Shalom! My name is Desiree Gil and I am very excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Temple Sinai. While this is my first year at Temple Sinai, I have an extensive background of teaching religious school both at North Shore Hebrew School in Swampscott and Temple Isaiah in West Los Angeles, California. Over the years, I have taught every grade and have been a Bar/Bar Mitzvah tutor in Los Angeles. I am passionate about our youth and look forward to sharing my love of Judaism with your children. I have a BA from Sarah Lawrence College (concentration in Children’s Theatre) and an MFA in TV, Film Production from Northwestern University. In addition, I worked for two well-known Israeli Producers/Directors before having children.

This year in Kindergarten we will study the Aleph-bet and learn a new letter every Sunday. We will also get to understand many of the Jewish holidays in fun and creative ways. For example, the class recently painted honey cups for Rosh Hashanah! Each week we will have music with Daniel, as well as “Hebrew Conversation” with Hebrew specialist, Rohan Turel. Once a month, Art Specialist, Rachel Eisenberg, will come in and do lovely art projects with the students. And, of course, we will learn and talk about the Torah, as well as Shabbat.

The concepts of Mitzvot and Tzedakah will be a consistent theme throughout the year. Each week the children will be asked to participate in sharing mitzvot that they have partaken in, been receivers of, or seen others perform within the past week. Through this the children will grow to understand the positive impact mitzvot make on the world around us and on ourselves.

I look forward to working with your children this year. Should you ever have any concerns or just wish to speak with me, please do not hesitate to contact me at gil.desiree@gmail.com.

Desiree Gil

P.S. If you happen to see Grade 4 teacher, Rebecca Spiewak, and notice a family resemblance – she is my eldest daughter!