FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Rabbi Josh Zweiback Cell – (650) 888-5356 rabbi_zweiback@betham.org

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Congregation Beth Am Launches Peninsula Jewish Preschool
in Collaboration with ALSJCC

A synagogue-based Reform Jewish early childhood program opens this fall at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, offering parent-toddler groups and morning classes for two- and three-year-olds in collaboration with the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center. An open house for prospective families is scheduled May 20, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Under the direction of Sherrie Rose Maleson, Gan Ami (Preschool of My People) will utilize the congregation’s resources to help children and families develop a sense of familiarity and comfort in a Reform Jewish setting. Spending time in the sanctuary and interacting with the rabbis, educators and cantor will be integrated into the early childhood experience.

“One of our goals is for children at Gan Ami to develop a comfort level within sacred space, visiting the chapel and sanctuary as well as the playground,” Maleson said. “We hope they will learn that their rabbis and teachers are people they can count on in addition to their parents, and we hope the parents will also feel welcome to interact with the clergy.”

Jewish themes will be infused in art, dramatic play, music and other age-appropriate activities and curricula.

Maleson herself grew up at Congregation Beth Am, attended the ALSJCC’s T’enna preschool, and has years of experience in early childhood education. She is the coordinator of the Shabbatots childcare program at Beth Am and program coordinator for Camp Rimon, the afternoon enrichment program at the JCC preschool. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Scripps College in psychology and a master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College in human development with an emphasis in early childhood education.

"We are delighted to be collaborating with the ALSJCC and benefiting from the expertise developed through decades of Jewish early childhood education," said Charlie Rothschild, president of Congregation Beth Am. Zvi Weiss, Director of Early Childhood and Family Education at the ALSJCC, said, "Together we're proud to offer another high-quality option for families on the mid-Peninsula seeking to enrich their connection to Judaism." Membership at Congregation Beth Am is not a requirement for participation in Gan Ami.

For more information, call Sherrie Rose Maleson at Congregation Beth Am,  (650) 493-4665, or email her at srmaleson@betham.org.

About Congregation Beth Am

Congregation Beth Am is a vibrant Reform Jewish community committed to meaningful worship and spiritual growth; lifelong study; and acts of lovingkindness, righteous giving and repairing the world. Beth Am strives to integrate Jewish practice into home and family life, and offers communal support and pastoral guidance for individuals and families throughout their lifetimes and in all their diversity.

Gan Ami Announces Founding Director

We are pleased to announce that Sherrie Rose Maleson has been selected as the founding director of Gan Ami, Beth Am’s new early childhood development pre-school, which is being launched in collaboration with the Albert L. Schultz JCC.

Sherrie Rose is not new to Beth Am. This is her third year coordinating the Shabbatots program, our child care program during Shabbaton. She grew up at Beth Am, having completed Sunday School, Hebrew School, and her Bat Mitzvah here.

A graduate of T’enna, the JCC’s preschool, Sherrie Rose has worked there for the past 10 summers as a counselor, counselor coordinator, teacher, and co-director of the preschool summer camp. She has a BA in Psychology from Scripps College, and recently completed her Master’s Thesis in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.

“We are excited by Sherrie Rose’s passion for teaching young children and her many years of experience in early childhood education,” says Family Learning Coordinator Ellen Lefkowitz.

We look forward to the launch of Gan Ami and to Sherrie Rose’s leadership!