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 2009, Lynne Falkow-Strauss, our Preschool/Kindergarten Director, has been with the school for 38 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 Rabbi Kelley Gludt.

Our Programs
Parent-Tot Class
Open to the public, this class for children 6- to 24-months in age and their parent(s) is fun and informative, with age-appropriate activities and playground time for children; and social time for parent(s). Snack provided. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 to 11:00 am. $7 per session. 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 couldn't have found more reliable and loving people to whom we could entrust our precious daughters than at your school. We will always remember those who helped us nurture them into the happy little girls that they are. Our entire family will have great memories of our time at Anshei Israel."

— Valaya & Brian Guadet

"Your staff went out of their way to make my daughter and me feel at home. The guidance, support, friendly smiles and hugs that were given daily meant the world to us. You are the best!"

— Marci Schwartz

"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

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Proudly teaching children from generation to generation.

Preschool/Kindergarten 2010-2011 Registration Form

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

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"And you shall teach your children."

Since January 2003, Congregation Anshei Israel's Religious School has been 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. We accept children of non-members in the Religious School for one year only so they have 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 prayerbook, Hebrew language, the Bible, holidays, mitzvot and prayer. Active participation by students and their families is strongly encouraged.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah
The program includes both classroom and individual instruction for each student by the clergy. Three times a year the students and their families meet for dinner and to learn together. 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 Coalition 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 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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Come learn with us.

Religious School 2010-2011 Registration Form

Religious School Permission & Medical Form

Tuition scholarships are available.
For more 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, and has been named Youth Director of the Year two times.

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 and refurbished gaga (Israeli dodgeball) 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.

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

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Kadima USY 2010-2011 Registration Form
Junior USY 2010-2011 Registration Form
Senior USY 2010-2011 Registration Form

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

Congregation Anshei Israel offers Tucson girls one of the most innovative and effective projects in the Jewish community: Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!, a program of Moving Traditions. The program, in its second year at CAI, helps girls in grades 6-12 build self-esteem, leadership skills, and Jewish identity.

Autumn Wiley, Doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Arizona with a background in Women's Studies, leads the group, which will be made up of girls who are entering 6th and 7th grades this fall.

An informal setting, the small group size, and carefully designed activities together create an enjoyable and meaningful experience, which, when repeated monthly throughout girls’ teen years, strengthen their Jewish identity and sense of self. The group meets once a month, usually on a Sunday afternoon.

For more information about It’s a Girl Thing! at Congregation Anshei Israel — how you as a Jewish girl, or your daughter, can become a part of this exciting program — contact Autumn Wiley at autumn.RHIAGT@gmail.com or Rabbi Robert Eisen at rabb@caiaz.org.

This program is sponsored by The Jake and Goldie Silverman Foundation and Congregation Anshei Israel.

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Congregation Anshei Israel offers a variety of programs throughout the year in which the whole family can participate. Programs are geared toward families with young children all the way to teens. There's something for every age to enjoy.

Shabbat Family Experience
Creative, interactive & upbeat Shabbat celebration that incorporates family-themed activities held most second Saturdays each month at 9:30 am in the school wing and the Epstein Chapel.

K'Ton Time
Held the third Saturday each month, this fun and lively 20-minute service includes songs, prayers, stories & games. After the service everyone is invited to a kid-friendly Kiddush where each child's attendance is acknowledged in song. This is followed by playground time (or preschool classroom time during the summer) for kids and schmoozing time for parents. Then we join the main congregation for the end of sanctuary services & Kiddush. K'Ton Time is geared to families with kids ages 1 to 6, but every family is welcome to join us in the Epstein Chapel at 10:30 am.

Minyan Shelanu - "Our Minyan"
All are welcome to attend this lay led service — from the one-month-old child, to the fidgety teen, to the 90-year- old great-Bubbie: children and adults of ALL ages. We will daven with ruach and the inspiration of a camp service! Throughout the year, we will explore the meaning behind the prayers and music of the Shabbat morning service. Held the fourth Saturday at 10:30 am in the Epstein Chapel. Following the service, we join the sanctuary service for kiddush in Rabbi Breger Hall.