northwest jewish family

Your Guide to Jewish Life in the Pacific Northwest

A Publication of JTNews n The Voice of Jewish Washington n 2010
Family steps in
when others walk out.
An Open Letter tO the COmmunity frOm ken weinberg, CeO
Jewish Family Service is the lifeline of hope, heart and help for those in
crisis locally. From assistance with rent and utilities, our year-round Food Bank,
responding to domestic violence and the disease of addiction in the Jewish
community, workshops on how to survive today’s turbulent economic climate,
the list goes on and on.
In these challenging times, friends and neighbors are turning to JFS as never
before. Real people, with real needs, who need real help, real fast. Last year, we
assisted over 11,250 people in the tradition of helping people help themselves.
I invite you to join us. Make JFS your family.
After all, family matters…always has, always will.
Very truly yours,

• If you need assistance, please call (206) 461-3240.

• To volunteer, please contact Jane Deer-Hileman,
Director of Volunteer Services, (206) 861-3155 or
e-mail volunteer@jfsseattle.org.
• To support the JFS Family Matters Campaign,
please contact Lisa Schultz Golden, Chief
Development Officer, (206) 861-3188 or e-mail
Lgolden@jfsseattle.org.

1601 - 16th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122-4000

(206) 461-3240 / www.jfsseattle.org
 3

Welcome to Northwest Jewish Family!

Contents
To our Northwest Jewish families: Stories:
Be a good listener........................................... 4
For the past six years, this guide has been distributed all over the state of Washington
Emotional connection between parent and
as a way to give our local Jewish families a diverse array of resources to help in raising
their children in a Jewish environment. Whether it’s sending kids to a Jewish day school child........................................................... 5
or summer camp, or to find a place to teach them Jewish values on the weekend, or Shabbat dinner: The real “Happy Meal”........ 6
even through reading the occasional Jewish-themed storybook, the magazine you hold Family Directory:
in your hand is the key to fulfilling those needs. Northwest Jewish Family continues its Community-wide Organizations..................... 8
tradition of providing articles by local and national writers that focus on raising Jewish
Seattle — Central and Downtown................. 9
families as well as the listing directory, based upon where you live, of organizations that
provide the resources you’re looking for. Seattle — North........................................... 14
Seattle — South........................................... 18
Thanks for staying with us for six great years, and be sure to pass a copy on to your West Seattle..................................................21
friends! Vashon Island................................................22
East King County/Mercer Island...................22
South King County/Tacoma..........................29
Thurston County/Olympia.............................30

Joel Magalnick Karen Chachkes Kitsap County/Olympic Peninsula................31

Editor Publisher Clark County.................................................32
Snohomish County........................................33
Whatcom County/Bellingham.......................34
Eastern Washington......................................35

On our cover Camp Scholarships.......................................37

Photo by Dani Weiss Photography
Dani Weiss is known for her family and pet portraits as
well as for the special events she covers. This specific photo
was taken of one of her clients at the Ballard Locks. For
more information about Dani, please visit her Web site at
www.daniweissphotography.com
Day Camps....................................................37
Overnight Camps..........................................38
Family Services/Special Needs....................40
Mikvot...........................................................42
Youth Groups ...............................................43

Northwest Jewish Family is a Jewish Transcript Staff

publication. Our mission is to meet the interests of Reach us directly at 206-441-4553 + ext.
our Jewish community through fair and accurate Publisher *Karen Chachkes 267
coverage of local, national and international news, Editor *Joel Magalnick 233
the voice of jewish washington
opinion and information. We seek to expose our Assistant Editor Leyna Krow 240
readers to diverse viewpoints and vibrant debate
Account Executive Lynn Feldhammer 264 Board of Directors
Account Executive David Stahl 235 Peter Horvitz, Chair*; Robin Boehler;
on many fronts, including the news and events Account Executive Stacy Schill 292 Andrew Cohen∞; Cynthia Flash Hemphill*;
in Israel. We strive to contribute to the continued Classifieds Manager Rebecca Minsky 238 Nancy Greer∞; Aimee Johnson; Stan Mark;
growth of our local Jewish community as we carry Art Director Susan Beardsley 239 Daniel Mayer; Cantor David Serkin-Poole*;
out our mission. Leland Rockoff; Tana Senn∞
©2010 Jewish Transcript Media. Richard Fruchter, CEO and President,
2041 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Content may not be reproduced without Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
the express permission of the publisher. Ron Leibsohn, Federation Board Chair
phone 206-441-4553
E-mail: editor@jtnews.net *Member, JTNews Editorial Board
www.jtnews.net ∞
Ex-Officio Member

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 4
“Be a good listener”: Helping children
deal with stress
By Diane Zipperman
“I liked kindergarten better than
1st grade. In kindergarten we got
to play more.”
“I used to be friends with her, but
now she says mean things about
me to the other kids and doesn’t let
me join their group at recess.”
“My parents are divorced. My
mom just met someone new and
is spending a lot of time with him.
I liked it better when it was just me
and my mom.”
“We’ve got too much homework
to do. There are other things I like
to do after school and I don’t want
to give them up. Sometimes I just
want to sit around and relax.”
These are the voices of children
dealing with stresses they are
experiencing in their lives: Taking
on new academic and develop-
mental challenges, the loss of a
friend, adjusting to a new family
situation. A new move, a family
illness or loss, a new sibling — all
are examples of other situations
children may find stressful. We
may not always be able to (or want
to) change the particular situation
with which our child is struggling,
but what we can do is find ways of
helping our child learn to become
more resilient when these changes
do occur.
Stress is experienced when we
believe we have limited options
and when we feel that there is
nothing we can do to positively
affect our lives. If we’re going
to help our children deal with
change in ways that help their
growth, we need to help them
Courtesy Herzl-Ner Tamid
expand their sense of available
approaches in dealing with the
realities they face.
Our first step in supporting our
children is to create an atmosphere
in which they will feel comfort-
able sharing directly with us what
troubles them. Change can bring
up a variety of feelings — sadness
over the way things used to be,
anxiety over the unknown, anger
over a sense of unfairness, happy
excitement over the new possibili-
ties, and maybe a mixture of all of
the above.
Sometimes our children tell us
indirectly how they’re feeling
through physical complaints,
regression to an earlier develop-
mental stage, increased irritability
and/or aggression, withdrawn
behavior, and changes in school
performance. To encourage our
child to move to a more direct
expression of their feelings and a
healthier coping style, we need to
Northwest Jewish Family
be good listeners. Don’t assume
you know how they feel. Ask
open-ended questions and dem-
onstrate your understanding by
acknowledging their feelings
without judgment: “I can see
you are very upset” vs. “There’s
no reason to be so upset about
that.”
If they have difficulty express-
ing themselves, you might say:
“Some kids feel…. I wonder if
you sometimes feel that way?” By
listening carefully to your child’s
comments and questions, you
have an opportunity to clear up
faulty beliefs and misunderstand-
ings and thus give needed reassur-
ance and comfort.
Accepting feelings does not
mean accepting misbehavior.
On the contrary, by keeping your
family’s rules, limits, and routines
predictable and consistent, you
are providing the security of
knowing what to expect during
a time when your child may be
feeling most shaky. Similarly,
religious rituals can be a valuable
source of comfort during times of
change by providing an order and
predictability when the rest of life
may feel chaotic.
Once you have an understand-
ing of what is troubling your child
and how beliefs may be contrib-
uting to the negative experience,
(“There’s no way I can finish
that work!” “She’s so mean and
there is nothing I can do!”), you
can help your child develop
and practice personal skills and
problem-solving strategies that
can lead to a greater sense of
2010–2011
control over the situation. Such
skills might include how to use
positive self-talk to bolster confi-
dence and increase flexible ways
of thinking, how to be assertive
when communicating with others
(vs. being aggressive or passive),
how to be more organized with
time and materials, when to walk
away or get help from others, and
how to find ways of relaxing that
work for her. Your child may also
feel comforted and strengthened
by reading stories (or hearing your
story) about kids going through a
similar experience.
Finally, supporting your child’s
resiliency means also working on
yourself. How do you cope with
challenging situations? How do
you deal with your anxiety? How
do you take care of yourself? Kids
look to their parents for cues on
how to respond to stress, and they
pay attention to the words, tone of
voice and facial expressions that
reflect how well we’re coping. In
addition, the struggles your child
may be experiencing from social
rejection or academic challenges
may evoke painful memories from
your own childhood. Resist the
urge to jump in and rescue your
child by solving their problems
for him. You are there to bolster
her self-confidence by offering
support, comfort, suggestions, and
the message: “I trust in your capa-
bilities to handle this challenge.”
Diane Zipperman is a school
counselor at Jewish Family
Service of Greater Seattle.

Class focuses on the emotional connection
between parent and child
By Leyna Krow
There’s certainly no shortage of
parenting classes being offered
in the Seattle area. But according
to Yaffa Maritz, very few of these
classes focus on the emotional
connection between parents and
their children.
“There are a lot of places parents
can go for support or advice, but
most classes are dealing with
issues like diaper rash, or sleep
and eating issues. That’s good
and needs to happen,” explained
Maritz, a family counselor and the
co-founder of the Community of
Mindful Parents. “But we deal with
a range of emotional issues as well:
People feeling the blues, not sure
they love the baby, relationship
with their partner on the rocks, not
really understanding who they are
because their identity has shifted
so much. It’s amazing the kinds of
things that come up.”
It’s this broader emphasis that,
for Maritz, makes the classes
offered by the Community of
Mindful Parents so unique.
Maritz and a team of facilita-
tors have been running parenting
groups for new mothers and
fathers for the last decade. But it
was just a year and a half ago that
the decision was made to expand
the program into a community – a
place that parents could continue
to get help and support even after
they had completed their courses.
The result is a Web site with a
blog and articles on all manner
of topics, a lecture series, and of
course, the parenting classes, all
functioning under the Community
of Mindful Parents umbrella.
Maritz said she was originally
inspired to lead parenting classes
after working as a therapist and
talking with clients about their
upbringings.
“A lot of the issues we suffer
from and deal with as adults can
be traced back to earlier relation-
ships,” she said. “When I was
talking to patients about how they
grew up, I often wished we could
go back in their past. I thought,
wouldn’t it be better if we could
start early raising children in a way
that is healthy?”
In addition to her counseling
work, Maritz said much of her
motivation to start a parenting
program came, not surprisingly,
from her experiences with her
own three children. Although her
kids are now adults, she still relies
on those experiences when
thinking about how best to help
new parents.
“I wish somebody would have
told me it is okay to take some
time and help yourself regulate,”
she said. “It can go such a long
way. Stepping out energizes you
so much. It’s really important to
take time to center, regulate and
reflect.”
The Community of Mindful
Parent s regularly of fers t wo
different eight-week classes:
Listening Mothers for parents of
children 6 months and younger,
and Reflective Parenting for
parents with kids between the ages
of 18 months and 5 years. Both
programs focus on understanding
Northwest Jewish Family
and reacting to children’s emotions
and forming strong bonds between
parent and child early on.
Classes meet at a variety of
locations in King County, including
Swedish Hospital, Ballard Pediat-
rics, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conserva-
tive Congregation and the Stroum
Jewish Community Center.
The Community of Mindful
Parents classes have become the
cornerstone of the Stroum JCC’s
Parenting Center.
“The JCC, when we started
doing our groups, didn’t have a
Parenting Center,” Maritz recalled.
“Since then, they have rallied in
creating a home for families right
from birth. Our program, which
was the only one, has become
one of many.”
Kara Moscovit z and her
husband, Kerry, took Reflective
Parenting at the Stroum JCC during
the winter.
“It definitely helped us
approach our parenting differ-
ently,” Moscovitz said. “We find
ourselves being more understand-
ing of our kids’ behaviors and a
little more thoughtful in how we
respond.”
Although the class is aimed at
parents with children age of 5 and
under, Moscovitz said she and
her husband found the informa-
tion relevant to all three of their
children, who are 3, 6, and 9
years old.
“With our oldest, I think it
helped my husband to understand
her with her emotional ups and
down a bit better,” she said.
2010–2011
5
Moscovitz was so taken with
the program that she decided to
train to become a facilitator for the
Community of Mindful Parents.
She began leading her first classes
in May 2010.
For more information about
programs and resources offered
by the Community of Mindful
Parents, visit
www.mindfulparentscommunity.
com. Leyna Krow is assistant
editor of JTNews, The Voice of
Jewish Washington, in which this
article first appeared.
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print quarterly. subscribe today!
206-441-4553 or online at jtnews.net
 6
Shabbat dinner: The real ‘Happy Meal’
By Sharon Duke Estroff
They’re everywhere, like a scene
out of a bad sci-fi horror flick.
Under beds, behind couches,
wedged between seats of SUVs.
No, I’m not talking about invading
aliens. I’m talking about Polly
Pocket, G.I. Joe and the rest of the
fast-food toy family! So rampant,
in fact, are these plastic playthings
that studies show one in three toys
received by an American child
is delivered via a drive-through
window.
Unfortunately, the preponder-
ance of Happy Meals in modern
kids’ lives represents far more than
an onslaught of cheap imported
action figures. It represents the
demise of the old-fashioned family
dinner.
Just how close to brontosaurus
status is the family dinner? So close
that in 2001, the National Center
on Addiction and Substance
Abuse and Coca-Cola teamed
up to launch an annual “Family
Day,” designed to encourage
families to sit down and eat dinner
together on the fourth Monday
in September. The government
even provided a list of tips and
suggestions for parents on facilitat-
ing this annual event: Eat dinner
together; during dinner, turn off
the TV, and talk and listen to each
other; involve the entire family in
planning and cooking the meal.
“Families from any older gen-
eration would surely laugh at a
government-issued annual family
dinner prescription,” say the
researchers at Emory Univer-
sity’s MARIAL Center for the
Study of Myth and Ritual In
American Life, whose studies on
the importance of family dinners
and storytelling have attracted
the attention of national publica-
tions, including The New York
Times, Wall Street Journal, USA
Today and Newsweek. “The
‘helpful guidelines’ and ‘15 tips’
on how to enjoy family meals
on a regular basis would seem
as absurd to some as a manual
instructing Americans on how to
get dressed.”
Yet it seems that such a specific
decree is exactly what modern
families need. Statistics show that
kids today spend double the time
Northwest Jewish Family
they did a decade and Robyn Fivush]. CASA and
ago doing school- other researchers found family
work and taking dinners to be the single most sig-
part in organized nificant defense against smoking,
activities. In other drinking, illegal drug use, experi-
words, who’s got mentation with sex, even fistfights
time to gather the among children. Still other studies
gang for a hot-dog indicate regular family mealtimes
hoedown when are linked with kids who are more
you’re schlepping emotionally content, work harder
from school to and perform better in school, have
tutoring to piano better social skills, and healthier
to soccer to kiddie eating habits. Perhaps the most
stress manage- glorious rewards of the family
ment workshops? dinner, however, are those that
Family dinners can’t be measured: The happy
are nice, you buzz of stories passing between
may be thinking. parent and child; kids wrapped
But government securely in the familiar comforts of
mandates, major home. As family dinners progres-
corporate involve- sively disappear from the modern
ment, research kid’s radar screen, experts fear so
centers devoted too will their bountiful benefits.
Ethan Myerson almost exclusively One of the most marvelous
to studying them aspects of Jewish tradition is
— isn’t it all a tad extreme? its ability to guide, protect and
It certainly might appear that strengthen us at times when we
eating a plate of pasta with our need it most. As if our forefathers
kids is an insignificant event in the could see eons into the future —
scheme of things, but a plethora knowing their ancestors would
of recent research suggests that one day be faced with the invasion
simple family dinners may in fact of the Happy Meal toys — they
be among our most powerful too gave us a prescription for a
parenting tools toward ensuring family dinner. Only instead of
our children’s present and future designating the fourth Monday in
well-being. September for this gastronomic
Studies show that kids whose gathering, they mandated that
families have regular meals we share an enjoyable, resilience-
together tend to have higher building, self-esteem-fostering,
self-esteem, interact better with social-skill-enhancing, nutrition-
their peers, and show higher ally advantageous, spiritually
resilience in the face of adversity uplifting family dinner every single
[according to a 2003 Emory Uni- Friday night. (And we can bet it’s
versity study by Marshall Duke no coincidence that studies show
2010–2011
 7

one family dinner a week is just
enough to put the magic into
motion.)
As our sages clearly knew, and
researchers are only beginning to
document, the weekly Shabbat
dinner is far more than challah,
baked chicken and matzoh ball
soup. It is a vehicle for releasing
our kids from the dangerous
clutches of Ronald McDonald. It
is a means of keeping our families
safe, sane and happy in a stressful,
frenetically paced 21st-century
world. It is a God-given tool for
ensuring our children’s future —
our future — is as warm and bright
as the glowing Sabbath candles.
For more information on the
importance of family dinners,
check out the MARIAL Web site M eals” by author Miriam
at www.MARIAL.emory.edu and Weinstein.
“The Surprising Power of Family
Sharon Duke Estroff is an internationally syndicated parenting
columnist, award-winning Jewish educator and mother of four. Her
parenting articles appear in over 100 national, regional, and secular
publications; her Jewish parenting book, Can I Have a Cell Phone for
Hanukkah? (Broadway Books) is available everywhere books are
sold. www.sharonestroff.com

Are you looking at a cancer survivor or philanthropist?

The answer is both.
At age 10, Gary Yost was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Seattle
Children’s saved his life, but mounting medical bills would likely exceed his
family’s insurance. So Children’s stepped in and covered his treatment

Hope.
through the hospital’s uncompensated care program—a program
that provided nearly $100 million in uncompensated care to
families in the region. Now Gary is helping others, raising money
for Children’s through a neighborhood lemonade stand. To find out how
you can help, visit SeattleChildrens.org.

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 8 family directory

adults with Israel experience programs, available funding sources and scholarships.
Community-wide Organizations The center also provides educational programming on Israel for the community and is a
resource for individuals and agencies wishing to strengthen their bond with Israel.
Education Services of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 Jewish Youth Philanthropy Team (J.Team)
Phone: 206-774-2218 • Fax: 206-443-0303 A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
E-mail: liatz@jewishinseattle.org 2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
www.jewishinseattle.org/Educators Phone: 206-774-2230 • Fax: 206-443-0303
Contact: Liat Zaidenberg, Education Services Director E-mail: marlag@jewishinseattle.org
The Education Services department of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle www.jewishinseattle.org/JTeam
takes a holistic view of the educational needs of the local Jewish community and trains Contact: Marla Goldberg, Teen Philanthropy Program Manager
teachers and educators who work for Jewish congregational supplementary schools, The J.Team at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle is comprised of 9th–12th
early childhood centers and day schools. graders who meet monthly during the school year. They volunteer for community service
They offer: projects, explore Jewish values on philanthropic giving and visit an array of nonprofits
• Professional development lectures, programs and classes serving the local community, Israel and communities worldwide. Participants work as
• Jewish teaching certificate program a team to decide where to donate a pool of community donated charitable funds.
• Consultation services for schools and camps For more information, to apply for J.Team, or to donate to the pooled fund, please
• Networking opportunities for educators contact Marla Goldberg.
• Awards for excellence in Jewish education
• Professional development scholarships The Nesiya Institute
234 Fifth Ave., Suite 411, New York, NY 10001
Israel Resource Center Phone: 212-951-7128 or 206-760-2774 • Fax: 212-951-7174
A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle E-mail: joy@nesiya.org or info@nesiya.org
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 www.nesiya.org
Phone: 206-774-2236 • Fax: 206-443-0303 Contact: Joy Maimon
E-mail: rachels@jewishinseattle.org Generous merit-based fellowship funding is available for 10 Washington State high
www.jewishinseattle.org/Israel school students to journey to Israel this summer and participate in national and regional
Contact: Rachel Schachter, Israel Programs Manager follow-up programs and community service upon their return home. The purpose of the
The Israel Resource Center provides personalized service matching teens and young fellowship is to engage Washington State young people in deepening their own relation-

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Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 family directory 9

ship with Judaism and Israel, and making life more meaningful for others. The fellowship
funding is available to young people currently in grades 10, 11 or 12, irrespective of their
prior Jewish background, and whether or not they have been to Israel before.
The PJ Library
A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-774-2237 • Fax: 206-443-0303
E-mail: amyhp@jewishinseattle.org
www.jewishinseattle.org/PJLibrary
Contact: Amy Hilzman-Paquette, PJ Library Program Manager
Everything that happens during the first five years of a child’s life shapes who he or she
become as an adult. That’s why the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle offers an age-
appropriate opportunity to help strengthen your child’s Jewish identity: The PJ Library!
When you sign up for The PJ Library (PJ is for pajamas), children will receive a free,
high-quality book or CD each month with Jewish content. Regardless of your level of
observance or affiliation, the gift of stories and song is sure to enrich your entire family’s
Jewish journey. A two-year membership is free for children ages 6 months–5-1/2 years
who live in the greater Seattle area (King and South Snohomish counties).
This program has been generously funded by gifts from Carl and Joann Bianco,
the Auerbach Family Foundation, the Newman Family Foundation, Eugene and Ruth
Freedman Family, Herb and Lucy Pruzan as well as the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
If you can give one hour each week, you can make a difference in the life of a child. Become
a Study Buddy and help foster basic skills and a love of learning among children who are strug-
gling. Since 1998, Study Buddy has been placing volunteer tutors in schools and community
programs throughout greater Seattle. Volunteers assist students with reading, writing, math,
or basic study skills. And these “Study Buddies” share more than knowledge; through their
actions they demonstrate compassion, commitment, and their own love of learning. In this
way, the program embodies the Jewish value of tikkun olam — repair of the world — within
the local community. Visit www.studybuddyseattle.org for more information.
Youth Mitzvah Fund
A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-774-2230 • Fax: 206-443-0303
E-mail: marlag@jewishinseattle.org
www.jewishinseattle.org/YMF
Contact: Marla Goldberg, Teen Philanthropy Program Manager
Teens aged 12–14 are invited to set up a personalized Youth Mitzvah Fund at the Jewish
Federation of Greater Seattle. With money donated into the fund by friends and family,
teens can grant a portion of the funds each year to the charities of their choice. Fund
holders are invited to attend three programs on giving, which include nonprofit visits,
community service opportunities, and discussions on Jewish values of giving.
For more information, please contact Marla Goldberg.

Study Buddy Volunteer Tutoring Program

c/o National Council of Jewish Women – Seattle Section
Seattle — Central and Downtown
1501 17th Ave., Box 105, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-774-2279 • E-mail: starrn@jewishinseattle.org Anti-Defamation League — Pacific Northwest Region
www.studybuddyseattle.org Phone: 206-448-5349 • Fax: 206-448-5355
Director: Starr Niego E-mail: seattle@adl.org

Part of the Temple De Hirsch Sinai Family

Par

Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool

Fostering early discovery and Jewish traditions in a natural setting
Fost
Classes offered for children (birth to ve)
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Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 10 family directory

www.adl.org
Contact: Hilary Bernstein, Community Director
As part of its mission to fight anti-Semitism and to stand against prejudice and bigotry
of all kinds, the Anti-Defamation League provides award-winning educational program-
ming for students and educators in three areas:
1) “Confronting Anti-Semitism programs” for Jewish teens and their families,
2) Holocaust education for high school students, and
3) Anti-bias training and diversity workshops in schools throughout the Pacific
Northwest.
The ADL knows that Jewish youth in the Pacific Northwest experience anti-Semitism
in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. “Confronting Anti-Semitism” workshops for Jewish
teens and their parents provide practical skills and strategies for dealing with insensi-
tive and derogatory jokes, comments, slurs, and incidents, while building confidence,
self-esteem, and pride in one’s Jewish identity. These workshops are designed for
religious schools, day schools, youth groups, and camp settings.
The ADL also empowers students to speak out against prejudice, discrimination,
intolerance, and genocide in our contemporary world. ADL’s extraordinary multi-
disciplinary curriculum on the Holocaust, “Echoes and Reflections,” provides a context
for exploring these important issues. Designed for high school students, the curriculum
includes extensive video testimonies from the University of Southern California Shoah
Foundation and resource materials from Yad Vashem.
The ADL’s A World of Difference Institute’s diversity education resources and anti-bias
trainings for K–12th grades are utilized in public, private and parochial schools through-
out the Pacific Northwest region. As our communities become more diverse, students and
teachers from varied backgrounds need to gain the skills necessary to create learning
environments that are safe and inclusive for everyone. In ADL workshops, participants
of all ages learn to stop being bystanders to become allies for each other. Trainings and
resources are available for college campuses as well.
Hebrew High
A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-774-2237 • Fax: 206-443-0303
E-mail: hebrewhigh@jewishinseattle.org
www.jewishinseattle.org/HebrewHigh
Contact: Amy Hilzman-Paquette, Principal
Hebrew High is a dynamic, elective-based program for teens in grades 9–12. Jewish
teens who attend Hebrew High represent the spectrum of Jewish belief, background
and tradition and come from throughout the Puget Sound region. Many are affiliated
with synagogues, youth groups and youth movements. Other teens find their connection
to the Jewish community through Hebrew High.
Their teachers bring varied backgrounds, knowledge and Jewish experiences to
Hebrew High. Students learn about Israel, Torah, and history, plus active classes like
Sephardic Food and Fun and Primetime Jew.
Hebrew High meets on Wednesday nights during the academic year from 7-9:15 p.m.
at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. Hebrew High students have
access to a variety of Jewish community opportunities through the Israel Program Center,
greater Seattle Jewish Youth Council, and all-teen programming (including J-Serve, the
national Jewish teen service day).
The Kavana Cooperative
Mailing address: P.O. Box 19666, Seattle, WA 98109
E-mail: info@kavana.org
www.kavana.org
Contact: Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum
Kavana is an independent Jewish community in Seattle. It’s young, experimental, and
a little edgy — not your conventional synagogue! Kavana strives to create a supportive
environment where individuals and families can use “kavana” — intention — to create
a Jewish life that is spiritually fulfilling, intellectually satisfying, and fun. It is a diverse
community, and welcomes interfaith families.
Programs from 2009-2010 include:
Just for Parents
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Conversations: A unique opportunity to take part in conversations
about how to re-invent this milestone as this new community heads toward its first
Bar/Bat Mitzvah cohort in 2011-12.
Kids & Parents
• Family Shabbat: A monthly Saturday morning program featuring Shabbat songs and
in-depth explorations of Jewish values through music and arts.
• Prep & Practice: Monthly Sunday morning programs to help families get ready for
Jewish holidays.
• Hebrew Immersion Playgroup: Start young! Parents and tots (ages 0-3) meet weekly
to learn Hebrew through games and songs. (Imagine the hokey-pokey, in Hebrew.)
• Family Shabbat in the Park (all ages): Summer fun on a Friday night! Families come
together to welcome Shabbat, eat dinner, and enjoy being outdoors.
• CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): get local, organic veggies; learn about the
connections between Judaism and agriculture, meet your farmers, and more.

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Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 family directory 11

Just for Kids 

• Summer Camp: For kids entering grades 1-5. Week 1: July 26-30, Week 2: Aug. 2-6.
Traditional camp fun in a Jewish context.
• Moadon Yeladim (Kids Club): An energetic after-school program for grades K-5 featuring
Hebrew language immersion and arts-based learning.
• Havdalah Club (ages 8-11): After a short service to end Shabbat, kids eat dinner together
and discuss Jewish ethical issues (from the serious to the silly). 
• Gan Kavana Preschool: Kids learn Hebrew through play, stories and creative activities,
in a loving environment. Seattle’s only Hebrew immersion preschool!!

National Council of Jewish Women — Seattle Section

1501 17th Ave., Box 105, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 425-558-1894 • Fax: 425-867-9808
We are 96 Students in Grades 9-12.
E-mail: ncjw@ncjwseattle.org
www.ncjwseattle.org We come from 27 different zip codes.
Contact: Karen Besserman
The National Council of Jewish Women Seattle Section is a volunteer-based organi-
We are affiliated with 13 different synagogues.
zation, inspired by Jewish values, that works through a program of education, social
justice advocacy and community service to improve the quality of life for women, We work hard. Our dual curriculum day begins at
children and families. It also strives to ensure civil liberties for all. NCJW’s family- 8 and ends at 4.
specific programs include:
• Shalom Bayit: Furnishing Peaceful Homes: an award-winning domestic violence
We play hard too. Team sports thrive at NYHS. We
program which acquires donations of new and gently used furniture and household
have basketball, cross country, track and field,
items, and distributes them free of charge to survivors of domestic violence and their
golf, and volleyball teams.
children, who are moving from violent homes or temporary shelters to permanent
housing, to help them rebuild their lives.
• Scholarships: Since 1909 the Seattle Section of NCJW has awarded scholarships to
We give back to our community. We volunteer at
financially needy Jewish students for undergraduate academic study and technical our synagogues and hospitals. We work at soup
training. These scholarships are to assist students at any accredited college, university, kitchens and homeless shelters. We teach. We
technical or vocational school or job retraining program in Washington State. help repair the environment. We raise money for
medical research. We support Israel and many
Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound Israeli and Jewish causes and charities.
PMB 367, 117 E Louisa St., Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: 206-528-1944 • E-mail: info@secularjewishcircle.org We will go to college. Some of us will study in
www.secularjewishcircle.org Israel before entering college. We will continue
Contact: Laurie Levy some form of Jewish education throughout our
Established in 1994, the Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound has offered a meaningful, lives. We will raise our children to be proud Jews.
non-theistic alternative for a Jewish life. A vibrant Jewish community, the SJC is affiliated
with a global movement, Humanistic Judaism. This widely accepted newer denomination of We are the present. We are the future.
Judaism is rooted in a secular philosophy debated by Jewish scholars in the mid-19th century
and continued to be a source of identity for many famous, modern Jewish thinkers. Through
this framework, the SJC honors Jewish traditions independent of theistic influence, preferring
to focus on individuals that uphold the values of reason and justice, personal choice and action. Northwest Yeshiva High School
Judaism thrives through the celebration of heritage, community, and lifelong learning.
Cultural Heritage: The SJC’s monthly Shabbat potlucks are highlighted with cultural
Now accepting applications.
programs. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat and Purim are
traditional holiday celebrations with readings and rituals that reflect SJC’s secular beliefs.
(206) 232-5272
The annual Passover seder is a festive event with more than 100 members and guests.
Community: Tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (social action) are integral aspects of the 5017-90th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
SJC. Members regularly volunteer with Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Coalition for www.nyhs.net
Homelessness in King County, and actively advocate for the separation of church and state.

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 12 family directory
Lifelong Learning: Adults and youth have unique opportunities for Jewish learning and
self-expression. Adult programs are often lively forums that include discussion groups, films,
lectures, and cultural development. For families and children, Shalom Sunday school teaches
Jewish history, culture, traditions, holidays and community. Children explore and strengthen
the connection to their Jewish heritage and the world around them, while positive values, self-
esteem, and ethical choices are encouraged. They focus on family gatherings and bi-monthly
classroom programs for grades K–7, and B’nai Mitzvah preparation for grades 6–7.
The intergenerational community includes Jewish individuals and couples, multicul-
tural and mixed-faith families, and gay men and women. All secular individuals who
identify with and value the history, culture, and future of Jewish people are welcome!
Seattle Hebrew Academy
1617 Interlaken Dr. E, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-323-5750 • Fax: 206-323-5751
E-mail: sweiss@sha613.org
www.seattlehebrewacademy.org
Contact: Sari Weiss, 206-323-7933 ext. 239
Seattle Hebrew Academy is an Orthodox Jewish day school for early childhood (ages
1-5) and kindergarten through 8th grade. SHA offers a literacy-rich approach to learning
with hands-on opportunities in math, science and technology. SHA provides personal
attention to the learning of each student through low teacher-to-student ratios. Addition-
ally, their Learning Resource Center is available to provide opportunities for enrichment
as well as to support students who struggle with an aspect of their learning.
Middle school students are able to choose from a menu of elective classes, including
the arts, science, drama, technology and math investigations. After-school programs
include drama, soccer and art, and league basketball, volleyball and cross country.
Seattle Hebrew Academy is situated on a beautiful, newly renovated campus conveniently
Northwest Jewish Family
located on Capitol Hill. The facility offers state-of-the-art technology and science labs, a
fully equipped art studio, full-service library, gym, two playgrounds and an outdoor playfield.
Students come from throughout the area, including all parts of Seattle, the Eastside and
Mercer Island. Bus service is available from Mercer Island and Seward Park.
Parents are encouraged to participate in the school in many ways. The SHAdult learning
program, which is open to the entire community at no charge, includes weekly classes in
Hebrew, Judaism and Parasha, taught by head of school Rivy Poupko Kletenik. Rivy is a
nationally recognized educator who has received numerous awards, including the Covenant
Award. She was voted Best Lecturer and Best Jewish Educator by JTNews readers.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact admissions director Sari Weiss.
Seattle Hebrew Academy – Early Childhood
1617 Interlaken Dr. E, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-323-5750
www.seattlehebrewacademy.org
Early Childhood Director: Margie Holzer
The Seattle Hebrew Academy offers a fully licensed, developmentally appropriate
program with a nurturing staff and a terrific best-practice curriculum for children who
are 1 to 5 years old. Seattle Hebrew Academy’s Early Childhood program offers large
classrooms and great child-teacher ratios. The curriculum focuses on learning through
play. Developmental milestones of each child are matched with appropriate activities
in a warm and creative environment. The program follows the rhythm of the Jewish
calendar. Torah, Shabbat, holidays and Israel act as a springboard for the program.
Oral Hebrew is intertwined throughout the day in every class, and the 3 and 4 year-old
classes use the Jewish Agency’s Chalav U’dvash Hebrew program.
Seattle Hebrew Academy’s Early Childhood program provides a sound general studies
program as well as a strong Jewish curriculum, rich in Torah values. The program offers a
Seattle’s only
Secular, Humanist,
Jewish community
Join us!
www.secularjewishcircle.org
info@secularjewishcircle.org
Celebrating 20 years! 206.528.1944
www.sjcs.net
206.522.5212 tradition • community • education
Kindergarten–5th Grade
2010–2011
 family directory 13

number of enrichment opportunities, including weekly music sessions, field trips,
community service and classroom visitors. The Early Childhood students join together
for pre-Shabbat sing-a-longs on Fridays. The Seattle Public Library Bookmobile comes
monthly and classes have an opportunity to visit the school library and science lab each
week. In addition, the 4-year-old students go swimming weekly at the local YMCA.
Seattle Hebrew Academy’s Early Childhood program offers a variety of schedules
including three- and five-day options and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. dismissal times.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact admissions director Sari Weiss
at 206-323-7933, ext. 239 or sweiss@sha613.org.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
1511 E Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-323-8486 • Fax: 206-324-6772
Membership: Ken Schlegel
E-mail: kschlegel@tdhs-nw.org
Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool: Laurel Abrams
E-mail: laurel@tdhs-nw.org
www.tdhs-nw.org
Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s communities in Seattle and Bellevue provide warm and
supportive environments for Jews of all ages to explore, develop and expand their
Jewish selves. Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s Bridge Family Religion School offers accredited
Judaics and Hebrew for students in kindergarten through 7th grade in an environment
that emphasizes fun and making friends as well as learning.
Religion school classes are held on Sundays from 9:30 a.m.–noon. Students in grades
3–7 attend a midweek Hebrew session on Wednesday (Bellevue) or Thursday (Seattle)
from 4:30–6 p.m.
As part of Sunday religion school, parents worship with their children at a morning tefillah
and can learn along with their students in PEP (Parallel Education for Parents) and Alef
Hebrew programs. Students in grades 8–12 take part in Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s vibrant
Tuesday evening high school program at the Bellevue campus. The high school program
features a mix of grade-specific curriculum and compelling, often-provocative electives
that challenge youth to begin developing a sense of their adult Jewish selves.
The Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool provides a quality preschool education in a Jewish
setting for children ages 12 months through 5 years. The preschool’s early childhood cur-
riculum encourages discovery, exploration, creative learning and problem-solving skills.
In addition to weekly Tot Shabbats and regular grade-level services, Shabbat UnPlugged
(first Friday, Bellevue) and Rock Shabbat (second Friday, Seattle; fourth Friday, Bellevue)
are musically rich, family-friendly, multi-generational worship experiences.
Large community holiday celebrations like the annual latke dinner, Purim carnival,
Megillah reading and special family Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services allow
families with children of all ages to celebrate Jewish life together.

helps build our Jewish future by connecting young

kids & teens to Jewish experiences and
community through:
~ Stipends for Israel Experiences
~ J.Team, the Jewish Youth Philanthropy Team
~ Hebrew High
~ J-Serve, the National Day of Jewish Teen Service
~ Jewish Overnight Camp Scholarships
~ Youth Mitzvah Fund
~ The PJ Library TM

Hope you’ll join us at some

of our innovative programs
throughout the year.

More at www.JewishInSeattle.org ~ 206 774-2251 ~ BlairF@JewishInSeattle.org

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011
 14 family directory
Video Judaica: The Sylvia Suckerman Jewish Video Collection
Located at Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s Seattle facility
1511 E Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122
Mailing address: 610 123rd Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98005-3140
Phone: 206-478-0505 • E-mail: rshay@qwest.net
www.videojudaica.com
Administrator: Robert “Bob” Shay
The Sylvia Suckerman Jewish Video-Media Collection, the Northwest’s year-round
Personal Jewish Film Festival, includes more than 2,200 films of Jewish interest, and
new films arrive every week. Categories include: Hollywood feature films (from the
silent era to current releases), documentaries, docudramas, foreign films, Israeli films,
cable features, TV films, a large selection of family friendly and children’s films (both
educational and entertainment), Jewish religious study, Hebrew language tapes, Yiddish
films from the 1920s to 1940s, Jewish music and dance, stand-up comedy, cooking,
Israel travel videos and a wide selection of films for Holocaust studies.
For a small fee and a one-time membership donation, videos can be checked out for
one week at a time. Mail order service is also available.
The collection welcomes new members from all synagogues, chavurot, Jewish orga-
nizations and individuals anywhere in the United States and Canada. The collection is
dedicated to providing the videos people want to see and use for personal enrichment or
for educational programming. The collection has no administrative costs: 100 percent of
funds donated to the collection are used to cover expenses and expand its film selection.
They also offer a film locator service. Let them find that special film you have been looking
for in any format. In or out of print, they will search for it worldwide. Video Judaica is a
year-round Jewish film festival, but hours vary. Please call before visiting.
Volunteering at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-774-2251 • Fax: 206-443-0303
E-mail: blairf@jewishinseattle.org
www.jewishinseattle.org/Volunteer
Contact: Blair Feehan, Volunteer Coordinator
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s vibrant volunteer program has attracted
dozens of committed community members since its inception in 2009. Whether you
want to get your hands dirty or help from home, fulfill community service hours or
simply give back to your community in a meaningful and Jewish way, there are volunteer
opportunities at the Jewish Federation for all ages and skill levels.
Volunteering can truly be a family affair. Call them about their brand new program for
matching high school-aged kids with volunteer opportunities and plenty of ideas for
how families can volunteer together.
Seattle — North
Chabad of Seattle — Regional Offices for Chabad of Washington State
4541 19th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-527-1411, ext 114 • E-mail: info@chabadofseattle.org
www.chabadofseattle.org
Regional Director: Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin
Educational Director: Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld
Administrator: Rabbi Avrohom Kavka
Northwest Jewish Family
Office Administrator: Andrea Sievert
Enhancing the quality of life with Jewish values since 1973, Chabad of Seattle offers
many programs and opportunities for families and parents to enjoy quality Jewish
events. Among the community enrichment programs they offer:
• Holiday enrichment workshops: these hands-on lessons are fun and educational. Included
in the holiday traveling workshop series, they present the Rosh Hashanah Shofar Factory,
Sukkah Mobile, Hanukkah Olive Oil Press, Model Matzoh Bakery and more!
• Bar Mitzvah lessons: Train and instruct your child for his Bar Mitzvah and bring him
to appreciate his heritage and obligations. Regardless of which synagogue affiliation/
membership, Chabad of Seattle will coach your child to be Bar Mitzvah-prepped for
his special day!
• Crisis counseling, outreach and intervention: When therapists suggest talking to
clergy for troubles and difficulties, a rabbi at the Chabad Center is always available
to offer a supportive and encouraging, sympathetic advice with the twist of Torah’s
infinite wisdom.
• Jewish study loans: A Jewish education is one of the most valuable assets that you can
give your child. Chabad of Seattle wants to ensure that this is possible and provides
study loans for children who wish to enroll in Jewish schools.
• Parenting advice from the rebbetzin: Parenting isn’t easy. Overwhelmed with your
parenting responsibilities? Chabad can connect you to community rebbetzins who
have gladly volunteered to share. Look to your community rebbetzin for warm, sound
advice and dedicated, firm support.
Chai Center of Greater Seattle
6538 39th Ave. NE, Seattle WA 98115
Phone: 206-290-6301 • Fax: 206-729-3445
E-mail: info@ChaiSeattle.com
www.chaiseattle.com
Contact: Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky
The Chai Center offers a whole range of different programs and classes for the entire
family, catered to Jewish families from all walks of life or affiliations. Check out their
extensive Jewish library for resources that include audio and videotapes, books on
history, holidays, observance and Jewish living, periodicals, and an enormous selection
of lectures on tape. The Chai Center’s online library contains hundreds of essays,
research tools, Torah thoughts and insights for all learning levels.
Join the special story time for ages 3–7, and family holiday workshops for all ages.
They offer exciting and unique programs tailored for your family such as special parent-
child study day, which takes place on a bi-monthly basis; Jewish parenting classes once
a month; and many more educational and interactive programs.
Congregation Beth Shalom
6800 35th Ave. NE , Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-524-0075 • Fax: 206-525-5095
Early Childhood Center: 206-985-2517
E-mail: info@bethshalomseattle.org
www.bethshalomseattle.org
Rabbi: Jill Borodin
Executive Director: Tzachi Litov
Director of Education: Irit Eliav, MSW
Director of Early Childhood: Jackie Schulstrom
Beth Shalom prides itself on being a community of learners. They offer a variety of formal
2010–2011

and informal educational experiences for children, teens, families and adults. The thriving
religious school begins with a pre-school program and and culminates with Prozdor, their
middle school program that integrates students from religious school and day school
backgrounds in an exciting format designed to enhance their connection to Judaism.
Beth Shalom’s wonderful Early Childhood Center welcomes children ages 3 months-
pre-K with numerous full- and part-time options. The program is expanding and offers a
developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on Judaic learning and traditions.
The ECC prides itself on a very low teacher-to-child ratio and family events that give
families the opportunity to connect with others that have young children. The ECC is in
the process of adding weekly enrichment programs including Jewish music, Welcoming
Shabbat and Mommy and Me groups.
Shabbat morning offers multiple opportunities for learning for all ages, including
their participatory main service, learner’s service, babysitting co-op, Tot Shabbat, the
award-winning Future Daveners of Israel program for 3–5 year-olds, Kid’s Kehillah (ages
6–12), and Youth Minyan for post-B’nai Mitzvah youth. Every week, the community joins
together for a community lunch.
Beth Shalom has four successful youth groups, including Matanot (2nd and 3rd Grades),
Chaverim (4th and 5th Grades), Kadima (6th–8th Grade), and USY (9th–12th Grade).
Beth Shalom has an award-winning B’nai Mitzvah program preparing children to lead
services and read Torah with extraordinary skill. Beth Shalom also offers exceptional
adult education classes, Shabbat morning learners’ services, Israeli dancing, social
action and much more!
Beth Shalom strives to be a full-service community, caring for members at tough times
through the Mitzvah Corps, and celebrating their simchas. Holidays and Shabbat are
joyously celebrated. Their hospitality committee is happy to set up visitors, guests and
regulars for Shabbat dinners, in addition to our community and neighborhood dinners.
Beth Shalom was the 2009 winner of Best Congregation and Best Place to have a Bar/
Bat Mitvah, voted by the readers of JTNews.
Beth Shalom is a diverse, welcoming, family-friendly community, where they welcome
everyone interested in making Judaism a part of their lives. They welcome you.
Congregation Eitz Or
P.O. Box 15480, Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-467-2617 • E-mail: info@eitzor.org
www.eitzor.org
Contact: Tree McCurdy (Administrator) or Ellen Jablow (President/Tsofah)
Congregation Eitz Or (Tree of Light) is a Jewish Renewal community that celebrates
Judaism with joy and spiritual depth. Founded in 1990, this loving community offers
egalitarian religious services, education for adults, tikkun olam, and a vibrant home for
observing the cycle of the Jewish year. This community encourages broad participation in
services, including leadership and learning opportunities. Shabbat evening and morning
services are generally held once per month. Havdalah and Torah study are offered once
or twice per month. Please visit the Web site for specific dates and more information.
Congregation Shaarei Tefilah Lubavitch
6250 43rd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-525-1161 • E-mail: info@chabadofseattle.org
Rabbi: Sholom Ber Levitin
President: Yossi Greenberg
Congregation Shaarei Tefilah is a welcoming community dedicated to reaching out to
Jewish families from all backgrounds and helping them reconnect with or strengthen
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 15
their commitment to their heritage.
Shaarei Tefilah is a place where Jewish families gather on Shabbat for spirited
davening, followed by steaming cholent and a hearty l’chaim. Shaarei Tefilah is a place
where Jews can come to learn Torah, sing a niggun, hear an amazing Hassidic story
from the rabbi or a true-life insight from a stranger.
Shaarei Tefilah offers daily morning and afternoon/evening services, lectures, and
ongoing classes.
On Simchat Torah, the joy is tangible — people wander in from the neighborhood and
get swept up in the dancing, singing and celebration. On the High Holidays, no one needs
a ticket — everyone is welcome to come and make their peace with God.
Members of the congregation regularly open their homes on Shabbat to visitors from
out of town or Seattleites exploring traditional Judaism.
When Jews from around the world come to Seattle for treatment at Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center or Children’s Hospital, members of Shaarei Tefilah are there to provide for
their needs — from candles for Shabbat to emotional support for their families.
CSTL has grown exponentially as a community, from a handful of families a decade
ago, to in excess of over 110 families plus many singles and elderly couples.
The congregation’s new synagogue building and mikvah are in the Northend of
Seattle.
Non-members welcome!
Kadima Reconstructionist Community
Office: 12353 8th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206–547-3914 • E-mail: office@kadima.org
www.kadima.org
www.womenstorah.com
www.middleeastpeacecamp.org
Board President: Doug Brown
Education Director: Sharron Lerner
Program Director: Rainer Waldman Adkins
Office Manager: Kathy Gallagher
Kadima is a progressive Jewish Reconstructionist community integrating study, cel-
ebration, and work for social justice. Founded in 1978, Kadima is the Northwest’s oldest
progressive Jewish organization and has been a trailblazer on many fronts, including
peace in Israel, anti-Semitism, and feminism. Kadima makes a strong connection
between social activism and Jewish spiritual traditions, ethics, culture, and history.
Mission and practices. Kadima welcomes members whose Jewish beliefs and
practices span the spectrum from humanistic to theistic. Multicultural households
are welcomed, including non-Jewish partners and family members. Regardless of
background, everyone is encouraged to celebrate and learn more about progressive
Judaism. A founding principle of Kadima is the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender members.
Kadima seeks to integrate a wide range of Jewish experience into its priorities and
practices. It is committed to making its programs and community accessible to all its
members, and to people searching for a Jewish home.
Jewish Education. The Kadima School meets two Sundays a month. Kadima’s
anti-bias curriculum, hands-on educational experiences, holistic education philosophy,
and parental involvement help to create a vibrant learning environment. The education
program begins with a pre-K-and-parents program and continues through the high school
grades. Kadima strives to provide a full, rich, and authentic Jewish education.
Modern Conversational Hebrew Classes. Classes begin in the 3rd grade. Sixth and
2010–2011
 16 family directory
7th graders may begin Bar and Bat Mitzvah studies in preparation for their services
and celebrations.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation. Kadima’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah students participate in
Judaic and Hebrew studies, mitzvah programs, and community building activities. Madrichim
(adult mentors) work with students and families to prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.
Adult Education. Adult education at Kadima includes classes, one-time workshops,
visiting lecturers and an annual spring retreat. The content of Kadima’s adult educational
programs includes exploration of progressive Judaism, spiritual development, cultural
connections, and social justice activism.
MMSC Day School
Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder
New campus opening in 2010-2011!
8511 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-523-9766 • Fax: 206-524-6105
E-mail: info@mmscdayschool.org
www.mmscdayschool.org
Head of School: Rabbi Yosef Charytan
General Studies Principal: Marcia Rodes, Ed.D.
Established in 1974, MMSC serves early childhood and grades K–12.
Why choose Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder for your child?
With a stellar dual-curriculum program, students receive a strong general studies
education (where many students place at the upper levels of The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills
and The Iowa Tests of Educational Development standardized scores), as well as complete
immersion in Judaics. Small classrooms, separate boys’ and girls’ classes, and an
emphasis on midos tovos (character education) are hallmarks of MMSC’s excellence.
MMSC provides a meaningful, wholesome experience with individualized expectations
of excellence. MMSC develops the mind, soul and body of each child through varied
learning experiences.
MMSC graduates are fully prepared for any high school, yeshiva, seminary or college
program they choose, and often rank in the top 10 percent at these institutions. MMSC students
have ranked as National Merit Scholars, and have taken academic prizes at the colleges they
have attended. Many serve as communal leaders in communities world-wide.
MMSC Early Childhood Center
Daycare • Jewish Montessori Program
New Campus opening in 2010-2011!
8511 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-523-9766 • Fax: 206-524-6105
E-mail: info@mmscdayschool.org
www.mmscdayschool.org/earlychildhood
Director: Marave Herbstman
Established in 1974, MMSC Early Childhood serves children ages 3 months–6
years.
At MMSC they offer a rich curriculum founded upon Jewish traditions in conjunction
with the Montessori methodology. They have trained and mentored teachers dedicated
to the growth of each individual child.
Their philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for each child. The Montessori classes
combine general and Judaic studies in an integrated curriculum. At MMSC your child
Northwest Jewish Family
will learn to think, observe and reflect. Learning will become its own reward and each
success will fuel his or her desire to discover something new. An integral part of their
program is character development. A child’s ultimate discovery will be his or her true
potential as a human being and as a Jew.
At MMSC, Judaism is the taste of honey that sweetens the life of a child, giving each
child a personal connection to his or her Jewish heritage. MMSC is an early childhood
experience for the entire Jewish community, regardless of background or affiliation.
Whatever you are looking for in a preschool, from the loving attention of a devoted
staff to quality educational activities, to a comfortable exposure to Jewish life, you
will find it at MMSC.
They offer the following programs:
Daycare: 3–18 months
Mezuzah Munchkins: 18 months-2 years
Torah Tots: 2 years old by Aug. 30
Mitzvah Mavens: 3–6 years old by Aug. 30
Seattle Jewish Community School
12351 8th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206-522-5212 • Fax: 206-525-9023
E-mail: info@seattlejcs.org or admissions@seattlejcs.org
www.sjcs.net
Board President: Yonah Karp
Head of School: Shoshana Bilavsky
SJCS offers a challenging, dual curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade
students. General and Judaic studies are integrated, and teaching teams collaborate to
address the whole child. Critical thinking, problem solving, and responsibility for one’s
learning are foundational skills emphasized in all aspects of the curriculum.
SJCS is egalitarian and unaffiliated with any particular Jewish movement. A strong
sense of community is grounded in respect for the diverse choices Jewish families make.
Jewish literacy and engagement are fostered in a climate of respect for all cultures.
SJCS encourages children to find paths that utilize their unique gifts and encourage
discoveries that reveal strengths amidst their challenges. SJCS emphasizes a vocabulary
of kindness and a code of behavior rooted in timeless Jewish values. Teachers guide
children in applying these values to the ethical and moral questions of the present day.
Students are challenged to grow — academically and intellectually, spiritually and
emotionally. Graduates are inspired to carry their positive senses of identity, confidence,
and questions into the greater world and to actively engage in making it better.
While general studies (math, science, language arts, and social studies) are taught in
the morning and Judaic studies (Hebrew, Torah, Israel, holidays/rituals, Jewish history
and values) are taught in the afternoon, SJCS integrates curricular areas. Teaching
teams facilitate continuity and growth for each student throughout the day. Thematic,
integrated studies support students in seamless, meaningful, and deep learning experi-
ences. Graduates continue their educations at Jewish day schools, selective private
schools, and public schools, with many in advanced learning programs.
SJCS offers specialty curricula including science, art, music, creative dance, library,
P.E., and learning support and extension. SJCS has onsite before- and after-school
enrichment programs. The campus features a science lab, full-sized gym, library,
playground, and is conveniently located in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood.
2010–2011
 family directory 17

Stroum JCC Early Childhood Education www.templebetham.org

Seattle Facility Senior Rabbis: Rabbi Jonathan Singer & Rabbi Beth Singer
2618 NE 80th St., Seattle WA 98115 Temple Beth Am, a Reform congregation in Seattle’s Northend, embodies holiness,
Phone: 206-526-8073 • E-mail:peterb@sjcc.org social involvement and ethical behavior. It values community, worship, tikkun olam
Contact: Peter Blair, SJCC Early Childhood Education Director and education.
Please see a description of this program in the East King County/Mercer Island section Learning: 600 children attend the temple’s religious school, from pre-schoolers
of Northwest Jewish Family, on page 28. through high school seniors. Rabbi Janine Schloss directs their 50 teachers and 80 teen
assistants. Religious school meets on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Parents
Seattle Jewish Homeschoolers are encouraged to participate in adult forums every Sunday morning.
Phone: 206-229-2841 • E-mail: seattlejewishhomeschoolers@gmail.com Community: Beth Am Temple Youth (BATY), affiliated with North American Federa-
Contact: Deborah Harrick tion of Temple Youth, offers professionally advised, teen-planned/led social, cultural,
Seattle Jewish Homeschoolers is open to all Jewish homeschooling and unschooling spiritual and community service activities.
families, regardless of denomination, affiliation, or level of observance. Any families Events for 5th–12th graders focus on local programming and building relationships
who live in or around the greater Seattle area who wish to connect with other Jewish among teens. Youth Director Dorothy Kahn works with teens and their families to
homeschooling families for support, social and educational purposes may contact them strengthen Jewish connections. Beth Am sponsors KlezKidz, an intergenerational
for more information or an invitation to join the Yahoo! groups listserve. orchestra (ages 10–80), which performs regionally with KidzChorus (ages 6–16), under
the direction of Music Director Wendy Marcus.
Temple Beth Am Worship: Every month Beth Am offers two Shabbat services for young children: Tot
2632 NE 80th St., Seattle, WA 98115 Shabbat (fourth Saturdays, 9:15–10 a.m.) and Kinder Kabbalat (first Friday, 5:45 p.m.
Phone: 206-525-0915 • Fax: 206-526-7964 snacks, 6:15 p.m. service.) Childcare is provided during the regular 10:30 a.m. Shabbat
E-mail: temple@templebetham.org service. Kabbalat Shabbat services include Shir B’Yachad — a folk music family-based

Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’re

welcome at our table, our joyous services,
religious school and more.

Join us for fun half-hour services for young children

Kinder Kabbalat Shabbat, first Friday, 5:45 PM
and Tot Shabbat, fourth Saturday, 9:15 AM
Family friendly Shabbat services
3rd, 4th and 5th Fridays at 6:15 PM

Temple BeTh Am
2632 Ne 80th Street
The Island’s favorite gathering place for the past 37 years. Seattle, WA 98115
We're family-friendly and we look forward to serving you. www.templebetham.org
2707 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island 206-232-4780 206-525-0915
Mon: 9-3 Tues-Fri: 9-6 Sat: 9-4 Sun: Closed lindagadola@comcast.net Spirituality • Learning • Tikkun Olam • Community

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 18 family directory

service with a story in lieu of a sermon —on the third Friday at 6:15 p.m. and Kol party, pre-Pesach childcare, and Shavuot learning for adults and teens
HaNeshama (Voice of the Soul) — with participatory music — on the fourth and fifth • The annual BCMH Family Barbecue
Fridays at 6:15 p.m. On High Holy Days, Beth Am offers children’s services and children’s • Weekly Teen Lounge and monthly events and outings for middle school and high
programming during daytime adult services. Family friendly observances and celebra- school students
tions are scheduled during Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’shevat, Purim and Pesach. BCMH also operates Camp Kol Rena, the very popular four-week Jewish day camp
for students entering 1st–6th grades (www.campkolrena.org).
In addition to its Seward Park location, BCMH operates a satellite minyan on Shabbos
Seattle — South and holidays in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Children’s Shabbat is held on
the Shabbat before each Rosh Chodesh (the Shabbat of the blessing of the new moon).
Bikur Cholim–Machzikay Hadath Congregation Young children participate in the services with song and story. Older children regularly
5145 S Morgan St., Seattle, WA 98118 conduct parts of the service and deliver divrei Torah.
Phone: 206-721-0970
Information line: 206-517-8303 • Fax: 206-723-0679 Congregation Ezra Bessaroth
E-mail: julie@bcmhseattle.org 5217 S Brandon St., Seattle, WA 98118
Youth Programs: youth@bcmhseattle.org Phone: 206-722-5500 • Fax: 206-725-8985
www.bcmhseattle.org E-mail: office@ezrabessaroth.net
Rabbi: Moshe Kletenik www.ezrabessaroth.net
President: Andy Jacobs Interim Rabbi: Rabbi Frank Varon
Adult & Family Program Director: Julie Greene President: Steven Hemmat
BCMH, located in the Seward Park neighborhood of Seattle, is the largest Ashkenazic Orthodox Hazzan: Yogev Nuna
synagogue in the greater Seattle area, with nearly 300 member families. BCMH houses and Hazzan Emeritus: Isaac Azose
maintains the newly refurbished Seattle Mikvah, and maintains the community eruv. BCMH has Congregation Ezra Bessaroth was founded in the early years of the 20th century as a
a vibrant youth community of more than 200 infants, children and teens. Its youth programs charitable organization. The congregation strives to preserve its Sephardic character
and adult and family programs provide full-service programming for families that is primarily and traditions in worship and life.
centered around Shabbat and holidays. Some of the many services provided include: The congregation maintains a unique Sephardic religious school held in the Stroum
• Shabbat and holiday childcare and tefillah programs for children and youth 18 Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. The Reverend Behar Youth program
months–18 years offers creative children’s programming for all ages. Shabbat morning junior services
• Bi-annual Youth Shabbos and regular youth participation in Shabbat morning for grade-school children and childcare for 5 and younger are offered every week
services starting at 10 a.m.
• The BCMH High Holidays Day Camp for ages 1–10 years on Rosh Hashanah and Yom The synagogue offers a great variety of classes for everyone in the family: Jewish
Kippur Discussion Group, Talmud for Beginners in Hebrew and English, tefillah classes for
• Family holiday programs such as the annual Sukkah Hop, Hanukkah dinner, Purim under Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Ladino classes, which keep the traditional language of
Sephardim alive. The rabbi offers a rich six-month Bat Mitzvah training program, which
equips girls with knowledge and strong ties to traditions. They also help organize the
Where Learning Has No Limits!
Morningside Bat Mitzvah ceremonies in an exciting and Orthodox manner. Boys have the opportunity
to prepare for their Bar Mitzvah with the hazzan, allowing them to lead the services
Academy on their special day.
Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Lag B’Omer and Hanukkah celebrations for
Full Year & Summer School
the entire family have gained the recognition of the larger community, which attend
Foundations Program
“en masse.” In addition, Shabbat programs and dinners during the year are offered to
• Multi-sensory instruction Basic Skills: Grades 1–8
members and the community. Also during the year, their adult program and education
• Grades 1–8 Middle School Grades 6–9
• Fully integrated program
committee brings lectures and music events of special interest and enjoyment for the
Reading, Writing & Math whole community.
• Small class size
Study & Organizational Skills Ezra Bessaroth co-sponsors, with Sephardic Bikur Holim, a two- to three-week
Educating students with dyslexia Thinking, Reasoning & Problem Solving
overnight Sephardic Adventure Camp in the early summer.
and related language difficulties Daily Report Card
Art, Wushu, Field Trips Ezra Bessaroth is known for its hospitality and warmth. The congregation welcomes
all visitors and works to take care of those in need. Although Sephardic in orientation,
10211 12th Ave. South, Seattle 206-709-9500 they welcome all Jews.
206-763-1167 201 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle
www.hamlinrobinson.org www.morningsideacademy.org

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 family directory 19

LivingJudaism
1420 36th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: 206-691-5096 • E-mail: Seattle@livingjudaism.com
www.livingjudaism.com
Contacts: Rabbi Chaim and Techiya Levine
LivingJudaism is a dedicated to sharing the relevance of Judaism and Jewish values
in a way that directly impacts the wisdom, well-being, and closeness of Jewish indi-
viduals, marriages, and families, and enables them to become better participants and
contributors to their communities.
The modern challenges of work, marriage, and raising a family leave most people
anywhere from busy to full capacity. In Seattle, LivingJudaism is striving to create a model
Jewish marriage and parenting institute using a dynamic and experiential curriculum of
programs, workshops, and individual sessions that directly address these questions:
Do Jewish values help people go from policing their children to guiding them? From
trying to keep up with life to feeling enriched by it? From feeling challenged by their
marriages to being supported in them? From wondering how they can make a contribu-
tion to actively engaging in helping others?
LivingJudaism sums up its mission in these simple terms: They want to help people
to find in Judaism the well-being, perspective and understanding that changes their
lives and the lives of those around them.
Their rabbis and teachers come from a traditional perspective that is both open and
inclusive, and the participants come from every walk of Jewish life, reflecting the entire
Jewish community. LivingJudaism began originally under the name Jewish Family Institute
and was a pilot program of Aish Seattle. The core team consists of Rabbi Chaim and Techiya
Levine, Rabbi Mark and Heather Spiro, Andrea Levin, and Sharon Katzevman.
The Seattle Kollel
5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-722-8289 • E-mail: info@seattlekollel.org
www.seattlekollel.org
President: Steven Fast
Rosh Kollel: Rabbi Avrohom David
Phone: 206-369-1215 • E-mail: rabbidavid@seattlekollel.org
Executive Director: Rabbi Richard Toban
Phone: 206-228-6130 • E-mail: toban@seattlekollel.org
Explore Jewish wisdom. Discover the depths of the Torah. Delve into ancient texts.
Connect with your heritage. This is the Seattle Kollel.
Founded in 1991, the Seattle Kollel is a vibrant organization offering a wide range
of Jewish learning opportunities and activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The
ideal is based on an altruistic standard of minimal or no cost for education for adults,
youth and children.

camp solomon schechter

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Boating • Kayaking • Arts & Crafts • Sports

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Challenge Course featuring high & Low Ropes Course!

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206.447.1967 info@campschechter.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/campschechter

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 20 family directory

The Kollel’s professionally structured programming attracts people of all affiliations Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation is one of the largest Sephardic congregations in
and interests, Jewish men, women and children of all backgrounds and abilities in a the United States, following traditions and customs from Jewish Turkish origin brought
nonjudgmental atmosphere. Whether a student is just learning to read the Aleph-Bet or by its founding fathers nearly 100 years ago. Services are conducted daily, with liturgical
studying advanced Talmud, the Kollel’s innovative combination of group and one-on-one melodies stemming from the musical tradition of the Ottomon Empire.
learning greatly enhances their connection to Judaism. There are numerous Jewish education classes held throughout the week, some
following weekday morning services, and others on Shabbat afternoon prior to evening
Youth Programming services, as well as various lectures at scheduled times. The ongoing classes are held
Phone: 206-331-8767 • E-mail: bresler@seattlekollel.org in the Scharhon Library of the synagogue with Rabbi Simon Benzaquen, Rabbi Frank
Contacts: Rabbi Yehudah and Shaindel Bresler Varon, and Rabbi Solomon Maimon; lay members of the congregation also participate
Includes a wide array of opportunities, from the Sunday Jewish Experience, a hands-on, in teaching various Jewish subjects of interest. Each Wednesday evening (7:30–9 p.m.),
interactive “Sunday school,” to summer day camps, as well as parent/child learning programs Rabbi Benzaquen provides a class and open discussions focusing on the laws of Shabbat
and events. Tot Shabbat is held Friday mornings and the Berel Fuchs Children’s Library is and the forthcoming holidays.
open for parents and their children to spend time browsing and learning together. Sephardic Bikur Holim also offers varied social programs for its youth and adults,
The Kollel operates out of a beautiful building in the Seward Park neighborhood. including after-school gatherings, summer camp experiences, lectures and a social
It houses a Beit Midrash (House of Learning), offices, libraries (Hebrew and English, luncheon for seniors which are held every other month. A monthly publication — La Boz
research and lending), and a tape library. This ensures a buzz of learning inside the — is published and distributed to the membership, while its e-mail version — eLaBoz,
building during the week, and extends beyond the borders of Seward Park to all the announcing community-wide programs and articles of interest — is sent out weekly to
other classes and activities that the Kollel offers, from synagogues to coffee houses, a distribution list. Sephardic Adventure Camp (overnight) and its day camp have been
from homes to the outdoors throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. ongoing for several years. Today, each camp entertains children of Sephardic and non-
Connect personally with the Kollel rabbis, their wives and their families. Come to their Sephardic backgrounds from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere.
classes. Come to their homes. Join this dynamic team who are excited about learning The Scharhon Memorial Library is one of the most extensive Hebrew and English Judaic
and sharing our heritage. libraries in the Northwest. It is open during synagogue hours to synagogue members,
and by appointment to the remaining community.
Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation Weekday and Shabbat service schedule:
6500 52nd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118 Weekdays: Monday and Thursday mornings: 6:50 a.m.
Phone: 206-723-3028 • Fax: 206-760-9469 Weekdays: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 7 a.m.
E-mail: sbholim@qwestoffice.net Weekday evenings (Minha/Arvith): Call office for time
E-mail for e-LaBoz: sephbikurholim@comcast.net Friday evenings at sundown (Summer schedule at 7 p.m.)
www.sbhseattle.org Shabbat morning (tefilah): 8:30 a.m.
Rabbi: Simon Benzaquen Sunday mornings (tefilah): 8 a.m.
Rabbi Emeritus: Solomon Maimon
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m (Winter months Fridays 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) Torah Day School of Seattle
3613 S Juneau St., Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-722-1200 • Fax: 206-723-1449
E-mail: tdsseattle@gmail.com
Head of school: Rabbi Sheftel Skaist
Torah Day School of Seattle…
… A school that students see as a home away from home.
Visit the school and experience the nurturing environment for yourself. You will
Serving gifted students immediately feel the energy and spirit of a thriving establishment where Torah study,
in Grades K–8 tefillah, and general studies learning are at their best.
… A school where teachers cultivate meaningful relationships with each and every
student.
• Innovation Small class sizes allow students to get the individual attention they need. Texts,
ore
• Excellence no m materials, and goals are tailored to each child.
fees!
studio … A school where students learn who they are as Jews in the context of history.
• Community
TDS students are taught a general overview of 6,000 years of Jewish history in a single
University Village, Seattle impressionistic lesson. This enables students to understand what matters most: where
206.527.8554 they are going and how to get there.
6128 168th Place SE, Bellevue www.ceramics-painting.com … A school where general and Judaic studies are integrated.
425-747-2911 www.ows.org General knowledge is often presented in the context of Jewish life. The dynamic dual

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 family directory 21

curriculum is infused with Torah perspectives. This enables children to connect to their
community and the world in general.
… A school where students learn using physical materials, not just textbooks and
workbooks.
TDS students learn in a variety of ways that address different learning styles. Multiple
intelligences are addressed by using tangible materials that allow children to relate to
abstract concepts.
… A school where young children are able to identify the chapter of any verse in
the Torah.
TDS students learn a 350-year-old memory system that allows them to tell you any
fact’s exact location within an entire tractate of Mishna or portion in the Torah.
… A school where students learn the basic details of all 613 commandments.
TDS students remember hundreds of mitzvos using picture associations. This gives
them a context of what it means to be an observant Jew and how to apply mitzvos to
their lives.
Torah High of Seattle
5145 S Morgan St., Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-453-5231 • E-mail: rnider@gmail.com
www.torahhigh.org
Torah High is an after-school Jewish studies program that allows public high school
students to take Jewish studies courses and receive high school credit. Free food at
every class, dynamic and engaging classes, and cool prizes make Torah High the place
to be! An example of some of the classes Torah High offers are Krav Maga (Israeli martial
arts), guitar, all levels of Hebrew and Ladies’ Learning classes.
Torah High is operated by NCSY, the premier organization dedicated to connect,
inspire, and empower Jewish teens and encourage passionate Judaism through Torah
and tradition.
Contact: Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz
The TLC’s motto, “Your Jewish Family in West Seattle,” defines the warm, heimish
atmosphere it exudes. Its members are a diverse group, consisting of families with
children, singles of all ages, and older adults from varied Jewish backgrounds, who
see the center as a communal home rather than a synagogue.
Founded in 2001 under the leadership of Rabbi Richard Toban of the Seattle Kollel,
the Torah Learning Center was formed to create a warm, welcoming Jewish community
in West Seattle. What began with informal adult education classes and social events
meeting in various people’s homes rapidly blossomed into an established institution
that serves as a facility to host weekly children’s programs, adult education classes
and occasional services.
Upon their arrival in 2004, Rabbi Ephraim and Aliza Schwartz, with their energy and
open home policy, have brought the warmth and depth of traditional Judaism to West
Seattle, offering explanations at the weekly Friday night and Shabbat day services, which
always conclude with an invitation to stay for the Shabbat meals. The traditional holidays
are alive and relevant, also accompanied with explanations and festivities.
In June of 2008, the Schwartz family purchased a home in West Seattle, which
currently hosts their minyan. Rabbi David and Giti Fredman have also moved to West
Seattle to assist in the TLC’s community outreach activities. They can be reached at
rabbifredman@seattlekollel.org or gitifredman@seattlekollel.org.
No synagogue affiliation is necessary and all are always welcome.
A Dynamic
Home for Judaism

Congregation
West Seattle Beth Shalom
CBS is the place for
Kol HaNeshamah Young Families!
6115 SW Hinds, Seattle, WA 98116 • Innovative Religious
Phone: 206-935-1590 • E-mail: info@khnseattle.org School Program
www.khnseattle.org • Vibrant Early Childhood
Kol HaNeshamah offers a robust children’s education program, including Limmud Center
Shabbat children’s education for toddlers through teens on Shabbat mornings and a • Family Shabbat &
weekday afternoon Hebrew school for 2nd to 7th grade. Graduates of the KHN Hebrew Holiday programming
school are encouraged to apply for the Madrichim program, placing student aides in
• Annual Family Camp
KHN’s many classrooms. KHN’s teen program and youth group is aptly named Chai
Congregation Beth Shalom
School. Teens travel to a new Jewish place in the U.S. and abroad each year and par- An egalitarian, participatory community!
6800 35th Ave NE
ticipate in a wide range of fun and exciting opportunities throughout the year. KHN’s
Seattle, WA 98115
summer camp, Camp Kol, is the only Jewish day camp in West Seattle and focuses on 206-524-0075
www.bethshalomseattle.org
the environment and tikkun olam. info@bethshalomseattle.org

West Seattle Torah Learning Center

5121 SW Olga St., Seattle, WA 98116
Phone: 206-938-4TLC [4852] • E-mail: rabbschwartz@yahoo.com
www.seattlekollel.org
E-mail: rabbschwartz@yahoo.com

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 22 family directory
Weekly Shabbat services: Friday night services begin at sundown (with earlier summer
hours), and Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m., with an explanatory Torah reading at
10:30 a.m., followed by kiddush. Services are held at the address above. There is also
a Thursday morning tefillin minyan at 6:45 a.m.
Subscribe to the TLC’s weekly e-mail, “Insights and Inspirations” to keep abreast of
the many classes and events, and become inspired and laugh with the relevant words
of Torah skillfully woven with humor each week with Rabbi Schwartz’s d’var Torah.
Vashon Island
Havurat Ee Shalom
15401 Westside Highway, Vashon Island, WA 98070
Phone: 206-463-1399 • E-mail: board@vashonhavurah.org
www.vashonhavurah.org
Board President: Louise Dorfman Olsen
Havurat Ee Shalom is a warm and welcoming home for the spiritual, social and
intellectual needs of the Jewish community on Vashon Island. They are located at
15401 Westside Highway, sometimes referred to as “The little white house/shul on the
prairie,” but in the middle of Puget Sound. Their mission is to foster the exploration of
the richness and diversity of Jewish life; to create an egalitarian setting where each
member’s individual Jewish path is honored and supported; and to cultivate the tenets
of Judaism through study (Torah), justice (tzedakah), prayer (tefillah), deeds of loving
kindness (gemilut chassadim), and healing the world (tikkun olam).
Every Shabbat morning from 9:30 to 11 a.m., they have a rich and lively Torah study
(bring your own coffee/tea and curiosity). All are welcome. Friday night Shabbat services,
with an oneg following are held the fourth Friday night of the month at 7 p.m. They
are typically lay-led and, on occasion, led by a visiting rabbi.
Board meetings are scheduled the third Sunday  of the month at  5:30 p.m.  with a
fabulous and informative movie night following. Guests, friends, newcomers, volunteers
are always welcome.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call their board
president, Louise Olsen.
East King County/Mercer Island
Alexander Muss High School in Israel
3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-948-2030 • Fax: 206-260-3939
E-mail: kyeyni@amhsi.org
www.amhsi.org
Director of Admissions: Kathy Yeyni
The Alexander Muss High School in Israel is dedicated to engaging teens while they
discover and embrace their connection to the history, culture and land of Israel through
education, experiences, and understanding.
AMHSI’s core program — designed for sophomores, juniors and seniors — is offered
four times during the academic year and in the summer. AMSHI offers the opportunity
to studying history and travel while preparing for college. The two-month study abroad
program follows a chronological curriculum of 4,000 years by actually traveling through
history, using the land of Israel as a “living classroom.” In addition, AMHSI is fully
accredited so students can continue with their high school subjects, such as math,
Northwest Jewish Family
science, and foreign language, and receive full credit from their high school.
In addition to the core program, AMHSI also works with individual Jewish day
schools, camps and community groups to tailor programs to meet each group’s unique
educational goals.
Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue
Office: 12351 Lake City Way NE #201, Seattle, WA 98125
Worship: At Unity of Bellevue, 16330 NE 4th St. (near Crossroads), Bellevue
Phone: 206-527-9399 • Fax: 206-527-5496
E-mail: info@betalef.org
www.betalef.org
Family Programs Contact: Rabbi Olivier BenHaim at Rabbi.Olivier@betalef.org
Shabbat: Bet Alef offers Shabbat Services on the first and third Friday nights of each
month at 7:30 p.m. in Bellevue. Childcare is available with a reservation. The essence of
Bet Alef is its meditative approach to Jewish identity, the traditional liturgy, rituals, and
text. Within that context, Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue includes a growing community
of families with children of all ages. Rabbi Olivier leads monthly Family Shabbat or
Havdalah services with dinners at members’ homes, and programs throughout the
year geared toward a joyful and deep understanding of Jewish traditions and holidays
for parents and kids alike.
Family Programs include: Children’s preparation workshops for all major holidays
throughout the year, with age-appropriate activities on Rosh Hashanah and a family
service on Yom Kippur. A variety of children’s family celebrations are offered for
Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Lag B’Omer and an annual potluck Family
Passover Seder.
B’nai Mitzvah: Bet Alef’s B’nai Mitzvah program is a unique and inclusive program,
designed for teenagers ages 11–15.
The spiritual unfolding of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process opens the door to a deeper
connection between the teenagers, their families, and the Jewish community. Bet Alef
has created a space where all three come together in a two-year program, through
which all are challenged to grow and support one another.
Special features of this program include:
• Weekly tutoring in small group sessions and individual tutoring
• Hebrew reading and Torah chanting instruction
• Jewish history and holiday instruction
• Focus on the three major themes of Torah, avodah (prayer), and gemilut chassadim
(doing mitzvot)
• Meditation instruction and practice
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony
There is no membership requirement for the B’nai Mitzvah program, no traditional
age restriction, and interfaith families are welcome.
Chabad of the Central Cascades
24121 SE Black Nugget Rd., Issaquah, WA 98029
Phone: 425-427-1654 or 425-985-7639 • Fax: 425-642-8389
E-mail: Info@ChabadIssaquah.com
www.chabadissaquah.com
Contacts: Rabbi Shalom D. (Berry) Farkash and Mrs. Nechama S. Farkash
Chabad of the Central Cascades, also known as the Chabad Jewish Center of Issaquah,
is dedicated to providing an open-door environment for strengthening and enhancing
Jewish values and identity to all families living in the Issaquah/Sammamish communities
2010–2011
 family directory 23

and points beyond, regardless of background, philosophy or level of commitment.
The center serves individuals and families looking for a non-judgmental, accepting,
personalized Jewish experience, including:
• A variety of programs for the yearly cycle of Jewish life: Hanukkah public menorah
lightings, Hanukkah and Purim parties, Tu B’Shevat family seder, Lag B’Omer picnic,
Shavuot ice cream party, Pesach family seder, High Holidays and Shabbat services.
• A full schedule of classes and lectures throughout the year of Torah and Jewish
education.
Chabad helps families in the area perform their Jewish lifecycles from birth through
Bar and Bat Mitzvah, weddings and funerals, whether it is finding a mohel, preparing
for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, or funeral arrangements and Kaddish.
Chabad offers “Judaism with a Smile,” and a home away from home for everyone
who walks through its doors.
“Mommy and Me”
www.ChabadIssaquah.com/MommyandMe
Contact: Nechama Farkash
A fun way to learn and grow! This class is a great way for Jewish parents and children
to learn and explore in a warm and loving Jewish environment.
Geared for Jewish parents, grandparents, and children of all backgrounds and affili-
ations, the program combines music and movement, stories, discussion, and crafts
for children from birth to 3 years of age. Directed by Nechama Farkash, every session
provides new and creative lessons for both parent and child. The values are brought to
life by lively, interactive presentations and hands-on crafts.
“Parents are looking to learn and spend time with their young children in a warm envi-
ronment,” says Mrs. Farkash, the program’s founder. “This program serves that need,
giving both parent and child the opportunity to discover their heritage in a fun way.”
Contact Chabad of the Central Cascades for the Mommy and me schedule. Sessions
are free but registration is required.
Plateau Judaikids Program
Phone: 425-985-8996 • E-mail: Judaikids@chabadissaquah.com
www.ChabadIssaquah.com
Founded In loving memory of Yitzchok Reuven and Evelyn Basker
First Taste: The Judaikids program is for ages 4–6 and runs every Wednesday for the
duration of the scholastic year. First Taste is designed to grab the very young child’s
attention with song, art, drama and games. By exposure to the Aleph-Bet, Torah tales,
prayer through song, and holiday studies, a child gains a sense of pride and love for
Judaism. Annual tuition: $450 (includes supplies/book fee).
Full Judaikids Program: Ages 7-13, runs every Wednesday for the duration of the scho-
lastic year. This program offers a more advanced Hebrew and Jewish studies curriculum.
Children learn to read and write Hebrew and gain an appreciation for the “whys and hows”

ThE lovE oF juDaiSm

BEgiNS aT
Temple B’nai Torah
religious School Summer Day Camp
Preschool through High School A Hebrew language,
Preschool through 2nd Grade Israeli culture enrichment
open to non-members day camp

ruach Shabbat Tots welcoming

Family Service Shabbat
Every first & third Friday night Friday mornings for kids birth to age 5

ruach Tot Shabbat Family

Holiday centered celebrations
For kids birth to age 5 and their family
Tot programs are free and open to the public!

Building an Inclusive Sacred Community of Reform Jews

15727 NE 4Th, BEllEvuE 425-603-9677
www.TEmplEBNaiTorah.org

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 24 family directory
of contemporary Jewish life. Annual tuition: $450 (includes supplies/book fee).
Judaikids Tutorial Program Tutoring: To help children of all ages grow. Plateau
Judaikids is proud to offer a new tutorial program for all Jewish children, regardless of
enrollment in the program. Their one-on-one format allows your child to grow at his/
her own pace, and to receive the undivided attention of a skilled educator. This method
of learning has proven to be very successful.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Ages 12-13. The transition from child to teenager is an important
milestone in a child’s life. Prepare your child for the most important day of young
adulthood. Give your child the tools he or she needs to properly navigate life as a
responsible Jewish adult.
Synagogue membership is not required. Affiliated and non-affiliated are welcome.
Payment plans available. No child will be turned away for lack of funds.
To arrange a tour or for more information, contact Rabbi Shalom D. (Berry) Farkash
at the above phone number.
Chabad Hebrew School
Eastside Torah Center
1837 156th Ave. NE, Suite 303, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-957-7860 • Fax: 425-957-0524
E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
www.chabadbellevue.org
Rabbi: Mordechai Farkash
Educational Director: Rochie Farkash
Now in its 14th year of operation. For boys and girls ages 5–14 years old.
Sundays 9:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
A traditional community Hebrew school dedicated to excellence in an engaging
and respectful learning environment in which Jewish children can grow to become
proud, caring, responsible and dedicated members of the Jewish people and American
society.
They are committed to providing an excellent education within an integrated Judaic
history and culture and the Hebrew language, one which focuses on basic skills, inde-
pendent and cooperative learning, critical thinking and creative thought.
Chabad Hebrew School seeks to:
• Imbue children with the knowledge, appreciation and respect for the broad spectrum
of Jewish religious diversity and ahavat Yisrael.
• Encourage each child to be a mensch, to perform mitzvot, and to apply his/her acquired
knowledge and values to his/her daily life
• Promote the children’s and families’ active involvement in, and support for, the school
and the center in general, strengthening Jewish identity by offering a warm Jewish
social environment
• Promote a standard of excellence in teaching and administration through ongoing
professional and technical development and innovation.
Congregation Beis Menachem — Lubavitch
Eastside Torah Center
1837 156th Ave. NE, Suite 303, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-957-7860 • Fax: 425-957-0524
E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
www.chabadbellevue.org
Rabbi: Mordechai Farkash
Shabbat at Congregation Beis Menachem is an experience. The atmosphere is
Northwest Jewish Family
welcoming, friendly and comfortable. The service is user-friendly. Pages are announced
regularly to help you keep pace. Every new person is greeted at the door. There is running
commentary throughout the Torah reading, and the rabbi’s weekly sermon connects
the reading to our daily lives.
A children’s program, complete with a prayer circle and relevant stories and song
begins in September. It all ends with a lively kiddush featuring the congregation’s famous
cholent and words of inspirations in which all are invited to participate. Every month
on the Shabbat blessing the new moon, there is a lavish sit-down lunch for the entire
community to enjoy and celebrate.
Services:
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.
Shabbat and holidays: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m.
Friday nights in the summer: 7:30 p.m.
Friday nights in the winter: 5:30 p.m.
Congregation Kol Ami
Meets at the Bear Creek United Methodist Church
16530 Avondale Rd. NE, Woodinville, WA 98077
Phone: 425-844-1604 • E-mail: admin@kolaminw.org
www.kolaminw.org
Rabbi: Mark Glickman
E-mail: rabbi@kolaminw.org
President: David Horne
E-mail: president@kolaminw.org
Religious School Director: Rita Izhaky
Congregation Kol Ami is an inclusive and welcoming Reform congregation located in
Woodinville. With a wide variety of programming, Kol Ami provides an excellent small
synagogue choice for the greater Seattle region.
Kol Ami holds weekly Shabbat services. All major holidays are observed and festival
occasions celebrated. Worship services at Kol Ami are open to both adults and children.
There is a strong commitment to Jewish education and spiritual growth for all members,
including children. Kol Ami offers a comprehensive religious school leading to B’nai
Mitzvah with small classes and award-winning teachers. Family education and tefillah
(prayer) are key components of the program. Youth programs are supported and adults
are offered opportunities to learn with the rabbi, share ideas, and volunteer. 
Kol Ami has an active Sisterhood, Kol Isha, and members participate in tikkun olam
(social action) projects for Kol Ami and the larger community. Their members enjoy
potlucks, committees, and numerous social activities. 
Kol Ami’s religious school and youth group are open to children from ages 4–18. They
are proud to teach children about the richness of Jewish traditions and Hebrew language,
and look forward to learning together with the families along this journey.
Classes for pre-kindergarten (age 4) through 7th grade (B’nai Mitzvah) meet at Kol Ami
on Sunday afternoons from 3:15–5:30 p.m. and include a tefillah service.
Grades 5 through 7 also meet on Tuesdays at temple from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Parents
are encouraged to be involved in classrooms and to attend prayer services. Tutors are
available to assist B’nai Mitzvah students with their preparation.
Rabbi Glickman and several lay leaders offer an enriching adult education series
that includes weekly Talmud-Torah study. Discussion is challenging and lively and
connects Torah to current topics. Kol Ami is also pleased to offer an ulpan Hebrew
immersion class.
2010–2011
 family directory 25

If you need additional information about Congregation Kol Ami, call the temple office
or consult the Web site for a schedule of services and special events.
Congregation Shevet Achim
P.O. Box 1552, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-275-1539 • E-mail: info@shevetachim.com
www.shevetachim.com
Services at Northwest Yeshiva High School
5017 90th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Rabbi: Yechezkel Kornfeld
President: Joe Fischer
Welcome to Congregation Shevet Achim! CSA invites you to come by and join them
on Shabbat! You will feel at home in the friendly, down-to-earth setting of this warm
Mercer Island community. CSA is a traditional Orthodox synagogue, which uses the
Ashkenazic Artscroll Siddur and Stone Chumash, and its members come from all walks
of life. The congregation is led by Seattle’s beloved Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld, who
creates an attitude in the shul that encourages learning and spiritual growth. Every
week after Shabbat services, members gather for a sit-down kiddush, where you can
socialize, sing zemirot and hear the Rabbi’s d’var Torah. Home hospitality is available,
and the eruv is usually “up”!
Shevet Achim is blessed to have many member families with young children. CSA is
proud to offer Shabbat programming for the kids, orchestrated by a few hard-working
volunteers. These programs entertain and teach the children while allowing parents
to participate in services. The program has activities for children in three age groups:
Torah Tigers (boys and girls ages 3–7); Mitzvah Pearls (girls ages 8–11) and Nachas
Ninjas (boys ages 8 –12). The children’s programs end at the conclusion of services, so
that everyone can participate in the kiddush.
The synagogue’s children have prominent roles through out the year as well. On Rosh
Hashanah, children are called up to the bimah (front of the synagogue) for a close-up view
of the shofar blowing. On Simchat Torah, children can be seen dancing with their families
while enjoying the holiday treats. For Purim, everyone dresses up in costume and during
the Purim meal there is entertainment for the children. On Shavuot, children gather at the
bimah to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments and are then treated to ice cream.
Congregation Shevet Achim is a warm and inviting synagogue, where everyone feels
comfortable. Please join them soon for an upcoming Shabbat, or plan to visit during the
coming holiday. They look forward to meeting you on Mercer Island!
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation
3700 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040
Phone: 206-232-8555 • Fax: 206-232-0283
E-mail: info@h-nt.org
www.h-nt.org

KADIMA
RECONSTRUCTIONIST COMMUNITY
Alternatives in Jewish Learning for All Ages

Experiential s Anti-Bias s Holistic s FUN

Preschool – B’nei Mitzvah + Youth Programs
Modern Conversational Hebrew - Grades 3-8
Membership not required
office@kadima.org or (206) 547-3914
w w w. k a d i m a . o r g

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 26 family directory
Contacts: Leslie Reibman, Program Director
Melanie Berman, Education Director
Herzl-Ner Tamid provides a wide range of programs that cherish and nourish Jewish
families.
Families with children from birth to age 5 delight in the many opportunities provided
through the Garinim (Little Seeds) group. Whether in pre-holiday workshops or in Simchat
Shabbat experiences, young children and their parents grow Jewishly as they build
lasting friendships and feel comfortable within the synagogue community.
Children and families of all ages can find terrific Jewish-themed toys and books in
Danny’s Den, a quiet place for families to take a break from services, as well as envi-
ronmentally friendly materials in the Nitzanim (little buds) preschool classroom. The
Danny Lewis Library section of the Frankel Library has an extraordinary selection of
children’s books in both English and Hebrew.
The Frankel Religious School offers engaging learning opportunities for children, parents,
and extended families from preschool through grade 8. The school program is based on the
principle that the best kind of Jewish education has many facets, including parent learning
and family celebrations as well as innovative classroom experiences. Jewish Day School
students and their families are encouraged to participate in all family programs.
The Frankel Religious School is distinguished by its emphasis on building comprehen-
sion of Hebrew language in the preschool and primary grades through games, songs,
active conversation, and play. These strategies provide an excellent foundation for more
advanced Hebrew study.
HNT is “The Family Place To Be” for Simchat Torah dancing, a hilarious musical Purim
spiel, and the lakeside Lag B’Omer picnic and bonfire. These programs are open to the
entire community. You and your family are welcome to join Herzl-Ner Tamid!
Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
3850 156th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
Phone: 206-323-8486 • Fax: 425-454-7391
E-mail: Laurel@tdhs-nw.org
www.tdhs-nw.org
Contact: Laurel Abrams
Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool provides a quality preschool education in a Jewish
setting for children ages 12 months through 5 years.
Their philosophy is based on a developmental approach to learning. They believe
children learn best by doing. The early childhood curriculum encourages discovery,
exploration, creative learning and problem solving skills.
Their mission is to encourage young learners to grow at their own individual pace as
they develop socially, spiritually, physically and cognitively in a Jewish environment.
The interrelationship of school and home is of primary importance. A variety of experi-
ences encourage participation by the entire family, including Tot Shabbats, Havdalah
celebrations and the annual Hanukkah art show and Spring concert.
They offer programming for toddlers to attend with a parent as well as a drop-off program
for students ages 2–5. Programming runs from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. with an extended day
option to 3:30 p.m. Two-year-olds attend two days per week, 3-year-olds attend three or
four days per week, and 4- and 5-year-olds attend four or five days per week.
The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle
15749 NE 4th St., Bellevue, WA 98008
Phone: 425-460-0200 • Fax: 425-460-0201
Northwest Jewish Family
www.jds.org
Head of School: Maria Erlitz
Board President: Robert Sulkin
The Jewish Day School offers a richly integrated, child-centered curriculum of general
and Judaic studies for students in preschool through 8th grade. The JDS mission strives
to provide academic excellence, promote spiritual growth, and prepare students to
become inquiring, compassionate Jewish leaders in the community and the world.
JDS students study language arts, social studies, math, science, Hebrew language,
Torah, tefillah (prayer), mitzvot (commandments) and holidays. Specialists in music,
art, physical education and library skills work closely with students and faculty to
enrich the core curriculum. Middle school sports teams and a variety of after-school
programs including cheerleading, chess, karate, sports, music and science enhance
the JDS student experience.
Teaching teams and small class sizes foster the development of critical thinking and
leadership skills, as students are constantly challenged to draw connections between
subjects. Community service projects, field trips and outdoor learning experiences
encourage students to apply the skills and knowledge they encounter in the classroom.
The 8th grade mission to Israel brings the history, traditions and values of the Jewish
people profoundly to life for the graduating class.
JDS, located on a seven-acre campus in Bellevue, has a soccer field and a 10,000-square-
foot athletic center. JDS’ commitment to technology enhances student learning. Students
in grades K–4 utilize the latest in educational technology in their classrooms. Beginning
in 4th grade, all students use laptop computers. The Learning Resource Center provides
services to support student learning and/or develop enrichment opportunities with the
goal of helping all students reach their individual academic potential.
K-8th grade classes are held from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (2:45 on Fridays). Preschool
is half or full day. Extended care is offered for all students and bus service is available
from Seattle and Mercer Island. Faculty, students and their families at JDS reflect the
religious, cultural and economic diversity of the greater Seattle Jewish community. JDS
is a member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools.
Northwest Yeshiva High School
5017 90th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-232-5272 • Fax: 206-232-2711
E-mail: admin@nyhs.net
www.nyhs.net
Head of School: Rabbi Bernie Fox
Ranked by the Seattle Times and University of Washington as one of the premier
academic programs in Washington State, the Northwest Yeshiva High School combines
a first class secular education with a strong Judiac curriculum. Beyond academic excel-
lence, their students and graduates personify integrity, leadership and commitment to
community service.
Located on Mercer Island, NYHS is an accredited institution of the Pacific Northwest
Association of Schools and Colleges that serves the entire Jewish community. Small
classes and a highly individualized approach to learning enable the school to nurture
each student’s potential. Specialized tracks for Judaic studies allow students of varying
Judaic backgrounds to succeed and thrive. NYHS students study core subjects such as
Language Arts, Social Studies, math, science, Jewish law, Talmud, Jewish history, Navi
(Prophets), Hebrew language and more. Electives such as film, American law, art, drama,
interscholastic athletics and speech are offered to supplement the curriculum. There are
several student-run extracurricular groups including the Committee for Israel Affairs,
2010–2011
 family directory 27

Chesed (Kindness) and Spirit clubs, Student Council and Panim literary journal.
NYHS graduates attend a wide range of colleges and yeshivot in the U.S. and abroad.
More importantly, an NYHS education instills a lifelong appreciation of learning, love of
Judaism and commitment to community.
Seattle Chapter Hadassah Training Wheels Program
Phone: 425-467-9099 • E-mail: seattle@hadassah.org
www.seattlehadassah.org
Co-Presidents: Lisa Giangreco and Trisha Tsutakawa
Training Wheels, or Al Galgalim, is a low-cost introduction to Jewish life for families
with preschool-age children through age 8. Children attend with their parents or
grandparents. In a warm and nurturing environment, families learn how to creatively
celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The groups meet monthly and complete
take-home Jewish craft projects, enjoy music, and play holiday games. Adults have
time to share ideas and experience.
This program relies on volunteer parent leaders. No experience is necessary. Hadassah
provides training and comprehensive materials.
Please call the Seattle Chapter office for more information.
Sephardic Religious School
c/o 9205 SE 42nd St., Mercer Island, WA 98040
Classes at Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-236-2815 • Fax: 206-230-9878
E-mail: morahesther@comcast.net
Director of Education: Esther Morhaime
School Hours: Sundays, 9:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Tuesdays, 4:30–6 p.m.
Sephardic Religious School is a supplementary school, co-sponsored by Sephardic
Bikur Holim Congregation and Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, to provide a Jewish
education for children that ensures the continuity of traditional Sephardic Judaism.
SRS is committed to perpetuating traditional Sephardic culture and instilling Sephardic
pride for future generations.
Sephardic Religious School serves Jewish children in pre-school through grade 8.
Each grade at SRS has a basic curriculum with areas of focus that include two periods:
Judaic studies and Hebrew reading groups. Judaic studies classes cover the following
areas in the curriculum: prayers and blessings, holidays/laws and customs, Humash
(Bible) and Navi (Prophets), and any special units of study. Hebrew reading groups cover
how to learn to read and write in Hebrew, with a limited Hebrew vocabulary.
Music, Art and Ladino are incorporated into the curriculum to enhance the Sephardic
Jewish learning experience. Students experience school-wide holiday celebrations such
as Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat (Fruticas), Purim, Pesach, and Lag B’Omer.

Host your next family celebration at

the Community Center
at merCer View on merCer island
Perfect for
Family Celebrations
and Gatherings
Weddings & Receptions
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Kids’ Birthday Party Packages
Milestone Birthday Parties
Family Reunions
Class Reunions SPrucE StrEEt ScHOOl
Family BBQs
Elementary Education
Call Ages 5 – 11
206.275.7609
to reserve your date. A rich academic environment
where creativity and
imagination thrive.

Please call for

Open House dates

www.mercergov.org/mercerroom 914 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101 206-621-9211

8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040 206.275.7609 www.sprucestreetschool.org

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 28 family directory
Tzedakah (charity) is an important concept taught at SRS. There are school-wide
tzedakah projects several times each year, such as the Kosher Food Bank Drive, buying
trees in Israel for Tu B’Shevat, and Maot Hittim (wheat money) for Pesach.
Sephardic Religious School also has a high school program called SASY (Seattle
Association of Sephardic Youth). SASY has a couple of social events, and sponsors a
Sephardic Studies class at Hebrew High each year.
The Stroum Jewish Community Center
Stroum JCC Early Childhood Education
Mercer Island Facility:
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-232-7115 • Fax: 206-232-7119
E-mail: peterb@sjcc.org
www.sjcc.org
Contact: Peter Blair, SJCC Early Childhood Education Director
SJCC Mercer Island and Seattle Early Childhood Education programs are based on
the internationally embraced Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children ages 3 months
through kindergarten are encouraged to test their theories of the world, so as to
develop a love of learning, a strong sense of self-reliance and a strong foundation for
critical thinking.
The SJCC’s developmentally appropriate curriculum is a blend of stimulating play and
challenging experiences within a supportive environment where children feel welcome,
comfortable and nurtured, and where they grow as individuals.
Children enjoy specialists in Judaic culture, music, art, movement, storytelling, yoga
(for children at the Seattle facility), and swimming in the SJCC indoor pool (for older
children at the Mercer Island facility). Shabbat is celebrated every Friday with song,
stories and challah. Enrichment classes are offered in yoga, dance, martial arts, and
sports skills.
The SJCC holds open houses for prospective families in January and February. New
family registration is open each February. Full- and part-time options are available.
Stroum JCC Parenting Centers
The SJCC Mercer Island and Seattle Parenting Centers are nationally recognized for family
outreach, parent education and support, and social activities for infants to 5-year-olds.
The Parenting Centers offer activities for people of all ages: Infants, toddlers, pre-
schoolers, parents, and grandparents. Educational classes and lectures, support groups,
and baby playtime bring the Parenting Centers alive with activity and learning. Parenting
Center programs include a free weekly Tot Shabbat with live music, Jewish holiday
celebrations, Listening Mothers support groups, music and movement, arts and crafts
for parents and children, the Mom2Mom mentoring program, and parenting lectures.
Stroum JCC Youth and Recreation Programs
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-232-7115 • E-mail: zachd@sjcc.org
Contact: Zach Duitch, Director of Youth and Recreation
The SJCC offers a variety of youth and camp programs throughout the school year
and during the summer. These programs include Kidstown before- and after-school
care, youth enrichment classes, and SJCC Summer Camp.
Kidstown is a program for kindergarten through 6th grade where children can receive
help with homework and participate in activities that enrich their minds and bodies.
Monthly themes and Judaic programming keep Kidstown kids engaged and stimulated.
Northwest Jewish Family
Kidstown staff members promote and encourage teamwork and hands-on activities.
After-school youth enrichment classes may include chess, photography, robotics,
ceramics and more.
SJCC Summer Day Camp has a 50-year tradition of excellence, with a variety of
age-appropriate camp experiences for ages 5 to 16. Staff members encourage Jewish
values such as helping others (tzedakah), welcoming everyone (hachnasat orchom),
and respecting each other.
Camps range from one-to-three week sessions and include sports, performing arts,
arts and crafts, science experiments, and specialty camps including photography,
rockets, robotics, junior lifeguards, and film production.
In addition, kids fill up Kidstown on school vacation days, and once a month on Saturday
Parents Night Out — day or night, summer or winter. Kids love the J!
Stroum JCC Fitness Programs
Phone: 206-232-7115 • E-mail: lisak@sjcc.org
www.sjcc.org
Contact: Lisa Kutzke, Director of Health, Fitness and Wellness
Whether you’re starting a new fitness plan or you want to join the SJCC softball or
basketball league or master’s swim team — or anything in between — the J on Mercer
Island has just what you’re looking for.
The SJCC offers specialized fitness programs for preschoolers, teens, adults and
seniors, including:
• 7,000-square-foot gymnasium for recreational play and indoor sports leagues (com-
petitive/recreational/masters men’s basketball, women’s basketball, kids’ basketball,
indoor soccer)
• An established aquatics program in their 25-yard indoor pool, starting with parents
and their babies in Lil’ Bubblers, and progressing through the Red Cross Learn to
Swim program, with water skills and stroke refinement; recreational swimming, lap
swimming, water aerobics, and private swim lessons are also available
• Preschool programs: yoga, dance, martial arts, sports skills
• Kids camps: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, dance, kayaking, rock
climbing – even Ultimate frisbee
• Teen athletes participate in the annual JCC Maccabi Games, a so-called annual junior
Olympics for Jewish teenagers from around the world.
Temple B’nai Torah
15727 NE 4th St., Bellevue, WA 98008
Phone: 425-603-9677 • Fax: 425-603-9699
www.templebnaitorah.org
Senior Rabbi: James Louis Mirel
E-mail: rabbi@templebnaitorah.org
Associate Rabbi & Director of Education: Yohanna Kinberg
E-mail: rabbikinberg@templebnaitorah.org
Cantor: David Serkin-Poole
E-mail: cantor@templebnaitorah.org
Director of Administration: Melissa Bloom
E-mail: mbloom@templebnaitorah.org
Temple B’nai Torah is a warm, inclusive Reform Jewish environment where people of
all ages and backgrounds are invited to build a kehillah kedosha (sacred community) by
studying Torah, learning Jewish values, and experiencing Jewish rituals and traditions
in ways that are personally meaningful.
2010–2011
 family directory 29

Tots Welcoming Shabbat: Free, clergy-led Shabbat music, movement, and fun every Bet Chaverim is located between Seattle and Tacoma, serving South King and North
Friday morning for young children and their care-givers. Pierce Counties. The members and non-members that participate consist of a diverse
Sunday Morning Religious School: cross-section of Jews and non-Jews, young adults, seniors,  singles, and families.
• Pre-K thru 2nd grade: Open to both members and non-members! Hands-on, interac- Spiritually, Bet Chaverim is a liberal congregation that honors and respects Jews and
tive learning. their choices for observance of their Jewish life.
• 3rd-6th grade: Providing children with a strong Jewish identity using arts and crafts, There is a strong choir with musical participation, very active and widely recog-
games, music, and more! nized sisterhood, a monthly topical adult discussion group, and social activities.
• Hebrew: Students study prayer-based Hebrew on Sunday mornings. This year, TBT
is also pleased to introduce a brand new mid-week Hebrew program for 4th, 5th,
and 6th graders! The Chabad Jewish Center of Pierce County
B’nai Mitzvah and beyond: Youth group events, B’nai Mitzvah preparation, mentoring 1889 N Hawthorne St., Tacoma, WA 98406
younger students, and much more! Teenagers at TBT are invited and encouraged to be Phone/Fax: 253-565-8770 • E-mail: rabbi@ChabadPierceCounty.com
full participants in temple life. www.ChabadPierceCounty.com
Adult Learning: Jewish learning for all ages and stages! Classes are offered Sunday Contacts: Rabbi Zalman and Miriam Heber
mornings and Wednesday evenings, and cover a variety of topics including Hebrew, “Your address to everything Jewish.”
theology, Jewish values, parenting, Jewish cooking, and more. Serving the greater Jewish Community of Pierce County, regardless of background
or affiliation.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai Shabbat Services: Weekly Friday night services: 6:30 p.m. (DST 7 p.m.), at the
3850 156th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 Chabad Jewish Center, followed by a traditional Friday night dinner. RSVP requested
Phone: 425-454-5085 • Fax: 425-454-7391 for dinner.
www.tdhs-nw.org Shabbat Morning Services: 10 a.m., at the Chabad Jewish Center. Services are followed
For information on programs at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, please see the listing on page by a sit-down kiddush luncheon.
13 of Northwest Jewish Family. Adult Education: Weekly Kabbalah — Torah Studies class: Thursday evenings from
7:45–9 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center
Weekly Women’s Torah class: Tuesday evenings from 8–9 p.m.. at the Chabad Jewish
South King County/Pierce County Center.
Lunch & Learn: Monthly Lunch and Learn from 12 – 1 p.m. with fellow Jewish busi-
Bet Chaverim nessmen in downtown Tacoma. See Web site for details.
25701 14th Pl. S., Des Moines, WA 98032 Soup Salad & Soul for Women: Every first and last Monday of the month from
Mailing address: 1911 SW Campus Dr. #562, Federal Way, WA 98023 11:30–12:30 p.m., at the Chabad Jewish Center. See Web site for details.
Phone: 206-577-0403 • E-mail: webmaster@betchaverim.org One-on-One study with the rabbi: Contact Rabbi Zalman Heber for appointment.
www.betchaverim.org Youth programs: Torah Tots pre-school, ages: 2–4, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Contact: Lori Nevin mornings, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Habonim Dror 

“We cherish and nourish your Jewish family” camp miriam

 Gabriola Island, BC
jewish camping with a difference
camp miriam provides fun and creative
programs to strengthen jewish identity
and connections to israel pLUs theme
days, arts & crafts, swimming, sports,
kayaking, canoeing, overnights, music,
hebrew, israeli dancing, special shabbatot
Join us throughout the year at HNT for delightful Shabbat and holiday and lots more…
programming for all ages, a Sunday preschool class, and opportunities
for parent and family learning. 604 266-2825 or camp.miriam@gmail.com
3700 E. Mercer Way • Mercer Island, WA • (206) 232-8555
E-mail: info@h-nt.org Web site: www.h-nt.org www.campmiriam.org
Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011
 30 family directory
Chabad Hebrew School – “Where Learning is Fun.” Ages: 6–13, Sunday mornings,
10–12 p.m. for enrollment, please call the office.
Jewish book lending library: Please call for hours.
Holiday enrichment programs: Holiday fun and learning for the entire family!
Weekly E*TORAH: Please call or e-mail if you wish to be added to the weekly E*Torah
mailing list, so they can be sure to inform you about all of their upcoming exciting
events.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord — Jewish Chapel
Liggett Ave. & 12th St. (Next to Bowling Arena), Ft. Lewis, WA 98433-5000
Phone: Fort Lewis Garrison Chaplain’s Office: 253-967-3718
Jewish Chapel Phone Number: 253-967-6590 (message checked 1-2 times a week)
E-mail: karen.fitzgerald@us.army.mil
Jewish Lay Leader: Karen L. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
Jewish Friday evening services are held on Friday evenings at 1800 on the 1st, 3rd,
and 5th Friday of the month. Services are open to everyone — members of the military
and retirees, as well as civilians.
To receive chapel e-mail, including the biweekly bulletin, e-mail Dr. Karen Fitzgerald,
the Jewish lay leader. Contact by e-mail is preferred.
Mail can be sent to the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, IMNW-LEW-RS (Jewish Program),
Box 339500, MS 52, Fort Lewis, WA 98433.
Temple Beth El
5975 S 12th St., Tacoma, WA 98465
Phone: 253-564-7101 • Fax: 253-564-7103
E-mail: dball@templebethel18.org
www.templebethel18.org
Contact: Debbie Ball, Religious Education Assistant
If either you or your family seeks a Jewish home in the South Sound, look no further
than Temple Beth El. It is easy to get involved in their many educational, worship and
community activities.
For youth, Temple Beth El’s religious school offers exciting and interactive classes
for pre-schoolers (beginning at age 2) through high school students.
For pre-schoolers, the temple has an innovative program to begin children’s Jewish
education in sessions both with and without their parents. Parents can take advantage of
classes to help them reinforce Jewish values and practices at home, as well as sessions
addressing a variety of parenting issues.
Yad b’Yad is an engaging program for teens which offers discrete short-term units
that change throughout the year. Sample units include: Jewish literature, art and craft,
cooking, text study, current events and more. Dinner, with opportunities to socialize,
is included.
Research has shown that one of the best predictors for life-long Jewish involvement
is Jewish summer camping. Temple Beth El offers two summer day camps: One in July
for preschoolers and one in August for kindergarten through 6th graders. Leadership
training, counselor and specialist opportunities are available for youth entering 7th
grade or above.
In addition to formal education programs, Temple Beth El offers many opportunities
for youth and their families to get involved. Temple Beth El offers youth groups for
middle through high school students. Adults and youth alike get involved with social
action, tikkun olam (repairing the world), projects, as well as both educational and
social programming.
Northwest Jewish Family
Synaplex Shabbat is another way to get involved at Temple Beth El. These events
offer a variety of prayer, community, social and educational sessions all under one roof
and at one time. Here one can find children’s craft sessions, yoga, dynamic musical
prayer, film and more.
The Temple Beth El community has much to offer you no matter what your age or
family situation. Visit their Web site or call for more information.
Thurston County/Olympia
The Chabad Jewish Discovery Center
1611 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-584-4306 • E-mail: RabbiCheski@JewishOlympia.com
www.jewisholympia.com
Contact: Rabbi Cheski Edelman
Chabad’s Jewish Discovery Center of Olympia serves as a center for Jewish life and
education. Chabad is dedicated to making the beauty of our Jewish heritage accessible
to all Jews, highlighting the richness of Jewish tradition through a personalized Jewish
experience. Chabad welcomes and accepts Jews from all backgrounds and affiliations.
Chabad also provides a home away from home for Olympia-area college students.
Chabad offers a pre-school, adult education, community Friday night Shabbat dinners,
synagogue services, holiday programs and more.
Congregation B’nai Torah
3437 Libby Rd., Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: 360-943-7354 • E-mail: slcordas@yahoo.com
www.bnai-torah-olympia.org
Contact: Lowell Cordas, 360-456-7367
Congregation B’nai Torah is a small lay-led egalitarian Conservative congregation in
Olympia. CBT provides tutoring for Bar/Bat Mitzvah age children, occasional community
Shabbat dinners, weekly Shabbat services, a Hanukkah party for all ages, and celebrates all
holidays. CBT has a large outdoor play area. Once a month, Rabbi Robert Maslan spends a
weekend with them leading services, teaching and assisting where needed. Because CBT is
lay-led, it is particularly welcoming to new members who have the ideas and energy to start
new programs. It is an ideal place to make an impact and help shape the community.
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
201 8th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-754-8519 • Fax: 360-528-2046
E-mail: tbh@callatg.com
www.bethhatfiloh.org
Contact: Rabbi Seth Goldstein
Temple Beth Hatfiloh is a center for Jewish life serving the spiritual, educational,
cultural and social needs of the Jewish community in Olympia and the surrounding area.
Established in 1937, TBH is currently affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement and
is served by Rabbi Seth Goldstein. It is a diverse, welcoming and growing congregation
of about 190 households.
TBH has a school program for children from preschool to 8th grade, and provides
a comprehensive education in Judaics and Hebrew, including B’nai Mitzvah training.
The content and structure of the program emphasizes experiential learning, family and
parent education opportunities, and special multi-age events such as Mitzvah Day.
2010–2011

The school meets on one Shabbat a month to learn and share in Shabbat together as
an entire community.
This summer marks the sixth summer of the highly successful TBH summer camp,
Ruach Shovava (“Rowdy Spirit”), a two-week-long day camp for children entering grades
1–5. There is also a mini-camp for children entering kindergarten.
TBH also offers a teen program where high school aged students learn and explore
Jewish identity in a relaxed environment. The teen program is also connected to No’ar
Hadash, the national teen program of the Reconstructionist movement.
TBH recently completed a major renovation and expansion, adding a 6,500-square-foot
classroom and administrative wing. This development allows for the ability to hold larger
events and diversify its programming, such as holding adult education concurrently with
youth education. In addition to classroom space, the new addition features a dedicated
children’s library and a teen lounge.
Kitsap County/Olympic Peninsula
Bet Shira
P.O. Box 1843, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360-379-3042 • E-mail: betshira@yahoo.com
Contact: Barry Lerich
KALSMAN
FUN @FRIENDS@FREEDOM
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 31
Bet Shira, House of Song, is an inclusive Jewish community for people from diverse
backgrounds who seek a deepening knowledge of Jewish practice, a heartfelt connection
to Jewish spirituality, and engagement in joyful Jewish life on the Olympic Peninsula.
The congregation is intergenerational, participatory, trans-denominational, and
egalitarian. Erev Shabbat services and potluck dinners are held on the second Friday
evening of each month (young children’s services are also available); Torah services
are held occasionally during the year; and there are celebrations, services, and family
gatherings for the major holidays (High Holy Day Services, including Tashlich at the
beach, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot). Religious
school for children aged 4–11 years old is held once a week.
The congregation gathers for the major holidays of the Jewish year and for lifecycle
events of community members. Services integrate prayer, blessings, a breadth of Jewish
melodies, and contemporary insights into their rich traditions. Lay leaders conduct all
services. Other activities have included Torah study, Havdalah, klezmer music, Israeli
dancing, and social activism in the local community. Both residents and visitors to the
peninsula are welcome to participate. Events are listed in the religious organization
section of the weekly local newspaper, The Leader.
Chavurat Shir Hayam
P.O. Box 11142, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: 206-855-7924
8000 25th Avenue NE, Seattle
www.universityprep.org
G
Grades
d 6 6-12
12
University Prep is committed to developing each student’s potential become
tial to becom
me
an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.
University Prep is an independent school offering an academic program of
achers.
outstanding quality guided by dedicated and innovative teachers.
Our program covers an integrated community service program,gram,
a global curriculum, and a commitment to diversity.
For information regarding our program or
open house schedule, call 206.523.6407.
2010–2011
 32 family directory
www.shirhayam.org
Contact: Sharon Rutzick
Chavurat Shir Hayam is a participatory, multi-generational, mutually supportive Jewish
learning community, dedicated to:
• Exploring spiritual and cultural connections with Judaism’s rich heritage
• Performing acts of tikkun olam
• Providing an intellectually stimulating, multi-sensory, and joyful learning environ-
ment
Located in the Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap/Seattle area, the community draws
inspiration from many Jewish traditions and movements including Jewish Renewal,
Reconstructionist, Reform and others. In the chavurah tradition, they often meet in
the warmth of members’ homes and participate in leading Jewish rituals along with
visiting/guest rabbis and teachers.
In addition to observing and celebrating the full calendar of Jewish holidays and life
cycle events, the chavurah holds religious school classes, sponsors community events,
actively participates in community service projects and offers adult education, including
a mid-week weekly Torah discussion group and an adult education class at the Jewish
Learning Center during Sunday school.
Chavurah members are committed to making Sunday school and Hebrew school
inspirational experiences for their children. The Jewish Learning Center’s curriculum is
built around a three-year cycle allowing the children to revisit topics and ideas as they
grow older and more mature. The goal is to provide a broad foundation of familiarity
upon which the students can continue to build a lifetime of learning and experience. The
key is connection: Connecting the students’ Jewish learning to real things in their own
lives; connecting older and younger children through whole-school learning, fairs and
mini-classes; and connecting the JLC families with each other, the greater community,
and the natural world through tikkun olam (community service) projects, active par-
ticipation in holiday events and Shabbat, and the presence of so many active parents
as teachers, planners and learners. At the center of all this connection is the Jewish
wisdom of the sh’ma, that we are One (Echad), a connected whole.
The chavurah welcomes you to join them and looks forward to meeting you.
Congregation Beth Hatikvah
1410 11th Ave. (at Veneta), Bremerton, WA 98310
Mailing address: P.O. Box 2522, Bremerton, WA 98310
Phone: 360-373-9884 • E-mail: alisabalk@wavecable.com or
sfoxleslie@cardinalmedia.com
www.beth-hatikvah.org
Contacts: Alisa Balk or Bari Udell (Religious School)
Congregation Beth Hatikvah is a family-centered synagogue affiliated with the Union
for Reform Judaism and serves the entire Kitsap Peninsula. They offer a combination of
Reform and Conservative services three times a month — two Fridays and one Saturday
as well as full High Holy Day services, and celebrations of all major Jewish holidays.
They have a thriving religious school, youth group, and offer many adult education
opportunities. They are a close group that enjoys socializing and worshiping together.
Congregation Beth Hatikvah is your Jewish family on the Kitsap Peninsula!
Congregation Kol Shalom
P. O. Box 11738
9010 Miller Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: 206-842-9010 • E-mail: admin@kolshalom.net
Northwest Jewish Family
www.kolshalom.net
Contact: Beth Schoenberg
Congregation Kol Shalom is a diverse and welcoming congregation serving Bainbridge
Island and North Kitsap County. Since affiliating with the Reform movement in 1998, this
27-year-old congregation has enjoyed inspiring, participatory, song-filled services and
Torah study. Rabbi Mark Glickman is the congregation’s spiritual leader.
A key part of the planning at CKS is to make all activities, whether they are services
or education programs, welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds. Specialized
educational opportunities are offered, including religious school for pre-K through grade
6, midweek Hebrew classes, B’nai Mitzvah, post-B’nai Mitzvah, and adult education.
Kol Shalom relies on its membership to make it run. There is a small staff, which
includes the rabbi, director of religious school, cantorial soloist, and part-time temple
administrator. The community is led by a board of directors who rely on various com-
mittees to keep the congregation active. Committees include cemetery, membership,
mitzvah corps, religious practices, and Ruach (cultural programming).
The vibrant and growing congregation of 70 member families offers an ever-expanding
program of social and religious activities for its members, including mah jongg, Israeli
dance, an annual picnic, holiday celebrations, community learning days, and guest
speakers.
Kol Shalom also has a small gift shop with beautiful Judaica products, including
many made in Israel, which is open by appointment. In 2005 Congregation Kol Shalom
purchased a beautiful new home at 9010 Miller Road NE, which is available for the wider
community to rent for special events.
Congregation Olympic Peninsula B’nai Shalom
P.O. Box 553, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: 360-452-2471 • E-mail: cobs@olypen.com
www.obsh.org
Contact: Suzanne DeBey
The Congregation Olympic B’nai Shalom of Clallam County is a Reform congregation
serving about 100 individuals. Warm and welcoming, COBS holds monthly Shabbat Torah
services, social and cultural programs, as well as festival and High Holiday celebrations.
Services are frequently led by the congregation’s part-time rabbi or professional singers.
The calendar of events is on their Web site. COBS embraces the uniquely beautiful
environment of the Olympic Peninsula in their celebration of the holidays, including a
Shavuot service at Hurricane Ridge, a Rosh Hashanah outdoor dawn service overlooking
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and an annual campout/retreat. 
COBS celebrates family-focused festivals, including Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Pesach,
Sukkot, and Hanukkah. The children act in dramas presented at Purim and Hanukkah.
They also have an education program focused on younger children and their parents,
as well as a mentoring program for families with older children.
Clark County
Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County
9604 NE 126th Ave., Suite 2320, Vancouver, WA 98682
Phone/Fax: 360-993-5222 • E-mail: info@ChabadClarkCounty.com
www.ChabadClarkCounty.com
Contact: Rabbi Shmulik Greenberg
The Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County will enrich your family’s Jewish experience
2010–2011
 family directory 33

with programs and activities for all ages. They serve the entire Jewish community and
are not membership-based. No affiliation is necessary to participate.
Serving families and kids, they have a:
• Hebrew School
• Summer Day Camp
• Mommy & Me (infant and toddler program)
• Weekly Shabbat services with children’s services
• First Friday of the month, child-led Shabbat service followed by Shabbat dinner
• Pre-holiday family workshops such as Shofar Factory, Hanukkah Olive Press, Model
Matzoh Bakery and Model Seder, as well as holiday programs with food, crafts and
entertainment.
Call or visit their Web site for more details and for info on upcoming events. They will
be happy to assist you with any of your Jewish needs.
The Gan — Garrett Jewish Preschool
9604 NE 126th Ave., Suite 2320, Vancouver, WA 98682
Phone: 360-256-0859 • info@thegan.org
www.thegan.org
Director: Tzivie Greenberg
For preschoolers, ages 2-1/2 to 5. This is the only Jewish preschool in Southwest
Washington.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational approach, their mission is shaped by:
• Jewish values
• An appreciation and respect for the child’s natural stages of development
• The belief that children build knowledge through personal experiences
• The recognition that the years of early childhood possess within them the capacity
for life-long habits, behaviors and attitudes
• The belief that each child possesses a unique inner voice that needs to be heard and
encouraged by both the child and by those around him.
Call to talk about making this the place where your child will grow, thrive, learn and
love.
Snohomish County
Chabad Jewish Center of Snohomish County
Address 22225 100th Ave. W., Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone: 425-967-3036 • E-mail: rabbi@jewishsnohomish.com
www.JewishSnohomish.com
Contacts: Rabbi Zevi and Leeba Goldberg
Established in August 2008 by Rabbi Zevi and Leeba Goldberg, the Chabad Center is
dedicated to serve, increase awareness, knowledge and observance of Judaism in the
entire Snohomish County and the surrounding areas. Based on the mitzvah of love your
fellow as yourself, and the fact that every Jew possesses a Godly spark, they are part
of one great family, regardless of age, affiliation or level of observance.
Located in the Edmonds Bowl area, Chabad offers a wide variety of educational, social,
and cultural opportunities, including Torah classes, Shabbat services and dinners, and
pre-holiday and holiday programs from children and youth programs to hospital and
senior visits, arranging a brit, Bar Mitzvah lessons, lifecycle events, and more.
Shabbat Services: Every Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by
a sit-down kiddush luncheon.
Adult Education: Rabbi Goldberg offers weekly Torah classes, and insights into the
Torah portion and upcoming holidays.

Congregation Kol Ami

Reform, URJ affiliated
Kol Ami Learning Center
1006-B NE 146th St., Vancouver, WA 98685
Phone/Fax: 360-896-8088 • E-mail: office@jewishvancouverusa.com
www.jewishvancouverusa.com
President: Doug Green
Rabbi: Elizabeth Dunsker
Congregational & Religious School Coordinator: Lauren Trexler
Congregation Kol Ami of Vancouver, Wash., is dedicated to promoting and preserving
Jewish identity, culture, worship and values through tefillah, Torah, tzedakah and tikkun
olam. The Kol Ami Learning Center houses the religious and Hebrew schools, the offices We offer facilities for:
* Weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners
of the rabbi and the congregational coordinator, a sanctuary and a teen lounge. There
* Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
are weekly Shabbat services and Torah study is held every Saturday morning at KALC. * Business meetings and retreats
Festival celebrations and community education bring members of all ages and family * Company picnics, dinners and cocktail parties
* Family reunions and other private celebrations
units together, as do B’nai Mitzvah and other lifecycle events. Kol Ami has established
the only Jewish cemetery in Southwest Washington. Kol Ami warmly welcomes guests
to attend any activities, and hopes that newcomers to the area will consider becoming
For event planning call… 206.548.2590 –or– email groupsales@zoo.org
a part of the Kol Ami community.

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 34 family directory

Jewish Women’s Circle: Women get together monthly, for an evening of fun and Religious school includes TBO Tots for ages 0–5 (two Sunday mornings per month), and
inspiration. Led by Leeba, theses events are relaxing and allow for Jewish women to regular Sunday classes for preschoolers through high school. The congregation’s teens
connect with other women in the area, while enjoying refreshments, doing a craft, or and pre-teens, Beth Or Temple Youth, enjoy local activities and are active in NFTY regional
enjoying a spa night. and national events. They also provide gifts and support for college students.
Holiday Programs: For all the holidays, family friendly events take place at Chabad. For all ages, they offer a full calendar of social activities, classes, speakers, cultural
Programs include the unique shofar factory, Sukkot party, public menorah lighting, arts, an annual scholar-in-residence weekend, and other events, especially the astound-
Hanukkah party, Purim event, public seder, dairy Shavuot lunch and more. There’s ing biannual Purimspiel.
always something special happening around the Jewish holidays. Please join them for Shabbat or holidays, visit the religious school, or visit the Web
Jewish traditions and values are made practical at the Chabad Center. Everyone is site for special events. More can be learned from the ORacle monthly newsletter (call
enriched by Judaism according to their own pace. All this comes in a joyous and non- for a free copy) and the biweekly ORbits e-mail updates.
judgmental atmosphere. You are always welcome at Chabad. For more information
please go to the Web site or e-mail the rabbi directly.
Whatcom County/Bellingham
Temple Beth Or
3215 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 Chabad Jewish Community & Student Center of Bellingham
Phone: 425-259-7125 • E-mail: office@templebethor.org 820 Newell St., Bellingham, WA 98225
www.templebethor.org Phone: 360-393-3845 • E-mail: info@jewishbellingham.com
Rabbi: Rabbi Jessica Kessler Marshall www.JewishBellingham.com
Temple Beth Or offers the activities of a large congregation, while maintaining a Contacts: Rabbi Avremi and Nissa Yarmush
small community feeling. Organized in 1985, their 125 member households create and The Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Community & Student Center located in Bellingham
maintain a warm, compassionate, vibrant, inclusive, and participatory Reform Jewish proudly serves the needs of Jews at Western Washington University and from all over
community. Based in Snohomish County, their members live in five counties in the Whatcom County.
northern Puget Sound region. They represent a wide variety of approaches to Jewish The Chabad Jewish Center aids, encourages, and assists in the spiritual and social
life, including many interfaith families. growth of all Jews. It’s imperative to always do something more today than one did
Temple Beth Or is proud of how its members care for each other, with their Mitzvah yesterday. This is the way living things work in order to keep on growing. Chabad does this
Corps (caring community), and their work in our communities, local to global, with their by providing exciting, hands-on educational programs available for children, students,
social justice committee. seniors, families, and countless individuals throughout the year.
They celebrate Shabbat on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m., and on one Saturday morning Programs include:
per month (please see Web site calendar). Each month begins with a First Friday family • Adult education (Tuesday Torah Study, etc.)
Shabbat service at 7 p.m. They gather for joyous and creative holiday celebrations and • Bar/Bat Mitzvah training
lifecycle events. • Youth and children’s programs
For youth, the temple offers religious education, social activities, and leadership skills. • Hanukkah public menorah lighting and displays
• Free menorah distribution
• Community synagogue services
• Crisis intervention and counseling
• Holiday awareness programs
• Holiday guides and various other useful mailings (e.g. Shabbat candle lighting time
magnets, calendars, etc.)
• Hospital and nursing home visitation
• Prison visitations
• Proactive “Jews for Judaism” awareness
• Kashering kitchens
• Mezuzah and tefillin bank
• Mitzvah campaigns (e.g. learning Torah, tefillin, mezuzah, kosher, etc.)
• Web site for all your Jewish needs (from Judaica to info on Judaism and everything
in between)
• Women’s programs
• Youth counseling
• And much more — Chabad is here for you!
Acceptance of every Jew for who s/he is, regardless of background, affiliation, age,
or financial status, is the trademark of every Chabad House. By blending traditional

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011


values with modern–day technology, they are successful in reaching even the most
“alienated” or “unaffiliated” Jews, embracing them and helping them unconditionally.
It’s not Chabad’s job, it’s Chabad’s life — Chabad cares. Also, they have been able to
share the depth that Judaism offers, and in doing so, assist Jews in rediscovering their
rich Jewish roots and strengthening their Jewish pride.
Congregation Beth Israel
2200 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-733-8890 • Fax: 360-733-9842
E-mail: bishul@aol.com
www.bethisraelbellingham.org
Contact: Mary Somerville, Admin. Asst.
The Beth Israel Religious School offers classes for kindergarten through 9th grade,
and serves between 55 and 65 students each year. It offers a full curriculum of Hebrew
language, Torah, Jewish history, values and ethics, with an emphasis on the Holocaust
in grade 7 and Israel in grade 8. Classes are held on Sunday mornings for all grades, and
on Wednesday afternoons for grades 4–6. B’nai Mitzvah candidates receive additional
individual tutoring from Rabbi Cindy Enger. Students in grades 4–6 participate in a High
Holy Days youth choir, led by Cantor Sharona Feller, that sings during family services
on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The religious school sponsors an annual Purim carnival at Bloedel-Donovan Park,
complete with carnival games, traditional foods, and live music for dancing by local
klezmer band What the Chelm. The carnival is open to the public, and always draws a
large number of families from the greater Bellingham community.
One Friday evening each month, the congregation offers a family Shabbat service for
members with younger children, although everyone is welcome to attend. These services
Keeping Healthy Play Alive
Lots of Traditional Toys!
Fun Toys • Educational Toys • Creative Toys
Over 15,000 Toys & Gifts for the Entire Family
arts & crafts • books • baby accessories • dolls • kites • games
puppets • puzzles • wood trains • musical instruments
science • environmentally-conscious toys • party favors
Hours: M–F 9am–9pm • Sat & Sun 9am–7pm
104 North 85th Street
(across from Fred Meyer)
206-782-0098
www.toptentoys.com
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 35
often feature the participation of students in the religious school, and may have a theme
related to upcoming holidays or observances. There is also a monthly Tot Shabbat service
on Saturday morning, for families with children age 5 and under.
Congregation Beth Israel has an active high school youth group that participates in
NFTY-Northwest events, and sponsors other events such as community service projects
for local charities. The youth group’s membership is not limited to congregants, and
includes Jewish teens from the community at large.
Members of Beth Israel have organized a preschool playgroup for Jewish families
with preschool-aged children. The group meets once a month at varying locations
for talk, food, and Jewish play activities for the little ones. Participants need not be
congregants.
Eastern Washington
Congregation Beth Israel
1202 E Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-522-2511 • E-mail: nsleavitt@hotmail.com or
kbobrowstrain@yahoo.com
Contacts: Noah Leavitt, 509-529-4080 or Kate Bobrow-Strain, 509-522-5201
Congregation Beth Israel is home to a small number of Jewish children. Children
are welcome to attend regular services with their families. Beth Israel has recently
created a small play room with toys and art supplies for young children to enjoy while
at the synagogue. Decorating the sukkah, the Hanukkah party, and the congregation’s
summer picnic are other highlights for Beth Israel families with children. Intermittent
Sunday School is held depending on time of year.
Seattle Hebrew Academy
Now Accepting Applications for
Early Childhood (ages 1–5) through 8th Grade
The Seattle Hebrew Academy is a unique community school providing a
rich Jewish setting for all families. SHA’s beautiful Capitol Hill campus
features an art studio, computer and science labs, state of the art library
and a full size gym. The Seattle Hebrew Academy is an Orthodox Jewish
school, welcoming students from all areas of Seattle and from all back-
grounds. Bus service available from Mercer Island and Seward Park.
For more information, contact Sari Weiss at sweiss@sha613.org or
206-323-7933 ext. 239
www.seattlehebrewacademy.org
2010–2011
 36 family directory

Congregation Beth Sholom
312 Thayer Drive, Richland, WA
(Do not mail to street address)
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 761, Richland, WA 99352
Synagogue Phone: 509-943-9457 (better to e-mail or call the president)
E-mail: info@richland.uscjhost.net
President: Debbie Greene
Phone: 509-735-1149
E-mail: president@richland.uscjhost.net
www.richland.uscjhost.net
Congregation Beth Sholom of Richland is a warm, welcoming, self-supporting
community of some 60 families, providing a Jewish presence in the desert for nearly
60 years. Volunteers provide an education program from pre-school to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
and organize and lead most services. From time to time, they have visiting rabbis or
cantors. There is an active sisterhood (associated with the Pacific Northwest Branch
of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism), a library, a USY group and a chevrah
kadisha (burial society). Members lead book discussion groups and study.
Regular services are usually at 7:45 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. On the
third Friday of the month, a dairy potluck begins at 6 p.m. followed by their ‘Community
Shabbat’ service around 7 p.m. Visitors may send an e-mail to info@richland.uscjhost.
net to confirm service times.
Holiday observances are held throughout the year. Some highlights are the community
seder, Purim and Hanukkah parties, and High Holidays services.
The monthly newsletter, “The Bagel Bugle,” publishes a calendar with special events
and changes in the regular schedule, as well as articles from congregation members
about current activities and issues. A weekly e-mail provides current updates and other
information of interest. The congregation is affiliated with United Synagogue of Conserva-
tive Judaism, however their members span the range of Jewish practices and beliefs.
Follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CBSrichland
Follow e-Washington Judaism: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wandering-in-the-
Desert/328182049611
Congregation Emanu-El
P.O. Box 30234, Spokane, WA 99223-3003
Phone: 509-835-5050
www.spokaneemanu-el.org
Congregation Emanu-El, formed in November 2008 with the merger of Congregations
Warren J. Libman, experienced
Bellevue 425-453-1308
Ner Tamid and Beth Haverim, is a diverse congregation with a happy mix of ages and
interests. They are affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.
Open, inclusive, lay-led services use the new Reform siddur Mishkan Tefillah. Erev
Shabbat services are usually held on a regular basis.
Please feel free to call or e-mail for their schedule of Shabbat and holiday services.
No matter where you are on your Jewish journey — all are welcome here.
Greater Wenatchee Jewish Community
203 West Benton, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Phone: 509-548-3466 • E-mail: ataub@nwi.net
President: Alex A. G. Taub
The Greater Wenatchee Jewish Community is a group of friends who gather once a
month at members’ homes to celebrate the holidays. Their members live in Chelan and
Douglas counties. They are not currently affiliated with any movement and have many
different practices among their diverse families.
Jewish Community of the Palouse
720 NE Thatuna St., Pullman, WA 99163
Phone: 208-882-0971
494 Ridge Rd., Moscow, ID 83483
Phone: 208-882-0971
personal.palouse.net/jewish or jcpalouse.spaces.live.com
President: Myron Schreck
Educational Director: Susan Austin, 509-592-8262
The JCP serves the regional area around Pullman, Wash., Moscow, Idaho, the Univer-
sity of Idaho, and Washington State University, offering cultural, religious and social
activities, including once-a-month informal Friday night Shabbat services and potlucks,
classes for children, High Holiday services, and other holiday celebrations. Having no
rabbi, the JCP depends on volunteer organizers.
Temple Beth Shalom
1322 E 30th Ave., Spokane, WA 99203
Phone: 509-747-3304 • Fax: 509-747-3112
E-mail: administrator@spokanetbs.org
www.spokanetbs.org
Contact: Sharon Beltz, Administrative Coordinator
Temple Beth Shalom is a Conservative synagogue (USCJ affiliated) in Spokane, serving
the greater Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana area. TBS is committed to providing
spiritual, educational, cultural, and social opportunities for its members to foster growth
and perpetuate Jewish values and practices.
TBS provides Jewish education programs across the lifespan of their members. Their

D.D.S., M.S.D.
cantor-tutor vibrant youth programs serve children from pre-school through high school. The active
Certified Specialist Bar/Bat Mitzvahs—all levels Midrasha School includes Sunday religious school, Hebrew school, Midrasha High
in Prosthodontics: Officiates all Lifecycles School, and a comprehensive B’nai Mitzvah program, enhanced by a highly successful
Restorative peer tutor program. Temple Beth Shalom is recognized nationally and regionally for its
Reconstructive
Experienced piano &
commitment to youth and boasts the largest representation in the Pacific Northwest
Cosmetic Dentistry
voice teacher
Region of high school youth at regional and international USY Conventions!
◆ 206-715-8796
The adult education listings at TBS include both short workshops and year-long classroom
One of Seattle Magazine’s Cantor Marina Belenky opportunities on a variety of topics from Basic Judaism to discussions on relevant social
“Best Dentists” cantormarina@gmail.com and ethical issues. Special Shabbaton weekends are highlights for congregants. Temple
www.libmandds.com www.cantormarina.com
Beth Shalom offers social and cultural programs such as TBS at the Movies, a monthly

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011


“Lunch with the Rabbi” for seniors, Israeli dancing, recognition celebrations for their elderly
nonagenarians, and the Spokane community-wide annual kosher dinner.
Throughout the year, the congregation enjoys a wide variety of worship opportunities
beyond the traditional services, including the early Family Shabbat service and potluck,
special lay-led service, Mincha service, Tot Shabbat, and the creative Ancient Wisdom-
Modern Words service. The Saturday service is followed by a weekly kiddush luncheon
so congregants can continue enjoying Shabbat together as a community.
Although the Jewish population in Spokane is only .5 percent of the metropolitan
population (and steady), the 220 member families of Temple Beth Shalom have developed
a close, connected and committed Jewish community. Visitors are always welcome!
Temple Shalom (Reform)
1517 Browne Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
Phone: 509-453-8988 • E-mail: yakimatemple@msn.com
Temple Shalom, with a membership of 45-50 families, has services about one weekend
per month on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings (except during summer). Services
are usually led by student rabbi Samantha Orshan. Saturday evening programs occur
on weekends when services are held.
Educational programs for adults have included: Torah study, conversational Hebrew
classes, regular study sessions on selected topics, and guest speakers. B’yachad
religious school meets on Sunday mornings from September through May and offers
classes from preschool through middle school. Bar and Bat Mitzvah training is also
available. Temple events include High Holiday services, a Purim party and a community
seder. Other community resources include certified mohelim/mohelot.
Camps — Camp Scholarships
Camp Scholarship Program of the Jewish Federation of Greater
Seattle
2031 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-774-2221 • Fax: 206-443-0303
E-mail: kimg@jewishinseattle.org
www.jewishinseattle.org/CampScholarships
Contact: Kim Greenhall, Director of Community Services
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle believes that the Jewish overnight camp
experience is an integral component in building a child’s Jewish identity.
Their Camp Scholarship Program is designed to help families in Washington State
with the cost of overnight camp tuition. After reviewing applications anonymously, the
camp scholarship committee awards scholarships once a year. The Jewish Federation
coordinates the scholarship process with local synagogues, participating camps and
Jewish social service organizations locally and nationally, to ensure that all children
receive the assistance they need.
Scholarships are funded through community donations and foundation grants. For
more information or to donate, please contact Kim Greenhall.
JWest Campership Program
Phone: 206-708-7518 • E-mail: myanow@jewishcamp.org
www.onehappycamper.org
Contact: Michele Yanow, Program Ambassador
A program of the Foundation for Jewish Camp
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 37
Research shows that nothing strengthens Jews’ connections to their culture and heritage,
or creates lifelong bonds and memories like Jewish summer camp. Jewish camp alumni are
overwhelmingly more likely to affiliate and donate Jewishly as adults than non-campers.
The JWest Campership Program seeks to enroll 3,000 campers from the Western United
States in nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camps. Now in its third year, JWest awards
financial incentives of up to $2,500 over multiple years to middle schoolers who attend
one of 20 Jewish camps for the first time. Funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation, the
JWest Campership Program is an initiative through the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
Potentially eligible youngsters are those who:
• Have never attended Jewish overnight summer camp (family camp and/or winter camp
participation do not disqualify applicants)
• Will enter 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the fall after camp
• Are not involved in immersive Jewish experiences (day school or yeshiva)
• Enroll in a two-week (12-day minimum) session or longer
• Reside in Washington or one of 12 other designated Western states
• JWest Campership recipients who return the following summer for at least two weeks
will be eligible for a second year grant.
Participating camps in the Pacific Northwest range from religiously affiliated to secular
and non-denominational, and include: B’nai Brith Camp, Camp Solomon Schechter,
Habonim D’ror Camp Miriam, Sephardic Adventure Camp and URJ Camp Kalsman.
After registering for camp, parents/guardians should visit www.onehappycamper.org
to fill out the JWest Campership Program application. Once camp registration has been
confirmed and the JWest application has been approved, incentive monies will be paid
directly to the camp in the camper’s name.
For more information, help with registration, or to suggest families, schools, or communities
who might benefit from JWest outreach, contact Program Ambassador Michele Yanow.
Day Camps
Camp Kol Rena
5145 S Morgan St., Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-721-0970 • E-mail: CampKolRena@aol.com
Mercer Island Parks
and
Recreation offering a wide variety of CLASSES,
PROGRAMS, EVENTS and ACTIVITIES for all ages year round.
Art * Dance * Fitness * Sports * Trips
Health * Wellness * Events * Music & more!
View our Recreation Guide at www.miparks.net
Registration is easy! www.myparksandrecreation.com or call
206.275.7609x1, 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040
2010–2011
 38 family directory
www.campkolrena.org
Contact: Sara Weiss
Camp Kol Rena is associated with the Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath synagogue
located in Seward Park. This year, camp runs from June 29–July 31 for those entering
1st–6th grades. The campers go on trips twice a week, and swim three times a week. In
addition, there are always lots of sports, crafts, learning, singing, games, great snacks,
an awesome staff and tons of superb Camp Kol Rena spirit.
Gan Izzy Day Camp
Chabad of the Central Cascades
24121 SE Black Nugget Rd., Issaquah, WA 98029
Phone: 425-985-8996 • E-mail: info@chabadissaquah.com
www.chabadissaquah.com/Camp
Contact: Nechama Farkash
A fun place for kids.
All campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and
spirited atmosphere. Gan Israel offers a comprehensive program designed to strengthen
the body and soul. They provide your child with a rich and wholesome summer vacation of
fun and excitement, along with friendship and a meaningful educational experience.
The real secret to their success lies in their outstanding staff. The counselors, each of
whom have prior camp experience, are chosen from across the globe for their warmth
and for their ability to understand and care for each child. As a positive role model for
your child, they’ll cultivate a friendship that lasts forever. Their love for the children is
surpassed only by the children’s love for them.
The program will be held at Beaver Lake Park. Activities include field trips, arts and crafts,
drama, swimming, water activities, exciting games, creative Jewish content and more.
For registration, information and camp dates, please visit their Web site.
Project SEED — Boys & Girls Jewish Learning Camps
5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-722-8289 • E-mail: info@seattlekollel.org
www.seattlekollel.org
Contact: Rabbi Yehuda Bresler
Phone: 206-331-8767 • E-mail: rabbibresler@seattlekollel.org
Summer fun and Torah in one. Exciting Jewish learning programs for boys and girls from
June–August. The morning programs are filled with vibrant, interactive Jewish learning and
activities, coordinated and run by young counselors from the East Coast. Activities range from
sports, arts and even coordinating an end-of-summer play. Suitable for students starting at 2nd
grade from various backgrounds and learning levels. Boys and girls programs are separate.
Kirkland Arts Center (KAC)
offers gallery exhibitions, artist
lectures, special events, and
quarterly visual arts classes
and workshops for kids &
adults. Visit us online at
www.kirklandartscenter.org!
620 Market Street Kirkland, WA 98033 | 425.822.7161
Northwest Jewish Family
Extended SEED for boys ages 12–16 wanting to have a summer full of exciting activities
while still dedicating time to their Jewish learning will enjoy this program. This camp
features a morning learning program schedule (groups for all levels) with accomplished
young scholars from the East Coast and an afternoon program offering a wide range
of outdoor activities and events, from the “extreme sports” of whitewater rafting,
parasailing and boating to sports, barbeques and overnight camping.
Overnight Camps
B’nai B’rith Camp
6651 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 503-452-3444 • Fax: 503-245-4233
E-mail: mkoplan@oregonjcc.org
www.bbcamp.org
Contact: Michelle Koplan, Executive Director
B’nai B’rith Camp, located on a lakeside campus on the scenic Oregon coast, is a
Jewish resident camp in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1921, B’nai B’rith Camp has been
dedicated to providing the best summer experience for today’s campers while preparing
them to be tomorrow’s community leaders. They strive to teach the values and ethics
of Jewish living by example, experience, and creative expression. B’nai B’rith Camp
has consistently proven to be a great place for youth to learn about themselves, their
Jewish identity, their environment, and how to relate to others.
Serving children ages 7–16 throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, B’nai B’rith
Camp offers a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, Jewish enrichment,
athletics, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, hydro-tubing, swimming in their outdoor heated
pool, dancing, nature, singing, high- and low-ropes challenge courses, leadership,
community service, drama, creative writing, Shabbat celebrations, overnights and trips.
B’nai B’rith Camp is licensed by the state of Oregon, owned/operated by the Mittleman
Jewish Community Center, and accredited by the American Camp Association.
B.B. Camp’s goals for campers include:
• Learning the values and ethics of Jewish living
• Increased self-reliance
• New skill development
• Helping young people grow in a responsible, mature manner
• Creating a democratic group experience within a Jewish atmosphere
• Building friendships for life
• Just plain having fun!
B.B. Camp carefully recruits, hires, and trains caring staff that are committed to
2010–2011

helping youth build self-esteem, confidence, and strong social skills. In addition, many
staff return year after year. Families are invited to join them for Family Camp in May
and/or visit on Visitation Day, scheduled just prior to camp opening, to meet staff and
tour the facilities.
B.B. Camp is also available to rent for off-season retreats, Shabbatons, events, and
weddings.
URJ Camp Kalsman
Phone: 206-443-8340 • E-mail: campkalsman@urj.org
www.kalsman.urjcamps.org
Director: David Berkman
Camp Kalsman, the Union for Reform Judaism’s camp in Arlington, Wash., serves
campers from the greater Pacific Northwest community, from Oregon to British Columbia,
Alaska to Montana, Washington State and beyond. Committed to the core values of
respect, peace, kindness, and one’s relationship to teva (nature), Camp Kalsman builds
a warm and caring community where campers have fun, and experience the excitement
and warmth of belonging to a Reform Jewish community.
URJ Camp Kalsman allows children to live a wholly Jewish life while at camp.
Campers can experience Jewish culture and tradition while in a safe, challenging and
fun environment. In a natural setting, campers are given the opportunity to explore their
Judaism. Kalsman provides a creative setting for Jewish living and learning through
camp programming. Camp Kalsman campers will have lasting friendships and help to
strengthen the Pacific Northwest Reform Jewish community.
Hundreds of campers ranging from the 2nd through the 12th grade will have a chance
to take part in Camp Kalsman this summer. They offer campers a wide variety of activity
choices that allow them to exercise their bodies, their minds, their creativity and their
hearts. From sports to the performing and creative arts, to nature and adventure activi-
ties, Kalsman has something for everyone. The facilities at Camp Kalsman are all modern
and newly built on their gorgeous 300 acres of land. The range of buildings and activity
areas allows them to meet all the needs of their campers as well as to give them areas
to grow and explore. A summer at Camp Kalsman is an unforgettable religious, cultural,
recreational and emotional experience.
Camp Solomon Schechter at the Stampfer Center
117 E. Louisa St., #110, Seattle, WA 98102
Summer: 1627A — 73rd Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 206-447-1967 • Fax: 206-447-2627
E-mail: info@campschechter.org
www.campschechter.org
Contacts: Sam Perlin, Executive Director
Carolyn D’Albora, Business Manager and Registrar
Camp Solomon Schechter, founded in 1954, is the premier Jewish camping experi-
ence in the Pacific Northwest. Each summer they welcome more than 500 campers for
a summer of ruach, education, excitement and lifelong friendships.
An independent camp with its roots in Conservative Judaism, Schechter offers an
innovative Jewish experience for Jewish youth of all denominations. The camp is shomer
Shabbat and kosher. While the largest numbers of campers come from Oregon, Wash-
ington, and British Columbia, they also serve the communities of Northern California,
Las Vegas, Calgary, and Alaska.
Their programs cater to campers entering grades 2–11, and the majority of the staff
members have spent time at Schechter. All of their counselors are skilled at creating a
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 39
warm, welcoming home away from home, and are specially trained to understand the
needs of the campers. Campers grow from interactive and creative Jewish program-
ming, including Hebrew games, teva (Judaism and nature), Judaic art projects, singing,
Israeli dancing, and engaging tefillot (services).
The camp is located in Olympia, an hour from Seattle and two hours from Portland.
Their spectacular 160-acre wooded facility features breathtaking views of the private
Lake Stampfer and the untouched beauty of forests and protected wetlands.
Their facilities include tennis courts, sports fields, fully lit basketball courts, a
brand-new Challenge Course, an outdoor amphitheatre, and heated cabins. Camp
Solomon Schechter is located within view of Mt. Rainier and backs up to the Deschutes
River, where they have their own private campsite.
The Stampfer Center, summer home of Camp Solomon Schechter, is available for year-
round retreats for Jewish, academic, and other organizations; family reunions; B’nai
Mitzvah; weddings; celebrations, and day and group rentals. They provide opportunities
for year-round Jewish living and learning, including family camp weekends and Shab-
batons. Hope to see you at Camp Solomon Schechter next summer!
Camp Young Judaea Midwest
4711 Golf Rd, Suite 600, Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 847-675-6790, ext. 3 • Fax: 847-679-5286
E-mail: info@cyjmid.org
www.cyjmid.org
Contact: Noah Gallagher, Director
Located in Waupaca, Wisconsin, Camp Young Judaea Midwest is one of five Young
Judaea camps in the United States. CYJ Midwest is a pluralist camp with a range of
campers in 3rd-9th grades from all different Jewish backgrounds. CYJ Midwest offers
a camp experience that grows with its campers: Younger campers get to experience
the wide range of land and water sports, including waterskiing, tubing and sailing, as
well as arts and crafts, rock climbing, mountain biking, overnight camping and out-
of-camp trips, while older campers get an increasing amount of choice to customize
their experience with “tracks” such as outdoor adventure, media arts and drama and
advanced water sports. Their campers come back year after year — in fact, almost all
of their staff were campers at CYJ Midwest, including the director! For more information,
like how to connect with CYJ Midwest campers in your area or meet the professional
staff, call or visit their Web site.
Habonim Dror Camp Miriam on Gabriola Island, B.C.
Suite #303-950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 2N7, Canada
Phone: 604-266-2825 • Fax: 1-866-623-7721
E-mail: registrar@campmiriam.org
www.campmiriam.org
Contact: Leah Levi, Registrar
Camp Miriam, on beautiful Gabriola Island, just 15 minutes from Vancouver Island,
offers a diverse Jewish camping program for children completing grades 2–11. Emphasis
is on building a youth community based on values of equality and inclusion.
Through creative programming, campers gain knowledge of Israel, Jewish history,
Hebrew, social justice and other Jewish values. The staff, mainly Habonim Dror graduates
and Israelis, enhances the program with activities such as a two-day camping trip, arts
and crafts, singing, Israeli dancing, swimming, sports, canoeing and music. Worth
experiencing are the climbing wall in the pool, Shabbat at the Point, and the fun and
craziness of a special day!
2010–2011
 40 family directory

There are two three-week-long sessions offered during the summer, with a special
one-week program for first-time campers completing grades 2 and 3 and a two-week
program for those in grades 3 and 4. A special eight-week program is offered for
counselor training (Madatz). This is a Jewish experience not to be missed!
Sephardic Adventure Camp
Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation
Phone: 206-723-3028
Congregation Ezra Bessaroth
Phone: 206-722-5500
Sephardic Adventure Camp, an overnight camp, starts at the end of June and runs
through the first week of July (times vary each year). It is offered to children in 2nd–9th
grades. Tenth graders may apply to take part in a counselors-in-training program, and
those in grade 11 and up may apply to be counselors.
After the overnight camp, Sephardic Day Camp begins for children from preschool
through 8th grade. Older children may apply to be counselors. Both camps exhibit strong
Sephardic traditions along with an easygoing camp atmosphere.
Family Services/Special Needs
Community of Mindful Parents
Virtual umbrella for Listening Mothers and Reflective Parenting classes
Phone: 206-275-0104
www.communityofmindfulparents.com
Their mission is to empower parents of children under 5 years old to become more
Simply the Best
effective parents. The research-based curricula promote strong family bonds and set
the foundation for long-lasting emotional health.
They are an online community of expecting moms, parents, grandparents, extended
families and friends with the goal to nurture powerful relationships between parents
and their children.
Additionally, they offer two unique, professionally and clinically designed programs
for parents of young children in the Greater Seattle Area.
Listening Mothers
Listening Mothers provides facilitated discussions in all that motherhood brings. By
becoming more attuned to themselves and their babies, moms learn how to uniquely
engage and emotionally stimulate their baby. Extensive research has shown that this
process helps to further a baby’s cognitive, emotional, and social intelligence.
The Listening Mothers program is a small group program providing unique support and
information to mothers of babies up to 6 months old and includes up to seven mothers
and their babies. They meet once a week for eight weeks. The group is facilitated by an
expert in emotional and attachment issues. The fee is $120 for all 8 weeks.
Reflective Parenting
This innovative eight-week workshop is for parents of children between the ages of
1-1/2 to 5 years. The program helps parents develop skills to enhance their ability to
understand and build stronger relationships with their children. In Reflective Parenting
groups, parents gain confidence by expanding their understanding of the meaning of
their child’s behavior. This understanding helps parents better regulate their own and
their child’s emotions to become less reactive and more reflective. Parents able to
regain a state of calm are more engaged, more effective, and therefore feel empowered
and successful.  
Parents participating in Reflective Parenting will develop:
• New ways to communicate with children
• Greater capacity to regulate children’s emotions
• Increased parenting confidence
• Effective behavioral interventions

13
Mitzvah • Awareness of the impact of their own behavior and feelings on their children’s
TUTORING & TEST PREP — K–12 development
Memories A Personal Approach!
Summer & School Year Both the Listening Mothers and the Reflective Parenting; Discipline from the Heart
Planning programs are administrated by the Stroum Jewish Community Center.
Guide Susan B. Klastorin, M.Ed.
206-322-1258
www.BasicSkillsTutoring.com The Friendship Circle
6538 39th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115

12 Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Basic Skills Tutoring, Inc.
2366 Eastlake Ave E., #301, Seattle 98102
Phone: 206-525-5011 • Fax: 206-729-3445
E-mail: esther@friendshipcircleWA.com
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Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

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 42 family directory

• The teenage volunteer learns the value of giving and cherishes the experience of making
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activities and entertainment for the Friendship Circle families.
Friendship Circle holds frequent interviews to appropriately match the volunteer and
friends. The teens attend training sessions as well so they are adequately ready to assume
their role. Naturally, there are regular reviews to monitor the challenges and progress.
If you’re a family that can benefit from the Friendship Circle, call today and start
receiving the extra help you deserve.
If you are a teenager that would like to volunteer, please call so you can join the
Friendship Circle’s Volunteer Club!
Jewish Family Service of Greater Seattle
Providing comprehensive social services locally since 1892
Jessie Danz Building
1601 16th Ave., Seattle 98122
206-461-3240 • Fax: 206-461-3696 • TTY: 206-861-3197
E-mail: contactus@jfsseattle.org
www.jfsseattle.org
CEO: Ken Weinberg, MSW
JFS Aging & Adult Programs
206-861-3152 • aging@jfsseattle.org
Assist older adults, including Holocaust survivors, challenged by disability, illness
and/or declining health maintain independent, dignified lifestyles.
parenting, couples relationships, LGBTQ couples/families, aging)
• New parents support/education including Bringing Baby Home, Mom2Mom, PEPS/
JFS group
• Special events for Jewish single parent families, interfaith families and more
HomeCare Associates
206-861-3193 • homecare@jfsseattle.org
JFS state licensed home care division responds to in-home needs of loved ones —
personal care, homemaker, companion services.
JFS Project DVORA: Domestic Violence Outreach, Response & Advocacy
206-461-3240 • contactus@jfsseattle.org
Create conditions in the Jewish community that support loving, safe, respectful rela-
tionships – also building the community’s capacity to respond to domestic abuse. 
• Support groups for Jewish women with controlling partners
• Advocacy-based counseling, information and referral  
• Outreach, education, consultation
• Jewish rituals in healing
• Healthy relationship classes for Jewish youth
• Kids’ Club: Parent/child interactive classes for children who have witnessed domestic
violence
SAJD: Seattle Association for Jews with Disabilities
206-709-8229 • sajd@jfsseattle.org
Supported Living Program provides skilled supported living services for people with
developmental disabilities, persistent mental illness and brain injuries — helping them
live richer, more satisfying lives.

JFS Alternatives to Addiction JFS Volunteer Opportunities

206-861-8782 • emruff@jfsseattle.org 206-861-3155 • volunteer@jfsseattle.org
Culturally sensitive response to the disease of addiction within the Jewish community. Meaningful, rewarding experiences for adults, children, families and groups —
Includes outreach/education, support in recovery, clinical services within a Jewish volunteer in the Food Bank, make holiday baskets, Big Pals/Little Pals, even teach
context, advocacy. ESL.

JFS Counseling Services Jewish Family Services — Spokane Area

206-861-3152 • contactus@jfsseattle.org 1322 E 30th Ave., Spokane, WA 99203
Individual, couple, family and group counseling; professional therapists understand Phone: 509-747-7394 • Fax: 509-747-7394
the dynamics of life transitions and crises within a cultural context. E-mail: director@sajfs.org
Contact: Deborah Press
JFS Emergency Services & Food Bank Spokane Area Jewish Family Services works to meet the social service needs of its
206-861-3176 • emergency@jfsseattle.org community by offering programs and services that incorporate Jewish values, ethics,
For low-income families: culture, and the tradition of helping people help themselves.
• Food Bank: Seattle, Eastside, home delivery Spokane Area Jewish Family Services provides a variety of services for the elderly,
• Financial assistance to avoid eviction/cut-off of utilities people experiencing hardship, and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
• Jewish camp scholarship stipends Specific efforts include home visits, assurance calls, hospital and nursing home visits, food
• Case management deliveries, social service referrals, transportation, and a diversity of other services.
• Hanukkah tzedakah gift matching Beyond the individual outreach, the agency also offers presentations to the community
as educational opportunities to learn about social services and issues of importance.
JFS Family Life Education The agency envisions an Inland Northwest where every individual and family has a
206-861-3146 • familylife@jfsseattle.org strong support system, where each senior thrives, and where each person experiencing
• Classes/workshops addressing changes and challenges across the lifespan (e.g., domestic abuse has an advocate in the pursuit of safety and healing.

Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011


Jewish Prisoner Services International
P.O. Box 85840, Seattle, WA 98145-1840
Main Office: 206-985-0577 • Emergency Collect Line: 206-528-0363
Fax: 206-985-0479 or 206-526-7113
E-mail: jewishprisonerservices@msn.com
www.jewishprisonerservices.org
Chaplain: Gary Friedman
Although best known for providing religious support to prison and jail inmates, a
like amount of JPSI’s efforts are devoted to normalizing the lives of emotionally and
financially devastated prisoner family members. In conjunction with other Jewish social
service agencies, JPSI offers a wide range of confidential, individualized services such
as emergency assistance, counseling, referrals, religious materials and even help in
securing day-school and camp scholarships for children of Jewish prisoners.
JPSI similarly provides transitional assistance to Jews being released from custody,
including short-term housing assistance, employment counseling, clothing and other
material needs, linkage to synagogues, etc. Programs are also available to help those
on community custody — i.e. parole, probation — status comply with court and/or
supervision mandated conditions.
As a pluralist organization, JPSI advocates for clients from all mainstream branches of
Judaism. It is primarily funded by private donations and does not charge for its services.
Mikvot
Seattle Mikvah Association
5145 S Morgan St., Seattle, WA 98118
Appointments: 206-517-7139 • Information: 206-721-0970
Contact: Bayla Friedman Treiger, Committee Chair
The mikvah is an important family resource for the entire community. Recently renovated
and expanded, the Seattle Mikvah provides a beautiful environment for spiritual expres-
sion in the age-old Jewish tradition of immersion in a pool of natural water.
The mikvah is used to complete the conversion process, by a bride before her wedding,
by women in their childbearing years, for immersing certain new cooking utensils, and
by individuals seeking a sense of spiritual renewal. This profound ritual has the potential
to touch something deep in the core of the Jewish soul. Classes on the meaning and use
of the mikvah are available by calling and leaving a message on the appointment line.
Lists of books and other resources are available at www.mikvah.org.
Mikvah Mei Menachem
1600 151st Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-562-7960 • E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
Mikvah Mei Menachem is conveniently located in a private neighborhood in Bellevue. Its
entrance is private and separate, and the mikvah is under strict rabbinic supervision.
The mikvah is available every evening for women only, by appointment. To schedule an
appointment, please call the private number. One of their attendants will return your call
as soon as possible. It is advisable to make your appointment 48 hours in advance.
Mei Menachem is fully equipped to make your visit a pleasant one. The water is heated
and filtered every afternoon. The preparation room includes a full bath and shower, and
all necessary supplies are provided.
Mikvah fees: The suggested donation per use is $20. For additional information, please
leave a message at the number above.
Northwest Jewish Family
family directory 43
Mikvah Yisroel Mei Menachem
6250 43rd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-522-1105
www.chabadofseattle.org
The mikvah channels its native spirituality into every body that enters it. When the
woman immerses, she tapes into the transcendent, sustaining, restorative, creative
and spiritual power that lies beneath these mystical waters.
The practice of mikvah, known as family purity, enhances and strengthens Jewish
family life. With Mikvah Yisroel Mei Menachem, women now have the opportunity to
experience immersion in the luxury and comfort of their state-of-the-art facility. Please
call for more information regarding the mitzvah of mikvah, or to schedule an appointment
for your private immersion. Also, please be sure to visit the mikvah Web site for more
information on classes and upcoming events.
The men’s mikvah, housed in this facility with separate entrance, is also open. For more
information and hours of operation, please contact Leslie Rifkin 206-517-5379.
Youth Groups
B’nai B’rith Youth Organization — Evergreen Region
3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Regional Director: Matt Lemchen
Phone: 206-232-7115, ext. 241 • E-mail: mlemchen@bbyo.org
Seattle Director: Mike Walter
Phone: 206-232-7115, ext. 257 • E-mail: mwalter@bbyo.org
www.bbyo.org
The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization provides a framework for teens to learn leadership
skills and to identify with their Jewish heritage by offering a youth lead experience.
The Evergreen Region has approximately 325 members in multiple chapters throughout
the Northwest. Chapters are currently active in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Eugene.
In addition, Jews in unaffiliated communities are encouraged to become members and
to enjoy the benefits of a national Jewish youth program. These members are invited
to attend all regional and international programs.
Participants, including those from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and non-affiliated
backgrounds join together in religious observance, sports, social events, leadership
development cultural activities and community service projects. Volunteer advisors
provide each chapter with guidance and support.
In the Seattle area, BBYO meetings are scheduled every Monday evening, 7:30–8:30
p.m., at the Stroum JCC on Mercer Island.
Bat Mitzvah Club International, Inc.
Hosted by the Eastside Torah Center – Chabad Lubavitch
1837 156 Ave. NE, #303, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-957-7860 • E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
www.chabadbellevue.org
For young ladies ages 12–14, this is a two-year club for pre- and post-Bat Mitzvah. A group
run for girls by girls, membership is $100 per year. Eight-plus club meetings are included.
Are you all caught up with the theme, the clothing, and the party favors but clueless
about the meaning? Do you think a Bat Mitzvah ends or begins with your party? Join
the Bat Mitzvah Club and find out. Here girls learn about Judaism, meet other Jewish
girls the same age, and have loads of fun!
2010–2011
 44 family directory
The Bat Mitzvah Club is “for girls, run by girls, and starring girls,” because girls run
the meetings, the peer programs, and arrange activities. Be a leader or a participant.
Organize an event. Plan a project. Make a presentation. The Bat Mitzvah Club is a place
to grow, learn and get involved.
The Bat Mitzvah Club shows girls why a Bat Mitzvah is much more than a party. Learn
what it really means to be a Bat Mitzvah in the modern world. Get to know your Jewish
self through art, creative writing and community outreach.
Discuss hot topics. Share you interests, goals, hopes and dreams. Record your thoughts
and ideas in your very own club journal. Express yourself! If you like activities, friends,
food and conversation, you’ll definitely fit right in!
Join the Bat Mitzvah Club and give yourself the best gifts of all: Self-confidence,
Jewish pride, and lasting friendships. Join thousands of girls your age worldwide in
this greatest girls’ club of its kind.
Meet girls in other countries, create pen pals and meet and get to know other Jewish
girls in your own backyard. These are the Bat Mitzvah gifts that last a lifetime. Because
a Bat Mitzvah is not really about the party — it’s about you.
Eastside Jewish Teens Club
Hosted by the Eastside Torah Center — Chabad Lubavitch
1837 156th Ave. NE, Suite 303, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-957-7860 • Fax: 425-957-0524
E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
www.chabadbellevue.org
For young adults ages 12/13 through 17, pre- and post-Bar and Bat Mitzvah. The club
is free for teens, grades 7–11.
The club meets once every three weeks for exciting extracurricular activities and some
optional spiritual opportunities. Hang out with other Jewish teens your age with a great
chance to make new friends as you enjoy great sports, games, activities, workshops,
lots of field trips and more. At every meeting there is going to be food, whether it’s tons
of nosh, delicious lunch or tasty dinners. You won’t go home hungry. Guaranteed!
At every club meeting you’ll have the chance to talk with the rabbi about anything
that’s on your mind and any questions you have about Judaism. Learn how traditions,
culture and religion are relevant today.
Membership is free. Sometimes they will meet at other cool locations and you will be
updated. Each trip and activity is paid for separately. To join the club or for more info,
please e-mail the address above.
Eastside Jewish Public Library
1837 156th Ave. NE, Top Floor, Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-957-7860 • Fax: 425-957-0524
E-mail: eastsidechabad@gmail.com
www.chabadbellevue.org
After an extensive remodel, the Eastside Jewish Public Library is once again fully
operational with books on the shelves and more to be processed.
Located in the Eastside Torah Center on the Southwest corner of 156th Ave. NE and
Northup Way in Bellevue, north of Crossroads Mall and south of the Microsoft main
campus.
The EJPL is open to serve the community, both Jewish and non-Jewish, with something
of interest to all.
The library offers a wide range of books on a variety of subjects, including Torah and
Talmud, history and Jewish living, prayer, mysticism, Chasidus, biographies and many
Northwest Jewish Family
more topics. A children’s library is also included.
The children and young adult collections are now located in a corner of their own,
allowing for specialized programs for these age groups to be created, sometime
soon.
If you haven’t visited them yet, please call to set up a time to stop by and check out
what they have to offer.
Hanhagat Tzabar, Shevet Matar
Friends of Israeli Scouts
Meets at: Stroum Jewish Community Center
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 425-246-6154 • E-mail: danafb@gmail.com
www.shevetmatar.com
Contact: Dana Berenson, Head Counselor, Shevet Matar
Shevet Matar is the Seattle troop of the Israeli Scouts in the U.S., Tzofim Tzabar.
Tzofim Tzabar emphasizes social and moral development. The program helps young
people to develop physically, intellectually and socially through age-specific activities,
including simulation games, discussion, projects, camping trips, ceremonies, holidays
— and lots of fun. A central element of the scouting program is that it is a youth-led
movement. The veteran scouts, ages 15–18, are the counselors for younger members,
ages 8–14.
Tzofim Tzbar meets every Sunday for two hours of activity and has several camping
trips throughout the year. All activities are conducted in Hebrew.
The Jewish Juniors Club and Aleph Champ
A program of Chabad of the Central Cascades
24121 SE Black Nugget Rd., Issaquah, WA 98029
Phone: 425-985-8996 • E-mail: info@chabadissaquah.com
www.chabadissaquah.com/JJC
Contact: Mrs. Nechama Farkash
Bringing Judaism to life through hands-on activities and arts and crafts, the Jewish
Juniors Club educates today’s child in a manner that fosters creativity and a love for
Judaism.
All sessions take place on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
The schedule is based on the Jewish and parochial school district calendars, skipping
the weeks before a Jewish holiday or when the kids are off from school.
The Aleph Champ program, a recent addition to the Juniors Club, comes as a result of
the many requests to have Hebrew reading as a part of weekly club meetings.
If you would like to hear more about the program, or to enroll, call, send an e-mail,
or visit their Web site.
Jewish Student Union
6222 Chatham Dr. S, Seattle, WA, 98118
Phone: 206-295-5888 • E-mail: jsuseattle@gmail.com or theHoffather@aol.com
www.jsu.org
Contacts: Chaya Estrin, Ari Hoffman
The mission of Jewish Student Union is to connect Jewish public school students
to something Jewish, and to give them a way to meet other Jewish teens in their high
school. It’s that simple!
JSU facilitates weekly club meetings in public schools that meet during the lunch
hour or after school, providing food for the body and soul. Programs include speakers
2010–2011
 family directory 45

from a variety of Jewish organizations, or discussions on timely topics of interest to the
participants as well as interactive activities. Krispy Kreme doughnuts, kosher pizza,
falafel, holiday foods or other snacks are always served.
JSU also offers accredited courses through Torah High on and off school grounds.
In addition to the weekly school club meetings, JSU sponsors activities outside of
school including ski trips, Friday night gatherings (oneg Shabbat), the annual New York
Experience trip and others. JSU also participates in Jewish community-wide events such
as J Serve, Mitzvah Day, Israel Independence Day celebrations and Jewish community
festivals. Each club is governed by elected officers who meet once a semester as the
JSU Council of Officers to discuss program topics, outside activities and calendars. JSU
also offers the Jerusalem Journey, a four-week summer program to Israel for half the
cost of any other youth organization.
JSU is proud to host the Gindi Scholars program, an intensive leadership development
program for members of JSU.
JSU is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. JSU is
funded by a generous grant from the Gindi Family Fund and the Jewish Federation of
Los Angeles.
JSU has active clubs in public schools all over the greater Seattle area. If you would
like to get involved or would like to start a club in your school, please contact Ari
Hoffman or Chaya Estrin.
National Conference of Synagogue Youth — NCSY
6222 Chatham Dr. S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-295-5888 • E-mail: HoffJessica@aol.com, thehoffather@aol.com
www.seattlencsy.com
Contacts: Jessica and Ari Hoffman
NCSY is the fastest growing youth organization for high school-age teens in Seattle
and across the country. NCSY gives Jewish teens a place to interact with other Jewish
teens in a fun, safe, kosher environment. Shabbaton weekends, trips and retreats draw
more than 200 teens from all over the Northwest.

young or simply
young at heart, Temple De Hirsch Sinai
has something for you and your family.
Weekly Tot Shabbat and monthly grade
level services, as well as Shabbat Un-
plugged (first Friday, Bellevue) and Rock
Shabbat (second Friday, Seattle; fourth
Friday, Bellevue) are musically rich, par-
ticipatory worship experiences for the en-
tire family.

younger members learn more about

their Jewish selves in our Bridge Family Religion School. Juda-
ics and Hebrew combine with fun and friend-making to create
• A comprehensive and rigorous dual curriculum promoting an experience Kindergarten through 7th grade
active leadership & global engagement. students look forward to. 8th though 12th
grades attend our innovative Tuesday evening
• Technology in all classrooms; 4th–8th Grade laptop High School program — an eclectic mix of
program. classes aimed at helping youth to define what
• Second language acquisition in Preschool–8th Grade. being a Jewish adult means to them.

youngest
• 3rd–7th Grade ITBS scores rank top third and higher.
• Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Search
“Top School.” learners
• Graduates attend local public schools and prestigious in our Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool are encouraged to grow
independent schools including Lakeside, Bush, SAAS, individually as they develop socially, spiritually, physically and
University Prep, Overlake, The NW School and Yeshiva.
cognitively in a Jewish environment.

The Jewish Day School

Preschool through Eighth Grade Temple De Hirsch Sinai
15749 NE 4th Street • Bellevue, WA 98008 Seattle 206.323.8486 Bellevue 425.454.5085
425-460-0260 www.jds.org admissions@jds.org www.tdhs-nw.org
Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011
 46 family directory

NCSY offers a range of events, from Go-Karting to Chinese-auction casino nights to
speaker events. NCSY offers programs almost every night of the week, every week,
including their popular Teen Lounge program on Mercer Island and Seward Park, Slice of
Chai’s free pizza and learning at Island Crust, Friday night onegs and weekend activities
and outings. Shabbatons include trips to New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and many
other major cities. On these trips teens get the chance to interact with local teens from
each of these areas and learn about different Jewish communities. Goals are set on the
continuity of the Jewish people, personal growth, and a love of Israel.
NCSY also sponsors Junior NCSY for 6th–8th graders. Junior NCSY has its own Teen
Lounge nights every week as well as weekend outings and retreats.
NCSY offers summer programs that travel all over the world, including to Israel,
Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe. This region, Northwest NCSY, has chapters in cities
throughout the Northwest, including Portland, Eugene, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary,
Edmonton, Victoria, and Alaska.
NCSY is a multi-faceted Jewish youth group open to all Jewish youth, regardless of
background and affiliation. Offering social and educational programming in hundreds of
communities across the U.S. and Canada, NCSY is a leader in bringing unaffiliated youth
an awareness of what Judaism is all about. For Jewish teenagers, NCSY is a relaxed,
fun environment to learn about their own heritage.
NCSY also offers a fully accredited Hebrew School through its allied agency Torah
High (www.torahhigh.org).
North American Federation of Temple Youth — NFTY-Northwest
Union for Reform Judaism — Pacific Northwest Council
www.nfty.org/nw
Regional Advisor: Sara Lerner
Participation in NFTY’s (North American Federation of Temple Youth) Northwest region
allows high school students to forge an identity in consonance with the goals and values
of Reform Judaism. Committed to Jewish literacy, spiritual exploration, social action,
leadership development, Jewish community, and personal growth, NFTY-NW produces
informed, committed young Jews and North American youth leaders. The accessible,
dynamic, year-round NFTY and NFTY-NW experiences reflect congregational level
opportunities, regional programming, multi-region kallot, North American events and
camping, as well as national and international travel.
For more than 70 years, NFTY has offered tens of thousands of young people the
opportunity to explore and live Reform Judaism. More than 450 Reform congregations
throughout North America sponsor Temple Youth Groups, bringing the NFTY experi-
ence to more than 10,000 high school-age young people each year. Student, adult, and
congregational inquiries are welcome.
United Synagogue Youth Pinwheel
Pacific Northwest — Regional Office
2900 SW Peaceful Ln., Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503-246-8077 • E-mail: milman@uscj.org, schapira@uscj.org
pinwheelusy.moogo.com/
Regional Youth Commission Chair: Ryan Berger
Regional Youth Director: Andréa Milman
United Synagogue Youth is the Conservative movement’s high school program. The
Pacific Northwest Region’s USY program consists of 10 chapters in Washington, Oregon,
British Columbia and Alberta.
USY members join together five times a year for regional Shabbatons and kinnusim
involving social programs and educational sessions.
The international organization sponsors a number of programs, including the Interna-
tional USY Convention in late December, and the USY Israel Pilgrimage programs.
USY emphasizes the importance of social action. The organization operates a tzedakah
foundation called Tikkun Olam, and all weekend events include social awareness
programming.
Kadima/United Synagogue Juniors are youth programs for junior high students. Twice
a year these groups gather for regional events.

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Northwest Jewish Family 2010–2011

 AGING SERvICES
Aging & Adult Programs
206-861-3152
Endless opportunities
206-861-3183
homeCare Associates
206-861-3193
www.jfsseattle.org
CATERING
raChel’s
Sephardic delicacies
Mediterranean Cuisine
Phone for price list and to order
425-793-1945 ralmeleh2@q.com
www.sephardicdelicacies.biz
CERTIFIEd PuBlIC ACCouNTANT
dennis Goldstein & Assoc.,
cpas, ps
12715 Bel-Red Rd. Suite 120
Bellevue
425-455-0430
dennis@dbgoldsteincpa.com
dENTIST
Wendy Shultz Spektor, d.d.s.
Cosmetic & Preventative dentistry
Convenient location in Bellevue
425-454-1322
www.spektordental.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Rabbi Jim Mirel’s
Shalom Ensemble
For all your special occasions
Klezmer & popular music
played by professionals
Call now! 206-323-7674
GRAPhIC dESIGN
Spear Studios, Graphic design
Sandra Spear 206-621-0240
Newsletters • Brochures • Logos
Letterheads • Custom invitations
Web Site design
sspear@spearstudios.com
MohEl
Rabbi Simon Benzaquen
Certified Mohel
Fastest Mohel in the West
206-721-2275
206-723-3028
rabbi@sbhseattle.org
TuToRING
hEBREW INSTRuCTIoN
BEGINNERS To AdvANCEd
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Children & adults welcome
Israeli instructor fluent in hebrew
206-232-2193 or 425-443-0766
esterne12@yahoo.com
CATERING
Madison Park Cafe & Catering
Simmering in Seattle for 30 years
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Weddings
Brit Milah • Special Occasions
an approved caterer of UW hillel
Karen Binder • 206-324-2626
CollEGE PlACEMENT
College Placement Consultants
Pauline B. Reiter, Ph.d.
Individual guidance in college
selection, application and essays
40 lake Bellevue #100, Bellevue
425-453-1730 • preiter@qwest.net
CERTIFIEd PuBlIC ACCouNTANT
Newman dierst hales, pllc
Nolan d. Newman, cpa
Tax • Accounting
healthcare Consulting
206-284-1383
www. ndhaccountants.com
dENTIST
Mayer yashar, d.d.s.
Preventative • Restorative • Cosmetic
Comprehensive care for all ages
S. Everett/N. Mill Creek area
425-316-5410
www.dryashar.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Shawn’s Kugel
The NW’s Premier Music Ensemble
Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs,
Special Events
Contact Shawn Weaver
206-523-9298 • shawnsax@jps.net
INSuRANCE BRoKER
united Insurance Brokers Inc.
Business, Group and
Personal Insurance
n 1-877-860-3193
linda Kosin
425-454-9373
lkosin@uib.com
PhoToGRAPhy
dani Weiss Photography
Specializing in people. Weddings,
Bar/Bat Mitzvah, parties, promotions.
reasonable rates. digital or film.
206-760-3336
www.daniweissphotography.com
voluNTEER
volunteer opportunities
206-861-3155
www.jfsseattle.org
CATERING
Matzoh Momma Catering
Catering with a personal touch.
Serving the community
for over 25 years.
Miriam & Pip Meyerson
206-324-MAMA
CollEGE PlACEMENT
linda Jacobs & Associates
College Placement Services
Successfully matching
student and school
Seattle 206-323-8902
linjacobs@aol.com
dENTIST
Warren J. libman, d.d.s., m.s.d.
Certified Specialist in Prosthodontics:
Restorative • Reconstructive
Cosmetic dentistry
one of Seattle Magazine’s “Best dentists”
Bellevue • 425-453-1308
www.libmandds.com
dISABIlITy SERvICES
SAJd Supported living
Program
206-709-8229
www.jfsseattle.org
ENTERTAINMENT
What the Chelm
Jewish Band Music
Klezmer, Israeli, yiddish,
Ladino & more • For all occasions
Info & bookings: 360-676-1621
www.whatthechelm.com
INvITATIoNS
oCCASIoNAlly youRS
Specializing in Jewish wedding &
Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations
Hebrew type • 20% Discount
Adrian Lustig, owner • 425-644-8551
lustigmail@comcast.net
PhoToGRAPhy
(206) 367-1276
info@joeldamesphotography.com
www.joeldamesphotography.com
youTh SERvICES
Family life Education
206-861-3146
Counseling Services
206-861-3152
volunteer opportunities
206-861-3155
www.jfsseattle.org
CATERING
Nosh Away
“Seattle’s Finest Kosher Catering”
For all your catering needs
from a breakfast for 2 to a dinner for 1300
No even too big or too small
206-772-5757
www.noshaway.com
CouNSElING SERvICES
Counseling Services
206-861-3152
Alternatives to
Addiction Program
206-861-8782
www.jfsseattle.org
dENTIST
Michael Spektor, d.d.s.
Periodontics, dental Implants
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
Convenient location in Bellevue
425-643-3746
www.spektordental.com
EMERGENCy SERvICES
Emergency Services &
Food Bank Program
206-861-3176
www.jfsseattle.org
FINANCIAl SERvICES
Albert Israel, cfp • 206-346-3327
Mass Mutual Financial Group
Retirement & Estate Planning
General Investment Management
Complimentary 1-hr sessions available
aisrael@finsvcs.com
IN-hoME CARE
homeCare Associates
206-861-3193
or
www.homecareassoc.org
TuToRING
ExPERIENCEd CANToR-TuToR
BAR/BAT MITzvAhS—All lEvElS
oFFICIATES All lIFE CyClES
Experienced piano & voice teacher
206-715-8796
Cantor Marina Belenky
www.cantormarina.com
youR SPACE
Be here
next year
To add your service to next
year’s NWJF, contact Becky
at 206-774-2238 or
beckym@jtnews.net