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Staff
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.
Godly Play
Dianne is involved in synagogue life in many areas: teacher, musician, storyteller.
Kitah Bet (Second Grade) Judaics Teacher
Carrie has taught second grade in Religious School for several years and loves that age group.
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 Gimmel (Third Grade) Judaics Teacher
Rebekah Maccaby has taught in Religious School, the Early Childhood Center, and as an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter.
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
Bob has been teaching in Religious School since 2007 and has often chanted Torah and Haftarah at services.
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
Debora was born and raised in Argentina and moved to Israel when she was 21. She moved to the U.S. in 2000 and currently works at the JCC.
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.
