Morissa Freiberg-Vance, RJE
Pre-K with Jenny Holz
In the second semester, Pre-K students explored core Jewish holidays including Tu BiShvat, Purim, and Passover through stories, hands-on activities, and sensory experiences. They were introduced to foundational concepts like mitzvot and Moses, while continuing to build comfort with Jewish rituals and classroom community. Experiences like Mitzvah Day and visits to the PJ Library helped reinforce joy and connection to Jewish life.
Kindergarten with Erin Katalinic
Kindergarten students deepened their understanding of Jewish holidays such as Tu BiShvat, Purim, and Passover through storytelling, music, crafts, and interactive learning. They continued building familiarity with Shabbat and mitzvot while strengthening their sense of Jewish identity. Collaborative experiences and hands-on activities supported both social development and joyful engagement in Jewish learning.
1st Grade with Jane Mitchell
First grade students expanded their knowledge of Torah stories, including Genesis narratives and the beginnings of the Exodus story. They explored key holidays like Tu BiShvat and Purim, and engaged in meaningful discussions about kindness (gemilut chasadim) and Jewish values. Their learning culminated in hands-on projects and community experiences like Mitzvah Day where they hosted their annual lemonade stand and helping our Garden Buds plant annuals in our garden, reinforcing connections between learning and action.
2nd Grade with Hannah Movshin and Bentley Adkins
Second grade students demonstrated strong growth in their understanding of Torah, holidays, and Jewish values. They explored themes of inclusion, mitzvot, and responsibility, alongside learning about Tu BiShvat, Purim, and Passover. Through projects like tzedakah boxes, and their annual Family Learning Day where they assembled 100 mishloach manot for Shishim, students connected their learning to real-world Jewish practice.
3rd Grade with Kellie Morgan Lutzko and Hannah O’Connell
Third grade students engaged deeply with Torah study, with ongoing exploration of weekly portions. They connected holiday learning for as Purim, Passover and Yom Ha’atzmaut to broader Jewish identity and history. 3rd grade students also deeply engaged in special lessons during February for JDAIM, Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion month. Their work reflected increasing independence, critical thinking, and pride in their Jewish knowledge and participation. In April, 3rd graders did an amazing job with their musical leadership during their Family Shabbat service!
4th Grade with Ben Buchholz and Livi Holz
Fourth grade students continued to deepen their Torah study, with a focus on Exodus narratives and the development of the Jewish people. They explored themes of leadership, responsibility, and community, connecting biblical stories to their own lives. Holiday learning, including Purim and Passover, was enriched through discussion, creative projects, and opportunities for student voice and interpretation. Creative highlights for 4th graders this semester were creating their own mezuzot, as well as going on an experiential “wandering through the wilderness”.
5th Grade with Jill Daher and Alisa Swissa
Fifth grade students engaged in more complex exploration of Jewish history, identity, lifecycle, and practice as they prepare for the transition into middle school learning. Some of the highlights of the second semester were hands on lessons for lifecycle including making their own mini chuppas, and escape-room based learning. Students demonstrated growing independence and confidence, applying their knowledge through discussion, projects, and leadership within the school community.
6th Grade with Hannah Movshin and Cameron Crane
During the second semester, 6th grade students engaged in a mix of meaningful learning, creative activities, and community-building experiences. They explored Jewish texts and themes, including the stories of Ruth and Purim, with a focus on values like courage. Their Holocaust studies with Cameron continued through the graphic novel White Bird, deepening their understanding of history and empathy. Students also participated in hands-on cultural experiences, such as making Israeli treats like krembos and chocolate balls, often as a reward for strong participation. A major highlight of the semester was preparing for and leading their Family Shabbat service, where students reflected on their Jewish journeys, shared personal learning moments, and collaborated on leading prayers and music, demonstrating both growth and confidence as they approach becoming B’nai Mitzvah.
7th Grade with Bentley Adkins and Leigh Zircher
7th grade students continued to deepen their understanding of Jewish identity, values, and community through both learning and hands-on experiences in relationship to B’nai Mitzvah. They explored topics such as gemilut chasadim, reflecting on their personal ethical values and how to grow into the people they aspire to be, as well as the Jewish life cycle with a focus on the meaning and responsibility of becoming B’nai Mitzvah. In addition to her weekly lessons on contemporary Jewish heroes, cultural learning was brought to life through a lesson on Mizrachi henna traditions with Ms. Leigh. Students also engaged in meaningful experiential learning, including a tikkun olam project at The Buddy Box Connection supporting food-insecure youth, and participating in the Columbus Jewish Historical Society’s annual “Super Sunday” to explore their family histories.
8th Grade with Alisa Swissa and David Knight
During the second semester, 8th grade students engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning that deepened their understanding of Jewish identity, history, and responsibility. Through multiple tikkun olam experiences, including service at the Worthington Resource Pantry and The Buddy Box Connection, they made a tangible impact on their local community. Their studies explored Jewish history and global communities, from the Jewish community of Iraq to early Israeli statehood, often paired with immersive cultural experiences like cooking traditional foods. Students also examined the Jewish immigrant experience through An American Pickle and reflected on contemporary issues, including conversations about antisemitism following their visit to the Holocaust & Humanity Center. Altogether, the semester fostered thoughtful discussion, community engagement, and a strong sense of Jewish pride and connection.
9th Grade with Rabbi Karen Martin
9th grade students continued their in-depth learning about Israel, its history, and its complexities through a variety of interactive and reflective experiences. They explored topics such as the World Zionist Congress, pre-state Israel, and early Israeli statehood, presenting their research and collaborating with peers to understand the challenges of nation-building. Students also examined Israeli culture and identity through hands-on activities like making traditional foods and participating in an Israel-themed escape room. Thoughtful discussions were fostered through resources that encouraged dialogue around differing perspectives on Israel, as well as explorations of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut, helping students grapple with the emotional and historical connections between these days.
10th Grade with Rabbi Rick Kellner
During the second semester, 10th grade Confirmation students engaged deeply with Jewish values, contemporary issues, and personal responsibility as emerging Jewish adults. They explored complex topics such as reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, environmental justice, and tikkun olam through Jewish texts and meaningful discussion, reflecting on how Reform Judaism informs their perspectives and actions. Their learning extended beyond the classroom as they prepared for and participated in the L’Taken seminar in Washington, D.C., where they connected their values to real-world advocacy by lobbying elected officials. Students also prepared for their upcoming Confirmation service by developing and refining personal speeches – please join us to celebrate our Confirmation students on 5/8!
11th & 12th Grade: Mitzvah Corps with Morissa Freiberg-Vance, RJE
Mitzvah Corps teens gathered monthly at Alicia’s Closet, where they sorted donations and helped prepare for organizational programming. Alicia’s Closet serves families with foster care children, as well as youth that have aged out of the foster care system. Mitzvah Corps teens connected deeply with the organization, working alongside the founder each session.