Our Tent 2023-24 Third Trimester Class Descriptions

Class Description:

Mindfulness Movement:  This class will use Yoga with breathwork, meditation, and the Jewish spiritual practice of Mussar as gateway to mindfulness to transform body and soul.

This class is offered in person only. THIS CLASS WILL OFFER DIFFERENT LESSONS FROM PREVIOUS TRIMESTERS, SO YOU CAN SIGN UP WHETHER YOU’VE PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED OR NOT.

Instructor: Tessa Gable

Tessa Gable has been a member of STKA since 2019.  She is a registered yoga teacher completing a 200-hour Hatha yoga training in May.  She loves cycling, painting, learning about anything spiritual, and spending time with family.

Class Description:

7 for 75: As we celebrate 75 years as a congregation, join us for these fun and interesting interviews with fun and interesting members of STKA. We'll talk to a trailblazer in the marketing world, a career baseball executive, a bankruptcy court Chief Justice, a glass artist and others. We'll discuss work, life, religion, and spirituality. This interactive class will help us not only hear about these topics from others but also explore them within ourselves.

This class is offered on Zoom or in person, please indicate how you will be taking the class when you register.

Instructor: Deena Nyer Mendlowitz

Deena Nyer Mendlowitz is a teacher and improviser.  She and her son, Rafi, are active members of STKA and actively involved in Our Tent.  If you need a good laugh, a good pun, or a good way to connect pop culture, especially from the 80s, to Judaism, Deena is your person!

Class Description:

Truth, Justice and the Jewish Way: Whether Marvel or DC, our comic book heroes often save the world using the same values we are taught in Judaism. In this class we will learn from the likes of Superman, Captain America and Wonder Woman what makes a great superhero and how to be one on our world today.

This class is offered in-person only. 

Instructor: Noah (Nappel) Appel

Noah Appel, or Nappel as he is known, will be finishing his bachelor’s degree in social work at Cleveland State University, after beginning at Kent State University. He has spent 12 summers at Camp Wise, including this past summer as the Sports Supervisor and Supervisor of the Cornerstone Fellows.  He will bring his knowledge of Jewish values, his leadership experience, and his love for life to this class!

Class Description:

Torah Tots: This program is for our youngest learners. It will be available all morning and will include childcare and age-appropriate fun Jewish learning. 

Please sign up for each session your child will be in Torah Tots. This class is offered in-person only.

Instructor: Liam Jacobs

Liam has seven years of professional experience working with young children as a teacher, babysitter, and nanny. He recently graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. In his free time, Liam enjoys staying physically active at the gym and in nature. He is looking forward to another year of connection and growth in Torah Tots with STKA! 

Class Description:

They Blinded Me with Science: How many Jewish scientists can you name? Did you know Jews were involved in the discoveries of fission, DNA, and computer coding? Join me (a real rocket scientist) and learn about seven great Jewish minds whose works had a profound impact on our world.

This class is offered on Zoom or in-person, please indicate how you will be taking the class when you register.

Instructor: David Nathenson

David Nathenson’s childhood love of outer space led him to a career as a rocket scientist. He is the father of three boys and a dog.  In his spare time, he enjoys creating board games to play with his wife and sons.

Class Description:

Are You There God, It’s Me Barbie, You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah: Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret, Barbie, and You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah are all movies that are overtly Jewish or with Jewish influences that have been released this past year and have been very well-received.  In this heightened time of antisemitism, we will look at the Jewish values in these movies, what they say about Judaism and Jewish culture, and what their popularity might mean. You do not need to have seen these movies to take the class, we will be watching relevant clips in class.

This class is offered in-person only.

Instructor: Rabbi Shana Nyer

Rabbi Shana Nyer was ordained from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2003 and received her Master of Arts in Religious Education from there in 2016. She loves teaching students of all ages and is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of all learners.  Rabbi Shana is a gifted storyteller who loves to teach Jewish values through this medium, and also gets excited when her lessons combine her knowledge of and passion for Judaism and her interest in all things pop culture.

Class Description:

Awe Inspiring Art: Each week we will learn about a different Jewish artist and then we will create a piece of art inspired by that artist. We will use lots of different materials so get ready to get creative and have fun!

This class is offered in-person only.

Instructors: Irene Young

Irene Young is a recent graduate of THE Ohio State University where she studied education. Now she teaches brain and memory exercises at a memory care specific assisted living residence. She also grew up going to Camp Wise and has been the art supervisor for the past 2 summers.