About
Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center offers hands-on activities such as building towers of wooden blocks, measuring sand into buckets, and painting a bright rainbow. Children also engage in playing percussion instruments, singing, and dancing, as well as climbing through obstacle courses, tumbling, and practicing yoga poses as part of the program’s weekly physical education and bi-weekly music experiences.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center describes itself as an early childhood learning community for the mind, body, and soul and is an integral part of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah’s Lifelong Learning Community. The program is guided by Jewish teachings and culture, including the values of B’tzelem Elohim (every individual created in the image of God) and Kehillah u’Mishpacha (community of family and friends), and it welcomes both Jewish and non-Jewish children. Programming incorporates Jewish traditions throughout the week while also finding ways to celebrate students of various faiths and backgrounds, and children and families of all shapes, sizes, and religions are welcome to join Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community and/or Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah as a whole. The curriculum is described as play-based and emergent, with experiences that are multi-sensory and that focus on mind (cognitive development), body (physical development), and soul (social development).
The staff at Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center is described as an experienced group of dedicated early-childhood professionals who combine a strong educational background with a love for and appreciation of young children. Teachers are described as a community of lifelong learners who participate in ongoing professional development training based on current research and philosophies for early learning. The leadership team includes Rabbi Selilah Kalev as Founding Director, Ms. Malorie Kole as Assistant Director, Ms. Jessica Kole as Director of Curriculum, and Rabbi Joshua Kalev as Rabbi of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah. Rabbi Selilah has been an educator for over 25 years, received a bachelor’s degree in music from the California Institute of the Arts, holds a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew letters, earned two master’s degrees in Jewish education and Rabbinic studies, and received her ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles in 2003. Malorie studied Early Childhood Education and Development and holds a Director’s Certificate, and Jessica earned a degree in art.
Shalem’s bi-weekly music classes are led by a music specialist, and its weekly physical education program uses games and activities to foster gross motor development and balance. The physical education program also encourages children to develop lifelong, healthy eating habits through a Jewish lens. Because of the relationship between Shalem and Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah, all CTJ members are given priority waiting list placement.
Last updated July 21, 2026.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center describes itself as an early childhood learning community for the mind, body, and soul and is an integral part of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah’s Lifelong Learning Community. The program is guided by Jewish teachings and culture, including the values of B’tzelem Elohim (every individual created in the image of God) and Kehillah u’Mishpacha (community of family and friends), and it welcomes both Jewish and non-Jewish children. Programming incorporates Jewish traditions throughout the week while also finding ways to celebrate students of various faiths and backgrounds, and children and families of all shapes, sizes, and religions are welcome to join Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community and/or Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah as a whole. The curriculum is described as play-based and emergent, with experiences that are multi-sensory and that focus on mind (cognitive development), body (physical development), and soul (social development).
The staff at Shalem Early Childhood Learning Center is described as an experienced group of dedicated early-childhood professionals who combine a strong educational background with a love for and appreciation of young children. Teachers are described as a community of lifelong learners who participate in ongoing professional development training based on current research and philosophies for early learning. The leadership team includes Rabbi Selilah Kalev as Founding Director, Ms. Malorie Kole as Assistant Director, Ms. Jessica Kole as Director of Curriculum, and Rabbi Joshua Kalev as Rabbi of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah. Rabbi Selilah has been an educator for over 25 years, received a bachelor’s degree in music from the California Institute of the Arts, holds a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew letters, earned two master’s degrees in Jewish education and Rabbinic studies, and received her ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles in 2003. Malorie studied Early Childhood Education and Development and holds a Director’s Certificate, and Jessica earned a degree in art.
Shalem’s bi-weekly music classes are led by a music specialist, and its weekly physical education program uses games and activities to foster gross motor development and balance. The physical education program also encourages children to develop lifelong, healthy eating habits through a Jewish lens. Because of the relationship between Shalem and Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah, all CTJ members are given priority waiting list placement.
Last updated July 21, 2026.
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