Our Venture of the Month features a congregation that has gone through a systemic change process while working with Jewish Learning Venture. This month, we are featuring Temple Sinai's Ann Newman Preschool and Infant Center. Director of Early Childhood Education Beth Rabinowitz talked about the importance of recognizing and appreciating staff, as well as the significant role the Directors' Learning Council has played in her work. JLV: Please describe the change, innovation, or transformation your organization has achieved: TS: In order to create a positive work setting for our teachers, we've initiated some staff appreciation activities. One idea I implemented  took place on the [...]

By Nicki Pollock, Executive Administrator What does it mean to “belong” to a Jewish community? Do you feel that you belong? Have you ever felt otherwise? The sense of belonging or to be a part of something is to most a basic human wish or desire that transcends the generations. I spent a good portion of my adolescence and early twenties trying to refute that; simply insisting that being viewed as an independent or an individual was of higher importance. At that time, I felt as many teens do, as if no one understood me or the person who I [...]

Our Venture of the month features a congregation that has gone through a systemic change process while working with Jewish Learning Venture. This month, we are featuring Or Hadash, who revised their school curriculum to better accommodate students and their families. Education Director Barbara Weisman discussed how this process both challenged and invigorated the Or Hadash community, and how the result of her work with Dr. Gloria Becker and Jewish Learning Venture has improved the student experience at the Hebrew school program. JLV: Please describe the change, innovation, or transformation your organization has achieved: OH: Last year, I noticed that [...]