Introducing Shemesh, a Religious School experience for students with special needs in grades K-6 and their families

All Jewish children deserve a Jewish education, regardless of ability level, and Temple Israel's new program, Shemesh - the Hebrew word for sun - delivers a bright new Religious School experience for students with special needs and their families. This program also provides an opportunity to get to know one another, to create a smaller community of families who navigate similar obstacles, and to celebrate the many joys of raising children with physical or intellectual disabilities.

During this inaugural semester, our curriculum is all about Shabbat. Students will handmake ritual items to include in a personal Shabbat box that they'll build throughout the program, and the semester will culminate with a special Shabbat & Havdalah event to celebrate what we've learned.

Class meetings: Sundays, January 7 & 21, February 11 & 25, March 10, April 7 & 21, and May 5 | 9:45 am - 11:15 am

End of year Shabbat celebration: Date and time coming soon!

This class will be co-led by Lindsay Rich and Riley Deutsch, professional educators, and guest teachers who will lead students in music, cooking, and movement.

About Lindsay Rich: I have always had a passion for working in education. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I have taught 2nd and 4th grade at Old Bonhomme Elementary. I have spent the past nine summers working at Temple Israel's Camp Shook and will be entering my 3rd summer as camp director. Previously, I also served at TI's Religious School as a madricha (teacher's assistant) and a morah (teacher). I am excited to begin this amazing program with our TI families!

About Riley Deutsch: Growing up, I attended Preschool, Camp, Religious & Hebrew School, and became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel. I attened the University of Wisconsin - Madison and graduated in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education. This is my second year teaching 2nd grade at Spoede Elementary School. I have worked at Camp Shook in various roles over the past 10 years. TI has helped me learn about and grow into my Jewish identity, and I am looking forward to helping another set of TI studetns learn about Judaism.

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