Temple Israel

Temple Israel's education program covers a wide range of opportunities for virtually all ages.

A main anchor of the department is the Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious School, which includes Sunday school, high school, and Hebrew school.

Youth and family programs, adult education, and bar and bat mitzvah study are also integral components of the education program.

With teachers and parents working together in common faith and purpose, the education department pursues educational objectives in worship, Israel, mitzvot (commandments), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Hebrew, as well as Jewish values, culture, history, identity, holidays, and tradition.

The calendar provides updated information on the many classes, programs, and events that are a part of the education program.  (Note: You may customize the calendar and view only Religious School items by clicking on the arrow next to the word "Agenda" in the top, right portion of the calendar.)

For more information about the education program, contact Director of Education Barb Gelb or call (901) 937-2776.

Director of Education Barb GelbBarb is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, with a Masters Degree in Jewish Communal Service.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UCLA.

Barb has spent her entire post-college career working in the Jewish community as an educator, fund raiser, and programmer, serving Hillel, North Valley Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and American Friends of Hebrew University prior to coming to Temple Israel in 2003.

She has also taught at various camps and schools, and worked under Rabbi David Ellenson as his teaching assistant for “Ethics of the Holocaust” at USC for six semesters.  Barb is a recipient of the prestigious Wexner Graduate Fellowship.