Meet our Education Team
Rabbi Amy heads up our education team and sets the direction by which we implement the ISJL curriculum, a proven religious school curriculum which provides spiraling curriculum for each grade level in ten key content areas. She teams with our Board of Directors and Education VP to establish education policy, and teams with our Education Coordinator and Administrator to run the religious school. None of this would work if it wasn't for the efforts of our dedicated team of teachers! Read more below about our team members.
Rachel Strasburg
Education VP
Rachel has a B.A. in Communications and M.Ed in Educational Leadership. She currently teaches Middle School Special Education. Rachel started as a Head Start teacher and then spent nine years as a Preschool Principal.
Rachel is very excited about becoming more involved in the community not only as an educator but as a voice for children and families.
Lisa Zimmerman
Temple Administrator
Lisa Zimmerman has a B.A. from James Madison University where she double majored in Political Science and International Affairs. After spending some time in the business sector following her graduation, she gained the position of Administrative Assistant for United Christian Parish of Reston. Lisa enjoyed her work in community building within a faith group, and was thrilled to apply her skills in community organizing and administration at Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation.
Lisa grew up with a Reform Jewish background, attending Agudath Sholom Synagogue in Lynchburg, VA in her youth, and becoming a bat mitzvah at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, GA.
As Temple Administrator for BCRC, Lisa finds joy in the shared mission and the friendly atmosphere of the congregation, and values the temple’s commitment to fostering social, worship, and educational opportunities for all ages both inside and outside of the the temple doors. If you have questions on programs within our community or if you would like to get involved, you can reach Lisa in the office at office@bcrcva.org, or 703-729-1659.
Our Teachers
Pre-K and K Combined – Michael Fruitman and Jennifer Kasmer
1st and 2nd Grades Combined - Ariel Shumaker
3rd grade Hebrew and Judaics - Rachel Strasburger
4th grade Hebrew – shared by Anne Suazo and Carolyn Angioli
4th grade Judaics – Lee Kass
5th grade Hebrew and Judaics – Taylor Medoff
6th grade Hebrew – Stephanie Glasser
6th grade Judaics – Dr. Carol Currier
7th grade Hebrew – shared by Stephanie Glasser and Lori Labell
7th grade Judaics – Jonathan Goldberger
Thank you to our Religious School Musician Rockin' Mr. Phil Kane!
Mon, June 21 2021
11 Tammuz 5781
News & Notes
Friends of Israeli Defense Force Needs your help
As the ceasefire takes hold, hundreds of thousands of IDF soldiers and reservists continue to have critical needs. Friends of the Israeli Defense Force (FIDF) is the sole official organization authorized to collect charitable donations on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces across the United States, and the FIDF is raising emergency funds to provide the enormous humanitarian and welfare needs that the military bases cannot provide. Please consider giving to FIDF at FIDF.org.
The Jewish Federation has also created the Israel Emergency Fund. Please consider donating today.
The mainstreaming of Antisemitism: AJC Forum
At the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Virtual Global Forum 2021, Bret Stephens, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times, Bari Weiss, Journalist and Author of How to Fight Antisemitism, and Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, Director of AJC Europe spoke about rising antisemitism in a session titled “The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism: How Should We Respond?”. As antisemitism becomes more prevalent, this is recommended viewing for everyone. Click here to view.
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Contact Us!
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation
21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 100
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 729-1659
office@bcrcva.org