Coffee House Featuring Rebecca Starr

  • 📅Monday, January 19, 2026
  • 🕐10:45 am – 1:00 pm
  • 📍Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Will My Grandchildren Be Jewish?
Jewish practice, identity, and belonging are constantly evolving in response to modern life. As we look to the future, important questions emerge: What will Judaism look like for the next generation? How might our grandchildren engage with Jewish life? Should we be worried—or hopeful?
Join Rebecca Starr for a thought-provoking conversation about the current landscape of Jewish identity and the future of meaningful community building. Together, we’ll explore how shifting perspectives can help us reimagine what it means to live a vibrant Jewish life in the generations to come.

Rebecca Starr is the Vice President of Educational Operations and Regional Strategy for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. A respected Jewish educator and community organizer, Rebecca has served in a wide range of Jewish communal roles throughout her career.
Originally from an 80-acre sheep farm in Pickford, Michigan, in the state’s Upper Peninsula, Rebecca is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan. She holds undergraduate degrees in Education and Judaic Studies, a Master’s in Social Work, and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Rebecca met her husband, Rabbi Aaron Starr, while both were teaching Hebrew school in Ann Arbor. What began as conversations about Jewish ideas and curriculum turned into a lifelong partnership—now nearly 25 years strong. They are still discussing curriculum. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Caleb and Ayal.

Coffee House

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.