive two Master’s Degrees: one in Jewish Education and one
in Rabbinic Studies. In addition, she holds a Baccalaureate Degree in Hebrew Letters.
While at the Ziegler School, Rabbi Kalev led the university’s Hillel and was a teacher
and speaker at various synagogues and institutions. She also became Director of
Education at Congregation Tiferet Jacob in Manhattan Beach, where she led a Religious
School of over 250 students. Rabbi Kalev was honored by both her peers and professors
as the valedictorian at her ordination, and she continues to be a desired speaker
at Women’s League conventions and other venues across the country.
Since moving to the East Coast, Rabbi Kalev has served as the Director of Education
at Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT, Temple Israel Center in White Plains, NY, and
Congregation Eitz Chaim in Monroe, NY where she introduced innovative, dynamic school-wide
programming including the Tefillah Institute and Religious School Color Wars. While
at Temple Beth El, she was a board member of the Kulanu Advisory Council, a community
high school program serving teens from the Greater Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien
region. Rabbi Kalev also chaired the UJA/Federation Principal’s Council, comprising
Education Directors across all denominations of Judaism.
Most recently, Rabbi Kalev has been the Director of Education at Kol Ami in Elkins
Park, PA. During her time at Kol Ami, she has inspired learners of all ages and
was honored with membership in the prestigious Mendel Teacher Educator Institute
(MTEI), an organization established to help transform educational leadership practices
around the country.
Rabbi Kalev loves to develop adult education and synagogue programs, which she has
implemented at various synagogues around the nation. She has been invited as a consultant
to assist synagogue communities to restructure their schools and develop an education
vision. Rabbi Kalev was selected to be a committee member for the national Jewish
Educator’s Assembly and Torah Aura Curriculum Award, which honors the best religious
school curriculum.
Rabbi Selilah Kalev is married to Rabbi Joshua Kalev. They have two children, Noa
and Jacob.