Jewish Virtual Academy
Helping Jewish educators enrich the lives of students by offering creative approaches to Jewish study which address issues relevant to students’ lives and the world.
We currently offer:
- Conversion Program focused on developing your Jewish spiritual & ethical life;
- “Torah and Today” curriculum project draws students into authentic, substantive conversations about contemporary social issues and engages them in the study of Jewish texts to develop their understanding of social issues;
- Online Hebrew School with serious study on relevant issues as well as hebrew tutoring
Does virtual Hebrew School work? Yes!
Our kids love our virtual classes far more than traditional Hebrew School. We challenge our students, keep them engaged, and teach them to apply Jewish values to their lives. Our teachers are experts at teaching online, and use all the resources of being online to actively engage kids, so class is energetic, interactive. Unlike traditional Hebrew School, which often focuses on Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, we focus on Jewish life preparation: learning Judaism as a set of mitzvot and sacred stories which convey values, and learning at progressively deeper levels as children grow older. Our children love Jewish learning–join us and discover why!
How is the Jewish Virtual Academy different than other schools?
- Learning that matters: we believe Torah is deeply relevant to how we live our lives, and has the power to help us transform our lives and the world. In everything we teach, we seek to convey the message of Torah to our lives.
- Learning that is fun: we believe that children learn best when they are active. We being in art, drama, and other activities to make the learning process joyful and engaging.
- Judaism with heart: everything we do at Kol HaLev is wholehearted. We are a kind, caring community, and always insist that Judaism should be meaningful and relevant.
- Expert Faculty: we conduct a national faculty search, looking for professional educators who have deep Jewish knowledge, who are kind, positive role models, and who are innovative as educators. Many of our faculty are professionals with years of experience, and leaders in their own field.
- A La Carte: different classes for different learners. Only register for the classes that are right for you. No synagogue membership required.
Faculty
Rabbi David Siff – Executive Director, “Mitzvah Class”
Rabbi David is the founder & rabbi of Kol HaLev. He has a PhD in Kabbalah & Philosophy from JTS, where he wrote on the works of Rebbe Nahman of Breslav.
He integrates music, drama, and arts into his work, as well as serious engagement with traditional texts, finding their relevance to contemporary society. He lives in Boynton Beach with his wife, Tanya, and 3 children.
Rebbe Dovid Reisman-
“Mitzvah Class”
Rebbe Dovid Reisman has taught Torah and related Judaic studies in Day schools and Sunday schools at the elementary level, and volunteering as a guest lecturer at a the local prisons for over 30 years. Rabbi Reisman loves Torah and working with children. Brooklyn born, Rebbe Dovid currently lives in Massachusetts, and still appreciates the occasional overstuffed pastrami sandwich. When he isn’t teaching, he’s usually involved in Israel advocacy or spending time with his 12 grandchildren.
Morah Shayna Ohayon
Morah Shayna inspires and motivates children to love Judaism thru art, drama, play and cooking. Her goal is for the children to attain a strong sense of love and pride in being Jewish.
Jill Liflander –
“Torah Through Drama”
Jill Liflander is a puppeteer, visual artist, dancer, storyteller, writer and activist. Jill holds an undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has studied at the Harkness Dance Center’s “Dance Education Laboratory” at the 92nd St Y in NYC, and with the Kennedy Center’s “Arts Integration” model of arts education. In addition to creating Early Childhood puppet educational experiences throughout Westchester, Jill is the Educational Director of the Hebrew Congregation of Somers Hebrew School.
Aliza Stein –
Hebrew Tutor
After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from FAU, Aliza began her teaching career as a 5th grade teacher and Team Lead in the Atlanta School System. She also taught as an early childhood Judaic Studies teacher, and as a Hebrew Specialist and Lead Teacher at B’nai Torah Congregation. She fell in love with the online platform in 2011, and since then has worked with hundreds of B’nai Mitzvah students.
Teri Gianetti –
Faculty Mentor
Teri has taught elementary, middle school, and high school, and served as the principal of an Orthodox Hebrew Day School as well as full time administrator at a Jewish Community School. Teri brings a passionate belief that every person is a total individual with wants/needs requiring attention, and helps support the development of each person’s potential.
Institutional Affiliations
