Education Director

"Religious School provides an opportunity for students to gain a Jewish literacy that will travel with them throughout their life. Though it won’t provide a Jewish answer to everything, it will give the skills to ask the important questions from a Jewish perspective. The inclusion of Hebrew skills gives our students a passport to the Jewish community world-wide as the common language of our people. "

Hebrew Coordinator

Dina David-Smith is our Hebrew Coordinator and teaches Hebrew for grades 8-10.

Gan (Kindergarten) teacher

Michaela is a life-long member of Beth-El Zedeck. She's worked as a madricha in Religious School prior to becoming a teacher. She also sings in our High Holy Day choir and is passionate about music.

Kitah Alef (First Grade) Judaics Teacher

Zev has been involved in Religious School for several years and currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee for Western Galillee/Central Region Partnership2Gether.

Hebrew Teacher for Mechinah (K-2)

Ellie has taught Kindergarten at Beth-El Zedeck's Religious School for four years and also teaches Kindergarten at Hasten Hebrew Academy.

Kitah Bet (Second Grade) Judaics Teacher

Dianne is involved in synagogue life in many areas: teacher, musician, storyteller.

Kitah Gimmel (Third Grade) Judaics Teacher

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Ruth became a bat mitzvah at Beth-El Zedeck, before becoming confirmed and a madricha for Religious School. After graduating high school, she attended college at The University of Florida where she studied History and Economics. Post-college, Ruth completed a year of service with AmeriCorps in San Antonio, Texas, working as student support in underserved schools. Back in Indianapolis, Ruth is a high school math teacher. She loves teaching and is excited to return to Religious School to teach 3rd grade Judaics!

Kitah Gimmel (Third Grade) Hebrew Teacher

Clara teaches Hebrew both in Religious School and also the Early Childhood Center.

Kitah Dalet (Fourth Grade) Judaics Teacher

Genna has been teaching in Religious School since 2008 and has degrees in both history and archeology.

Kitah Dalet (Fourth Grade) Hebrew Teacher

Rebekah Maccaby has taught in Religious School, the Early Childhood Center, and as an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter.

Kitah Hey (Fifth Grade) Judaics Teacher

Cindie has worked in various roles in Religious School over the years. She is a member of our Executive Board and also Sisterhood's Mitzvah Corps Chair.

Kitah Hey (Fifth Grade) Hebrew Teacher

Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) Judaics Teacher

David brings a diverse background to the Religious School classroom. He is an entrepreneur, professional athlete, entertainer, public speaker, author and singer/songwriter.

Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) Hebrew Teacher and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Instructor

Jeff will teach sixth grade Hebrew this year. He also tutors students as they prepare for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Kitah Zayin (Seventh Grade) Judaics and Hebrew Teacher

Rabbi Bruce is a board-certified chaplain and works at IU Health. He has taught in our Religious School for over 10 years.

Ulpan 8 and Youth Director

Adam is our Youth Director and also teaches 8th grade Judaics.

Ulpan 9 Teacher

Martin has lots of experience with Jewish youth and is excited to work with the 9th grade class!

Confirmation (10th Grade) Teacher

Rabbi Jenni was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in May 2019. She began serving as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in July 2019. A California native, Rabbi Jenni and her husband, Brad, moved to Indianapolis in 2019.

Confirmation (Tenth Grade) Teacher

Alvin previously taught the Confirmation class for 22 years and is excited to be back!

Ivrit (Hebrew) Instructor

Tracy has taught adult education classes, Religious School, and tutored students in preparation for their B'nei Mitzvah.

Israeli Dance Teacher

Rhea has been involved with Israeli Folk Dancing since she was 15 and has taught all over the city and beyond.

Art Teacher

Sandy has been teaching art in our Religious School for over 15 years. She enjoys painting, India ink, photography, and arts and crafts.

Music

Bob is a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He has been playing music professionally since he was 16. He is thrilled to share his love of music and his growing knowledge of Jewish music with the Religious School at Beth-El Zedeck.