Kesher

By Rachel Fox, Kesher Principal

Congregation Or Ami’s educational philosophy is anchored in the belief that positive and memorable Jewish experiences, coupled with supportive and responsible Jewish role models, are the keys to fostering a genuine connection to Judaism in our young people. By encouraging curiosity and care, we aim to make Judaism a vibrant and integral part of our students’ lives. This philosophy comes to life in Or Ami’s Kesher program.

At the core of our mission lies a commitment to instill Jewish values, nurturing a mensch-y community that embraces positivity, inclusivity, and a profound sense of belonging. Within our vibrant Kesher community, the love for Judaism pours from the hearts of our students. Their deep connection is evident in their thoughtful questions, eagerness to learn, and the sacred relationships they cultivate. 

Kesher, our dynamic pre-K to 6th-grade religious school program, seamlessly weaves together a camp-like atmosphere with diverse modalities of learning. Kesher goes beyond traditional Jewish education, providing an immersive and fun experience. As each child walks into our synagogue, we want them to feel a sense of belonging and importance, reinforcing the idea that their presence matters.

Although I may be far from my hometown in Tennessee, as a Jewish professional, I find my home here among Or Ami’s energized and enthusiastic students and faculty. Each week at Kesher I am surrounded by laughter, joking, hugs, smiles, and powerful Jewish experiences. One of my favorite aspects of this job is witnessing the sacred and uniquely positive relationships within our community. These connections embody the essence of a mensch-y community. 

At Kesher, we are dedicated to imparting a literacy of Jewish living while simultaneously empowering our students to discover Jewish values. We are building on last year’s focus on B’tzelem Elohim – the belief that each person is created in the image of God and is therefore intrinsically valued, blessedly unique, and undeniably equal. Our community lives out these cherished Jewish values, with a particular emphasis on Derech Eretz, meaning “the way of living,” and Chesed, meaning “kindness.” These values serve as guiding principles, shaping our interactions and decisions. Through intentional teaching and engaging experiences, we encourage our community to embody these values in their daily lives, fostering an atmosphere of kindness, compassion, and respect.

This year has already been filled with opportunities to connect with each other, investigate new ideas, challenge our thinking, and explore our Jewish beliefs. We all lead busy lives, yet as families make the effort to bring your children to the synagogue each week, I am impressed with this significant commitment to deepening their connection to Jewish life. I am inspired by the beautiful community that we are creating each week at Kesher. 

Through this love of Judaism, emanating from positive role models, memorable activities, and a focus on values like Derech Eretz and Chesed, we are shaping our community into a place where everyone feels valued and supported.