Entrust your child to the very best!

Begun in 1956, Congregation Anshei Israel's Preschool/Kindergarten and its teachers are the recipients of numerous education awards. The school has twice received the "Solomon Schechter Award for Excellence" from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and two teachers have been selected as "Educator of the Year" from the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona.

As of 2008, Lynne Falkow-Strauss, our Preschool/Kindergarten Director, has been with the school for 37 years and, with an extremely low turn-over rate, some of our teachers have been with us for more than 20 years!

We're very proud of the relationships built due to the low student-to-teacher ratio. Our programs are designed to enhance the physical, social, emotional and religious growth of children ages six months through six years. In addition to a rich and meaningful age-appropriate Judaic and secular education, we offer programs in music, physical education, science enrichment, beginning computers, storytime and library.

Stressing parent involvement, the school has a thriving Parent Action Committee and offers parenting classes taught by Rabbi Robert Eisen and Ann Shibuya, MSW, our on-staff school counselor. Ann can address developmental concerns, school adjustment issues and parenting questions, and offer suggestions to enhance a child's self-esteem, foster creativity, identify special needs and modify behaviors.

Our Programs
Parent-Tot Class
Open to the public, this is a fun and interactive class for parent(s) and children 6 to 24 months in age. Class includes indoor & outdoor play, group discussions, snacks & more... Classes are held Tuesdays 9:00 to 11 am. $6 per session. Facilitator: Tara Rathner. For more information, contact lynne@caiaz.org.

18 Month-Olds
A class to assist the toddler in understanding his or her expanding world and to
begin to lay a sound foundation for a positive emotional Jewish identity. The child is provided a rich environment in which he or she can explore freely.

2 & 2 1/2 Year-Olds
Due to the development that takes place between the ages of two and two-and-a-half, we offer programs for each age. Centered on a child attaining a positive self-image while he or she learns a new sense of independence, the program allows the child to discover the joys of cooperative play and the satisfaction of completing tasks.

3 Year-Olds
Ready for new challenges, the child is provided classroom activities that strengthen and sharpen both motor and social skills. Hands-on introductions to art, music, science, math, and geography encourage curiosity and are designed to stimulate growth.

4 Year-Olds
Cognitive skills are further developed through individual and group experiences that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Stimulating activities nurture later proficiency. The child learns to explore his or her environment and to recognize the larger world around them. A growing knowledge of the beautiful traditions of Judaism further enhances the child’s love of learning.

Kindergartners
A comprehensive, full-day program and an introduction to the exciting world of elementary school in which the child’s curiosity about the world grows. Basic concepts in reading, writing, math, science, and art help the child build confidence in his or her ability to learn and develop self-esteem through greater
independence. Visits by specialists and field trips are included. Jewish traditions and history are introduced through music, art and a beginning Hebrew vocabulary program.

The following are just a few testimonials to the quality of our
Preschool/Kindergarten:

"We must express our appreciation for the unfailing commitment this school offers each child. The past year has been a complete joy and blessing for our daughter, Laila, and our entire familiy. There was never a day where we did not feel complete trust in how she was guided, nurtured and educated. We feel blessed to be amongst such dedicated educators and loving people."

— Devora & Chad Burstin

"We are so grateful to have been a part of this school for the past seven years. Our daughters, Jylian, Dilyn, Syndie and Lauren have had incredible experiences in the most nurturing atmosphere. The school overflows with warmth, love and devotion that is felt the moment one enters the building. It is truly an extension of home to those who are fortunate to experience it."

— Ellen Eichler & Larry Grabell

"Our son, Tyler, was born prematurely and doctors suggested that he may experience some difficulties in learning. Tyler attended Anshei Israel's preschool for four years, in all of which we continuously monitored his progress. Upon entering kindergarten at a public school, Tyler rated highest of any of the children in his class. Tyler has continued to make rapid progress. We can only conclude this is due to the excellent education and nurturing he received at your school. We wish to express our utmost appreciation and gratitude for the superior education Tyler received, as well as for preparing him for the 'real world.' We would strongly recommend Anshei Israel's Preschool & Kindergarten to any parent."

— Joann & Steven Weinstein

"Anshei Israel is not just a school. It's a place where I knew that every day my daughter, Madelyn, would be well-nurtured, cared for and given experiential learning in social, academic and Judaic principles. Our entire family made friends whom we know will be in our lives for years to come."

— Naomi Garcia

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Proudly teaching children from generation to generation.

For information about CAI's award-winning Preschool/Kindergarten
or if you'd like to schedule a personalized visit,
please contact Lynne Falkow-Strauss at lynne@caiaz.org.

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"And you shall teach your children."

In January of 2003, Congregation Anshei Israel's Religious School was designated as a "Framework for Excellence" School by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. In harmony with the Conservative approach of tradition and change, our Religious School seeks to equip its students with the ability to forge a place for themselves as Jews in the modern world. From Kindergarten through 8th Grade, our curriculum is challenging, exciting and motivating, and will form the basis for life-long learning in our Jewish tradition. An integral part of the program is sharing and celebrating Jewish holidays in ways that are meaningful and pleasurable to children. We foster a love of Judaism and pride of being Jewish by providing a setting that is warm, loving, nurturing and safe for children. A computer lab is available for students' use to further their Judaic knowledge.

Admission is open to children of Congregation Anshei Israel members. Although we accept children of non-members in the Religious School, we do so for one year only, those children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. This allows the non-member family the opportunity to experience being part of our congregation and educational program before making a committment to join the synagogue.

Our Programs
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Classes provide a foundation for religious studies. Youngsters are introduced to basic Jewish ideals, ethics and mitzvot, customs and ceremonies, prayer and Hebrew reading readiness. Arts & crafts, music and dance enhance the learning experience.

2nd through 8th Grades
The curriculum emphasizes Hebrew language, Siddur, the Bible, as well as holidays, mitzvot and prayer. Active participation by students and their families is strongly encouraged.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Conducted by the Cantor and Education Director, the program includes classroom and individual instruction for each student. A prerequisite for Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Anshei Israel is a minimum of four years in an approved Judaic studies program including enrollment during the year of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Tucson High School for Jewish Studies
Sponsored by Congregation Anshei Israel, the Department of Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and other area synagogues, the program offers classes designed to pique students' curiousity and strengthen Jewish identity. Hebrew language classes may qualify for high school credit.

Confirmation
Students who satisfactorily complete two years of post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah study or who are in the 10th Grade may participate in the program.

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Family Shabbat
This program is aimed at families to allow them to share the Shabbat experience in the synagogue, get into the habit of attending and equate Shabbat with pleasure. The schedule for those children in Kindergarten through Daled class includes three Sundays and one Shabbat per month. At 9:30 am on Saturday, students have Shabbat School followed by a Shabbat Family Service at 10:30 am. Shabbat School is a requirement for all Kindergarten through Daled students. Parents are encouraged to attend the Shabbat Family Service with their children.

Come learn with us.

Tuition scholarships are available.
For information about CAI's Religious School,
please contact Rabbi Kelley Gludt at eddirector@caiaz.org.

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A member of the Far West Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Congregation Anshei Israel's chapter of USY has received the "Chapter of Excellence Award" seven times! In addition to this prestigious honor, our Youth Director, Linda Roy was presented with the Eshet Chail (Woman of Valor) Award for distinguished service to Far West Region USY for 2001-2002.

USY provides religious, spiritual, educational and social activities to Tucson's Jewish youth offering them opportunities to meet others like themselves in a safe, casual setting, while instilling in them the importance of Jewish identity.

Congregation Anshei Israel's USY are divided into three groups: Kadima for grades 4th through 6th, Junior for grades 7th and 8th, and Senior for grades 9th through 12th. Kadima meets twice a month, and Junior and Senior USY meet weekly. All groups participate in mitzvah, tzedakah and social action projects, in addition to fun activities such as holiday-related arts & crafts, social outings and much more. All these activities and projects promote bonding and build group trust. The synagogue has a Youth Center with recreational equipment as well as an outdoor basketball court for their use.

Wheels & Far West on Wheels
Summer bus trips provide USY teenagers with the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Canada with other Jewish youth from North America. Spirituality and fun are combined to create a memorable experience.

Camp Ramah
Located in Ojai, California, Camp Ramah is the Conservative movement's summer camp for Jewish youth to enjoy all the fun of camp in an enriching Jewish atmosphere.

USY Israel Pilgrimage
This program provides USY teenagers with the opportunity to travel to Israel during the summer.

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For information about CAI's United Synagogue Youth,
please contact Linda Roy at linda@caiaz.org.

Congregation Anshei Israel offers a variety of programs throughout the year in which the whole family can participate. Programs can be holiday-related, or geared toward families with young children or toward those with teens and may fall under the direction of the education department and/or the programming department. Either way, there's something for every age to enjoy.

Junior Congregation: A Service For Kids ... Led By Kids
Every fourth Saturday (including holidays), our young people have the opportunity to be led in prayer by their peers, to engage in prayer in their own environment, and to strengthen bonds among themselves. Those in first through sixth grades are invited to attend this service in the Epstein Chapel at 10:30 am, complete with its own special kiddush.

Shabbat Family Experience
Creative, interactive & upbeat Shabbat celebration that incorporates family-themed activities.

K'Ton Time
A unique Shabbat experience for young children & their families which includes prayers, songs, stories, games & refreshments.

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