About us
מי אנחנו
A school made of families
Valley Hebrew School was started by a few families searching for more ways to infuse Judaism into our children's lives. For many of us, our elders are gone and it is up to us to encourage a love of Jewish traditions and heritage in our kids. And isn't it always better with friends!
Who we are
The Valley Hebrew School evolved out of a first iteration of Ginat Ha'Shtilim, a home-based Hebrew school program run by Carolina, which was perfect for our little seedlings. As our kids have grown older and more families have expressed interest in joining a local Hebrew school, we decided to expand our reach and joined together to form this collective.
Our teaching team is led by Michael and Maya, parents to two boys at Lagunitas Community School, alongside Carolina. Combined, they have a breadth of knowledge in Hebrew language, childhood education, and play based learning. The other three families in the collective, represented by Shanna, Paige and Arielle, work behind the scenes and help out as needed, from setting up tables to serving snacks.
As a collective, we welcome families to help co-facilitate our gatherings. Whether you enjoy teaching, leading a craft, or helping with logistics, there’s space to bring your gifts, talents, and interests to the group.
Shanna reading to the kids at a beautiful Erev Rosh Hashanah in Samuel P Taylor
What we hold onto
Kehillah — community first
The school exists because families show up for it. Parents teach, drive, cook, set up chairs, and make decisions together. Nobody is a customer here.
Machloket — questions welcome
Jewish learning has always been an argument across generations. Kids are encouraged to push back, wonder out loud, and disagree respectfully with the text and with us.
Adamah — of this earth
The holidays are agricultural and earth-based before they are anything else. We bring the outdoors in whenever we can and follow earth as our teacher.
Hachnasat orchim — the door is open
Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, interfaith families, adoptive families, two-mom and two-dad families, multi-lingual, mixed heritage, families new to Judaism, families returning after a long time away. You name it: we want all of you.