News from Kol Ami

Editor’s Note: Judy Silver will be departing shortly to take on a new position. We all wish her the best!

Thank you!

Back in 2011 when I first set foot into the Kol Ami school as the Madrichim Coordinator, I had no idea that I would have the privilege of being part of this wonderful community for seven more years.

For the past eight years, I felt lucky to have a foot firmly planted in two congregations that I called home. It started at Temple Har Zion with my parents as founding members and my dad as the first Director of Education. I grew up there and was launched towards a Jewish career, first as a student teacher, then camp at GUCI, and finally living in Israel for three years. I realized that this is where I wanted to be - in a Jewish world doing Jewish things.

A move to Minnesota and a first taste of being a Director of Education in a small inclusive temple in Minneapolis gave me the “aha” moment. One day I came home from work and said to my husband Ian “This is what I’m supposed to do”.

Eleven years later, I’m back in Toronto, and looking for a new job. A call to Chari Schwartz was all it took to find yet another amazing welcoming community – Kol Ami.

In my time here, I have seen your children grow and learn, take on the task of learning a new language and command the Bima on their B’nai Mitzvah. I’ve watched them struggle, discuss, build their own friendships and engage in Reform Judaism. I have welcomed many new kids and their families and said goodbye to others. I have worked with professional, fun, dedicated and caring teachers. our little Kol Ami office, we worked together to make programs happen, meet deadlines and catch up on life. We supported each other through our struggles and celebrated our victories together.

Thank you for welcoming me into Kol Ami and into your children’s lives. Every student that has come through our doors and learned in our classrooms has a special place in my heart. I will truly miss them. It has been an absolute honour meeting and getting to know your kids and watching them grow and learn. Thank you for helping me grow as a person and as a Jewish educator.

If you ask any of our students what “Shalom” means, they will reply “Hello, Goodbye and Peace”. Thank you for your warm hellos when I first arrived, it will be difficult to say goodbye and I wish you all Shalom in your future.

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Judy