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 (including a special parents/guardians group).
Age Range: three to eight year olds and accompanying adult/s. (We can cater to 3rd and 4th graders as well, who may be new to exploring their Jewish heritage and identity.)
This program works best for children who are accustomed to 'drop-off' programs (such as day-care) due to the program format.
This program is offered as a series, as consistent participation helps build a sense of community among this cohort. As series participants, we assume we will see registrants each session, unless told otherwise.
Partner Pricing: $350
Non-Partner Pricing: $551
Where: Ballard Neighborhood
When: Once a month on a Sunday, from 10am - 12pm.
2025/2026 Program Dates (7 sessions):
September 14, November 2, December 7, January 25 2026, March 29, May 3, June 7
Prep & Practice
Maxine Alloway
Maxine has served as an educator at Kavana for many years, helping us to develop our educational approach. She currently leads our monthly Havdalah Club and teaches over the High Holidays. Outside of her work with us, Maxine is a faculty member in the University of Washington's College of Education, working primarily with soon-to-be elementary school teachers.
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.
Susan T.
My name is Susan. Originally from New York, I moved to Seattle shortly after Mateo, my first grand child, was born. Professionally, in New York, I was Assistant Director of the Mid Island Y-JCC in Plainview Long Island. When I moved to Seattle I was the Early Childhood Director at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center’s childcare center, Hutch Kids. Currently, I can be found enjoying baseball with my husband, Steve, teaching Mah Jong to our Kavanah community, and teaching Prep and Practice as well as Moadon Dorom. Most importantly I can be found with my grandchildren Mateo, Rafa, and Gali in Seattle and with Isaac and Joshua in the Bay Area. I love spending my Wednesday afternoons with the children. I am learning so much from them. Their enthusiasm is contagious!
Maya C.
Maya is excited for her second year as a Kavana Teacher for the Prep and Practice Program. She's loved being part of Kavana's community since she moved to Seattle in 2022 with her partner, Jack. Though she isn't Jewish, she's found Kavana to be a welcoming and inclusive environment. She grew up in Denver, CO but has found her home in Seattle, loving its Filipino food and neighborhood forests, among many other things.