Rodef+Sholom+-+Families+Growing+Strong

__**//Kol HaMishpacha//**____**:**__ **__Families Growing Strong__**

by Amy Kassiola, //Kol HaMishpacha// Program Coordinator It’s happening! //Kol Ha Mishpacha// (“The Whole Family”), a dynamic Religious School alternative created for parents and their children, is flourishing at Congregation //Rodef Sholom.// The program is funded by a generous Innovation Grant from the Legacy Heritage Foundation, in addition to enthusiastic support from //Rodef Sholom’s// rabbis, Board and staff.

In 2006, Religious School Director Irene Resnikoff led twelve adventurous families and three specially-trained Jewish Family Educators to launch //Kol HaMishpacha.// Today, __thirty-three families__ are part of this exciting and innovative program!

The //Chalutzim// (Pioneers) are the original group of moms, dads, and children ages five through nine who meet bimonthly at the Temple on Sunday afternoons for study and dinner. The first year was structured around finding God in our lives, following a curriculum designed by Vicky Kelman, a national leader in Jewish Family Education. Together now for a second year, the //Chalutzim// are exploring the depth and beauty of Torah stories. We have added singing to our gatherings, along with a commitment to healthy, vegetarian food choices and a reduction in the use of non-recycleable products.

Inspired by the enthusiasm of the //Chalutzim//, our new //HaBonim// (Builders) group of ten families meets at the Temple on Saturdays. Their experience is enriched by devoting two Shabbat mornings a month (plus one Shabbat evening) to meaningful learning and quality family time. Breakfast and singing are enjoyed by everyone.

In response to the unique needs of parents and children who are seeking other ways to learn as families, Irene Resnikoff has initiated two additional //Kol HaMishpacha// groups. //Ivrit// (Hebrew) also meets on Saturdays and provides extensive language study integrated with Judaic history, culture, and music. //Kol HaMishpacha// “In the ‘Hood” is an opportunity for a few self-motivated families to create and lead their own study sessions.

//Kol HaMishpacha// is a vibrant and thriving community of learners. We are parents and children, siblings, grandparents and friends. All of us are all teachers and all of us are students. //Here are the families who are so happy to be part of this extraordinary program at// //Rodef Sholom://

__**//Chalutzim//**__ __**(Pioneers):**__ Eileen & Matthew Barker; John Blecka, Judi Shaffer, JC & Louie; Bruce & Jacob Berrol; Jacie, Steve, Emily & Lily Datnow; Julia Dvorin, Joshua Archer, Elijah & Isaac; Andrew, Stacey & Adeline Ellison; Rob Epstein, Lisa Soll, Noah, Zoe & Adam; Jeff, Theresa & Lani Kamler; Michael, Yoko & Hannah Levenson; Shawn, Rich, Lucca & Casey McKay; Jane Magid, Rebecca Kutlin & Isabelle __Teachers__: Amy & Joel Kassiola __Music__: Adam Cohen

__**//HaBonim//**__ __**(The Builders):**__ Suzanne, Gary, Abigail & Hannah Alpert; Ricki Singer, Alex Burnham & Ethan; Cynthia, Roberto, Olivia, Ruby, Rowena & Celestina Gonzalez; Heidi Paul, Darren Haggerty, Ethan & Grace; Carolyn, Scott, Carys & Charlotte Horton; Leigh, Mark & Ruby Minyue Shemaria; Monika Hunziker-Shane, David Shane, Katya, Maya & Talya; Margot, Alan, Harrison & Sydney Segal; Karen Steiner, Leonard Stecklow, Matt & Mollie __Teachers:__ Claire Mikowski & Lisa Bialkin __Music:__ Jonathan Bayer

__**//Ivrit//**__ __**(Hebrew):**__ Lori Barak, Dan Betchart & Julia; Lisa, Paul & Travis Bonini; Victoria, Gary, Michaela & Danielle Cohen; Catherine, Jeff & Jared Colin; Margie Schwartz, Dan Harris, Dylan & Zoe; Deborah, William, Ethan & Rebecca Strull __Teachers__: Sara Navon & Ronna Vorsanger __Music:__ Jonathan Bayer