By Elana Rivel, Associate Director / The story of my Jewish venture begins when I was about 8 years old and I accompanied my mother to her religious school class. As a day school kid, I was able to help the 4th and 5th graders she taught with their Hebrew and prayer studies. I loved being helpful and, more importantly, loved teaching Hebrew and prayer. I knew then that my life path would take me somewhere in Jewish education. Throughout high school and college, I progressed along this path.