248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Practical Approaches to Wellness – Mind, Body, Soul: Put Your Best Brain Forward- Lifestyle Factors that Influence Brain Health

  • 📅Thursday, August 27, 2026
  • 🕐10:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • 📍Beit Hamidrash
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EducationalEngagementLecture / Speaker+1 more

How do we keep our brains healthy as we age? Just like we make time to go to the gym to strengthen our muscles and keep our bodies as healthy and strong as possible, we also need to give our brains regular exercise to fight normal cognitive changes that come with aging to optimize our cognitive abilities. 

Join Mackenzie Steele, LMSW, CDP for a fun, informative and interactive presentation on the aging brain’s health and wellness, including a discussion of lifestyle factors that impact brain health as well as an update on the most recent non-pharmacological interventions. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about and try evidence-informed cognitive training exercises.

Featuring:

Mackenzie Steele

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.