The Religious School at Eitz Chayim offers our students and families a first-class, high quality and innovative congregational religious school for students in Pre-K through High School.

An Interview with Andrea Silton: Eitz Chayim's Religious School Director

Some members of this years Religious Schools Ozrim recently had an opportunity to interview Andrea Silton, Eitz Chayim's Education Director. The group learned about Andrea's personal background, education and why she chose to bring her skills and enthusiasm to Eitz Chayim.

Andrea was born in Philadelphia and attended George Washington High School and Gratz College Hebrew High School. She then attended Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA. At Gratz, Andrea obtained a teaching degree and a BA in Hebrew Literature. At the same time, she earned a BA from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, While in college, Andrea studied at Hebrew University's Melton Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora. She continued with graduate studies at Boston University where she received an MEd in Educational Administration and Curriculum Development and Brandeis University, where she received a MA in Jewish Communal Service and Education.

After her extensive education, Andrea taught in virtually every type of setting. She taught in day schools, afternoon Hebrew schools and worked with every age from preschool to adults.

Prior to joining Eitz Chayim, Andrea was education director at a much larger synagogue. The school had over 600 children. While she did enjoy the people and program, Andrea found it a challenge to get to know all of the congregants and students. She missed the personal contact that she had experienced at the smaller schools.

The warm and caring Eitz Chayim Board of Directors immediately attracted Andrea's attention. So did the charm and character of the synagogue's building. She was also impressed by the close-knit and friendly size of the congregation. Then she was wowed by Rabbi Liza's engaging and extremely supportive personality. She knew she wanted to be a part of Eitz Chayim.

At Eitz Chayim, Andrea is excited about making the Religious School a memorable and engaging experience for teachers, families, students and the Ozrim. In addition to classroom learning, Andrea hopes to engage a sense of community and Judaism through the planned curriculum. She explained that the teachers and the Ozrim coordinator are also delighted to be a part of Eitz Chayim's Religious School.

- OZRIM: Peter Neusner, Sonja Lemler, Sadye Sagov & Caroline Cooke