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Congregation Shaarey Zedek

JFS Presentation - Put Your Best Brain Forward: The Critical Role of Mental Stimulation in Preserving Brain Health 1.5.26

  • 📅Tuesday, January 5, 2027
  • 🕐11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • 📍Beit Hamidrash
EducationalEngagementLecture / Speaker+2 more

As we grow older most of us are aware that strong cognition is critical to aging well and on our own terms! Yet those who are lucky enough to live a long life will experience some form of age-related cognitive decline. Despite this, many of us do not know what to do to maximize our brain health. While there are several lifestyle factors that can help, getting enough of the right kind of cognitive stimulation is critical. Just like we exercise our bodies to be as strong as possible as we age, there are specific exercises we can do to have our cognition as strong as possible! Come join us as Lynn Breuer LMSW, CDP and Mackenzie Steele, LMSW, CDP show us how we can strengthen our overall cognition to help us age well!

Featuring:

Mackenzie Steele
Jewish Family Service

Mackenzie Steele, LMSW, CDP earned her master’s degree in social work, with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice, from the University of Michigan. As a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and certified dementia practitioner, Mackenzie has a background in medical geriatric social work, including experience working with individuals and families living with a dementia diagnosis. Mackenzie is currently the Supervisor for Mind University at Jewish Family of Metropolitan Detroit.

Registration & Pricing:

$8.00

Link in Bio

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.