Am Tikvah Religious School for Children
Congregation Am Tikvah (translated from Hebrew as, community of the people of hope) prioritize programming and education for youth and families as a way of looking toward the future. Our teaching philosophy aims for children to get age-appropriate notions of how the lessons of our ancestors play a part in our daily lives. Children learn Hebrew and how to participate in services. We teach students to become proficient in traditional Shabbat and holiday prayers, while also learning Torah stories, Jewish concepts, songs, and holiday observance. Our wonderful teachers convey these lessons through experiential activities, crafts, and targeted lessons.
Sunday School takes place on Sundays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. On the last Friday of each month at 6:00 pm, families and children attend community Friday Family Shabbat Services. This part of the religious school program focuses on the accomplishments of one grade each month. That class is involved in leading the service. The entire Am Tikvah community is invited to this monthly inter-generational gathering that includes dinner afterward in our Social Hall.
Our Staff
Rabbi Chayva Lehrman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Am Tikvah and completed her rabbinic studies at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. She designs the curriculum of the Am Tikvah School to grow in depth as children advance through the program. She always has an eye and ear for the spark within each child.
Samantha Martin (aka Sam) serves as the Youth Education Administrator for the Am Tikvah School. She is a parent and passionate advocate for Jewish education. Her daughter is starting second grade at Brandeis and is a self-proclaimed "shul kid" that you'll see running around regularly.
Cantor Barry Reich teaches the eldest grade of 6th – 8th graders. Here is an article that has more information about his background. He is a talented musician, Jewish song leader, and is incredibly kind, patient, and wise. He is also our lead B’nai Mitzvah educator.
Anna Bleviss Whitlatch teaches the 2nd – 3rd graders and specializes in early childhood arts education. She grew up in the Am Tikvah legacy community and teaches throughout San Francisco.
Nitza Agam teaches the 4th – 5th graders and is a veteran Jewish educator. She has had the pleasure of bringing her love of Hebrew, Jewish Studies, and creative, collaborative approaches to education to many communities in the Bay Area.
Emmi Davis teaches the TK – 1st graders and has been a member of a legacy Am Tikvah community for most of her life.
Talya K. Brass coordinates logistics for B’nai Mitzvah and Tots programs. She is a parent of two Am Tikvah School children and has been active in legacy Am Tikvah leadership for over a decade. She has degrees in both religion and anthropology and has worked in event coordination for her entire adult life.
Tuition
You do not need to be a member of Am Tikvah to enroll your child for their first year of ATS. Your first year of synagogue membership is free when you enroll your children in the Am Tikvah school. We look forward to getting to know your whole family, and you are welcome to join the synagogue at any time during the year. Come give it a try!
Tuition is $850 for the first child and $700 for each additional child ($150 sibling discount). With over sixty hours of instruction throughout the year, this fee is subsidized for all families by the Am Tikvah community.
Registration is online. Upon registration, you will be prompted to pay either in full, quarterly, or monthly. There is no fee for any option. Dues-paying members are eligible for scholarships.
Leadership
Our wonderful Youth Education Committee is comprised of community parents and Board advisors. They oversee programs, curriculum, logistics, and make sure everything is extra fun and special for our children. The committee plans ways for families to engage with one another and with the larger multi-generational Am Tikvah community. Together, we are building a vibrant Jewish community on the south side of SF with a fresh vision for 21st century Judaism. There are many opportunities to make an impact – both on the SF Jewish landscape and the Judaism in your own home.
We hope you’ll join us!
