Using stories, songs, discussion and projects, the monthly Prep & Practice program explores Jewish holidays and how to engage with them in personally meaningful ways. With a changing annual theme, families begin each session together then separate into smaller age-based groups for targeted learning and exploration. Attendees include parents, guardians, grand-parents, visiting friends and kids (ages 5 to 11).
Where: Ballard neighborhood
When: Once a month on a Sunday, from 10am - 12pm.
2023/2024 Program Dates:
September 10, November 5, December 3, January 21, February 25, April 14, May 5, June 9
Prep & Practice
Rachel Osias
Rachel Lena Osias, or “RLO '' serves as Kavana’s Director of Education. RLO strives to build communities in which teaching, learning and the pursuit of educational equity are derived from challenging systemic norms and embracing the identities, experiences and stories of all individuals. Her exploration of Judaism and Jewish identity is cultivated through question-asking, relationship-building, story-telling, and play. RLO's professional and educational background has been an intentional interweaving of environmental sciences, educational equity, social and environmental justice, and experiential education. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy; a K-5th grade Teaching Credential; and a Master’s Degree in Urban Environmental Education.
Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum
Rachel Nussbaum co-founded Kavana in 2006 and serves as its Rabbi and Executive Director. Thanks to her leadership, Kavana has received lots of recognition for its innovative approach to building Jewish community, and Rachel’s responsibilities run the gamut… from teaching and counseling, to dynamic prayer leadership, to re-working the synagogue model for the 21st century. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Rachel holds degrees from Duke University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has been a recipient of the Bronfman Youth Fellowship, the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, the AVI CHAI Fellowship, and the Joshua Venture Group Fellowship; more recently she helped to found the Jewish Emergent Network and serves on its executive committee. Rachel resides in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood with her husband Noam Pianko and their three children, and the whole family enjoys the outdoorsy, low-key vibe of the Pacific Northwest.
Anaelle Oiknine
Anaelle is super excited to be back for her fourth year as an educator at Kavana. As an educator, she especially loves the moments of deep intrigue every child has, and just how much she actually learns from her students every year. When she’s not at Kavana, she is completing her fourth year as a double degree in Molecular Biology and Human Evolutionary Biology at the University of Washington. Her minor in Jewish studies just furthers her excitement to be a Jewish educator! With her three sisters, she grew up in Oakland, California where she first developed her love to teach as a tennis instructor and tutor. In her off time, she loves to explore farmers' markets, and hike or she delves into her passions around Jewish history, reading, research, cooking, and fermentation.
Liv Feldman
Olivia is a second-year student at the University of Washington majoring in Jewish Studies. She has previously worked at Temple Israel writing curriculum for their Hebrew school and improving their B’nai Mitzvah program. This will be her second year with Kavana, and she is excited to continue being an educator in the community.