Using stories, songs, discussion and projects, the monthly Prep & Practice program explores Jewish holidays and how to engage with them in personally meaningful ways. With a changing annual theme, families begin each session together then separate into smaller age-based groups for targeted learning and exploration. Attendees include parents, guardians, grand-parents, visiting friends and kids (ages 5 to 11).
Partner Pricing: $400
Non-Partner Pricing: $600
Where: Ballard
When: Once a month on a Sunday, from 10am - 12pm.
2024/2025 Program Dates:
September 22, November 17, December 15, January 12 2025, February 9, April 6, May 4, June 1
Prep & Practice
Maxine Alloway
Maxine has served as an educator at Kavana for many years, helping us to develop our educational approach. She currently leads our monthly Havdalah Club and teaches over the High Holidays. Outside of her work with us, Maxine is a faculty member in the University of Washington's College of Education, working primarily with soon-to-be elementary school teachers.
Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum
Rachel Nussbaum co-founded Kavana in 2006 and serves as its Rabbi and Executive Director. Thanks to her leadership, Kavana has received lots of recognition for its innovative approach to building Jewish community, and Rachel’s responsibilities run the gamut… from teaching and counseling, to dynamic prayer leadership, to re-working the synagogue model for the 21st century. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Rachel holds degrees from Duke University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has been a recipient of the Bronfman Youth Fellowship, the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, the AVI CHAI Fellowship, and the Joshua Venture Group Fellowship; more recently she helped to found the Jewish Emergent Network and serves on its executive committee. Rachel resides in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood with her husband Noam Pianko and their three children, and the whole family enjoys the outdoorsy, low-key vibe of the Pacific Northwest.
Maya Cutforth
Maya is excited to serve as a Kavana Teacher for the Prep and Practice Program. She's loved being part of Kavana's community since she moved to Seattle in 2022 with her partner, Jack. Though she isn't Jewish, she's found Kavana to be a welcoming and inclusive environment. She grew up in Denver, CO but has found her home in Seattle, loving its Filipino food and neighborhood forests, among many other things.
Sudan Tregerman
Susan is more commonly known as Nonnie. She arrived in Seattle approximately 12 years ago from New York; 18 months after her first grandchild was born. The journey has been terrific! When not baking challah and cookies, playing or teaching mahjong, or watching the Mariners with her husband, you can find Susan with her grandchildren either here or in California. Susan likes to swim, play ball and go on vacations with her family. This past summer she and her family went to Greece to visit her father’s place of birth, Lonnina. Susan loves working with families and is looking forward to spending time with the Kavana families.