Beit Sefer’s small class size maximizes flexibility. With three teachers and three madrichim to help with projects, students enjoy interactive group activities as well as individual attention. Each month Rav Gavrielle will share a learning theme, songs, and nigunim.
Emma Shimovich is very excited to be joining the AARC community as the head teacher at Beit Sefer this year! She is graduating from the University of Michigan this winter with a B.A in Social Theory and Practice and a minor in Judaic studies. Emma has been a camp counselor and songleader at OSRUI for the past four summers. She is from Skokie, IL and enjoys playing guitar, making jewelry, and spending time in the teva (nature)
Aviva Panush has been involved in Jewish education for many years teaching children & adults, directing and consulting for religious schools, synagogues and Jewish organizations in Ann Arbor, metro-Detroit, Lansing, the U.P. and Toledo.
Emily Ohl Hello! My name is Emily Ohl (she/her) and I am so grateful and excited to be returning to Beit Sefer for a second year. I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, and decided to stick around after graduating from U of M in 2022. I look forward to helping our students develop their Jewish identities through story, song, and creativity. During the week you can find me in one of the toddler rooms at the J, helping to run AARC services, or taking a yoga class.
Rav Gavrielle is originally from Windsor, Ontario. Before becoming AARC’s new rabbi, she served as Interim Spiritual Leader of Temple B’nai Israel of Petoskey and as guest cantor in synagogues throughout the country. She is passionate about helping students become excited about Jewish culture, values, and practices. Rav Gavrielle plays the harp and loves to knit, sew, and embroider.
Mollie is a freshman at Pioneer HS. She is a Girl Scout, oboist, and D&D player, and loves to draw and paint. Mollie continues to volunteer at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, her Bat Mitzvah project. During Mollie’s second year as a madricha, she looks forward to diving into more Jewish learning.
Dylan likes to backpack, hike, and read. He also enjoys playing basketball. He started 9th grade at Early College Alliance this year and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah last June. Dylan looks forward to contributing to our Jewish community
Josephine is in 8th grade at Tappan Middle School. She likes to play cello, read, and be outside. Josephine’s Bat Mitzvah was last summer. This is her first year being a madricha, and she looks forward to helping the other people at Beit Sefer.
