Welcome

Welcome Letter from Alissa Frankel

Shalom!

Originally from Baltimore, I grew up as an active member of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and served as President of my youth group, participated in NFTY-MAR (Mid-Atlantic region) events, and was a camper at KUTZ for two summers.

My fondest memories of Religious School were during the time I spent with my friends (still some of my closest friends today), music (I still love Jewish music today!), the prophet elections, our 6th grade retreat, and projects like the Shabbat candle sticks that are still in my childhood bedroom. 

I moved to Florida to attend Florida Atlantic University for college and later attended University of Illinois Chicago for graduate school, earning a bachelors and masters in social work. I worked for five years as a Life Coach with youth in foster care transitioning to independence. Prior to joining Temple Beth Am’s team, I worked at another local Synagogue strengthening their Religious School and Youth Programs. I met my husband, Jamie, in 2004, working at a Synagogue in Boca Raton as Youth Advisors. We got married in 2010 in Disney World, and our daughter, Eliana, is a student at our incredible preschool, The One School at Temple Beth Am.

Emulating the positive experience I had in Religious School and Youth Group is my hope for our community at HaMakom (Hebrew for "The Place"). When we changed our name, logo, and mission and vision statement in 2015, it was to capture what we aspire Religious School for our children to look like today. That’s how our tagline was born “Learn Jewish, Live Jewish”. By blending formal (Religious School) and informal (Youth Group) education, it allows our students the opportunity to engage in unique programs that foster their connection to Judaism and to one other. Through teaching Hebrew through Movement, hosting family learning programs, offering innovative learning experiences, music, dance, and so much more; we create a culture where our students want to be.

Being part of HaMakom at Temple Beth Am, you can tell your stories, build lasting relationships, and in doing so learn a great deal about what’s important to you and your family. Come visit us and see what we are all about. if you or someone you know may be interested in checking us out, I would love to be in touch about our wonderful programs. Please contact me at 561.747.1109 or [email protected].  

L’shalom,

Alissa Frankel
Education Director