Torah is a Tree of Life to those who hold it with love;
Those who embrace Torah discover wisdom & wholeness, justice & peace.

Philosophy

“We can teach our students from kindergarten to rabbinical students, the skills of Hebrew, Aramaic, Biblical and Talmudic exegesis; Jewish history, literature, customs and ceremonies; contemporary Jewish problems ... all of this and more. But until we touch a student's heart, until we find the key to authentic emotion and spiritual vision, we will not be able to forge the white-hot ingots that make the spiritual chains strong enough to confront the vicissitudes of life."

~Rabbi Marshall Meyer (z”l)

Kol HaNeshamah aspires to engage students in an ongoing dialogue to open their minds and their hearts and to enable them to learn critical thinking skills. In the words of Rabbi Marshall Meyer, we strive to help them to, "make Jewish education the exciting and spiritual adventure it must be if we are to continue our tradition in a creative and dynamic fashion."

To fulfill this mission, we will build our efforts on the following principles:  

• Jewish study should be a personal and spiritual engagement that connects the mind and the heart - it should move each of us to more fully encounter ourselves, each other and God.  
   
• Study should strengthen us as a community and inspire each of us individually and collectively to increase our level of observance and do our part to repair the world. 
   
• Every member of Kol HaNeshamah should strive to acquire at least a basic level of Jewish literacy, including basic prayer book Hebrew. 

Realizing Our Vision 

Our Jewish learning is organized around the principles of our k’hillah k’dosha—our sacred community. Shabbat is the cornerstone of our community.

Empirical evidence demonstrates that children whose parents are learning develop a deeper and more meaningful commitment to Jewish life & values. Children are not dropped off for religious education. In order to enroll a child in our program, parents are expected to attend and study as well.  Spiritual evidence demonstrates that the Torah is revealed to us in different ways, in different stages throughout our lives.  At Kol HaNeshamah, we believe that we are all life-long learners and learning engages the mind, the hands and the soul.

Shabbat Morning Learning 

Twice per month on Shabbat morning there is class from 9:30am-10:30am (with younger students in class until 11:15). Unlike the religious school model of the past 50 years that has a different curriculum for each grade, we have one unifying theme that the entire community—from our youngest to our most seasoned members—delves into.

 Most weeks, we will study in age-appropriate cohorts.  Occasionally, the entire community will learn together. (Many synagogues refer to this as “family education;” at Kol HaNeshamah, we refer to it as intergenerational or community learning. Our learning is dynamic, interactive, practical and inspiring).  

We seek to understand how Judaism practically informs our daily lives and how we may better understand what it means to be in a covenantal community. We recognize that learning together builds community, fosters connection to our heritage and our past, and transforms our relationship with God. 

 From 2004 through 2009, each year we study a book of the Torah. During 2005-06, our study focused on Exodus. In 2006-07, we explored the book of Leviticus: Discovering Holiness Everywhere.  

Following Torah study, we gather for services together at 10:45am.  Services are lead by Rabbi Latz.  Members of the community share the leadership of the service and are invited to deliver D’vrei Torah (words of Torah), chant the Torah portion, and lead various blessings.  Together, we make Shabbat. 

Hebrew Education 

Hebrew is a priority throughout our learning program; learning the lashon haKodesh (holy language) is important for our students to be able to study the Torah in its original language and to be able to participate in Jewish worship.  Hebrew also connects Jews throughout the world.  Students are invited to Hebrew class beginning in 1st grade.  Class is held Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-5:30pm. 

Class is taught by Rabbi Michael Adam Latz, Devora Campbell and Ethan Weil. 

If there is something you are interested in learning more about, please contact rabbilatz@kol-haneshamah.org. Download our Education Registration Form (MS Word 308 KB).