- Welcome
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Community
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Social Action
- 2021 MLK Power Pack Program
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- 5777 Special Focus: Racial Injustice
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Jen Halpern, Preschool Director
Jen Halpern, Preschool Director
Jen Halpern has been an educator for more than two decades. She has taught and led programming for students from preschool through high school.
In many ways, joining Agudas Achim as the preschool director is like returning home for Jen. She joined the synagogue while completing her undergraduate degree at George Mason University. She began teaching in the religious school soon after. Later, she met her husband, Hugh, during Shabbat services. He asked, “Can I borrow that chumash?” They were married at Agudas Achim in 1998.
Beginning her career while still in college, she worked at the George Mason University Child Development Center and later at Keshet Child Development Center, the Agudas Achim preschool co-sponsored with Temple Beth El. After completing her Master’s Degree in education at Marymount University, she received her Virginia teaching license and began teaching third grade in Arlington Public Schools.
When Jen returned to work following the birth of her son, Ari, she worked in a variety of positions at Agudas Achim, including teaching in the Religious School, planning Purim programming, and leading Gan Shabbat. She also volunteered extensively at her son’s preschool, serving on the board and as director of the summer camp.
In 2009, Jen joined the faculty of Gesher Jewish Day School where she taught fourth and fifth grades. She also served as the interim elementary school director during the 2013–14 school year and the school-wide curriculum coordinator beginning in 2013.
During her career, Jen has sought to bring new and innovative programming to each environment where she has taught. She led the Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! program for teenage girls at Agudas Achim. She also received a grant from Legacy Heritage Fund to integrate Jewish-American history into Gesher’s curriculum.
Jen lives in Alexandria with her family. She is proud to be part of the warm and welcoming community that is Agudas Achim Congregation.
You can contact Jen Halpern in the preschool office.
Thu, February 25 2021
13 Adar 5781
AAC Event Calendar
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 25 , 2021Ma'ariv, Megillah & Spiel
Thursday, Feb 25th 6:00p to 8:00p
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2021Pirke Avot: Wisdom of the Fathers
Shabbat, Feb 27th 1:00p to 2:00p
Teens will study Jewish lessons for wisdom, relationships, and ethical living. -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2021Virtual Community Ma'ariv & Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 27th 6:45p to 7:15p
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2021Young Families Virtual Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 27th 7:00p to 7:30p
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2021Teen Movie Night
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 27th 8:00p to 10:00p
Bring popcorn and drinks and join friends at the movies, virtually when necessary, in person when possible. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2021The Music of the Abayudaya
Sunday, Feb 28th 11:30a to 1:00p
Details on the Music page. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2021What's in Your Future?
Sunday, Feb 28th 1:00p to 2:00p
Teen class with Daniella Bienstock. Start planning for life after high school. Explore how to connect high school experience to post-secondary goals; discover resources for exploring colleges; learn skills for dealing with stress and anxiety. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2021Virtual Purim Carnival
Sunday, Feb 28th 2:00p to 4:00p
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Sunday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2021Modern Tribes of Israel
Sunday, Feb 28th 8:00p to 9:00p
MODERN TRIBES OF ISRAEL Sundays, starting February 14 | 8 PM Who do you think of when you picture an Israeli? There may be more faces for you to discover. Join Yasmin for an opportunity to learn about her favorite aspect of Israel - its diversity. Every week we will discuss a sector of Israeli society, some less familiar to us than others. We will use Israeli art and video media to better get to know the stereotypes surrounding each group and the people and faces within them. Join with Zoom. -
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 2 , 2021Seder Leading Workshop
Tuesday, Mar 2nd 8:00p to 9:30p