September 7, 2025
September 10, 2025
Sundays, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesdays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
At Temple Beth Ohr, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders through our engaging youth education programs for children and teens from TK through 10th grade. Our curriculum is designed to foster a deep connection to Jewish heritage, blending traditional teachers with contemporary relevance. We offer a diverse range of educational experiences, including interactive classroom activities, cultural events, and hands-on learning opportunities that make exploring Judaism both meaningful and enjoyable.
Our programs cover essential aspects of Jewish life, such as Jewish identity, Community, Israel, the Torah, and Jewish Holidays. We are proud to create an inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported, including those with learning disabilities and diverse needs. Our experienced educators create a supportive environment where students can delve into these topics, develop critical thinking skills, and build lasting friendships. From early childhood through the teenage years, we aim to instill a lifelong love for learning and a strong sense of community. At Temple Beth Ohr, we believe that investing in our youth education empowers tomorrow’s leaders to uphold and enrich our cherished traditions and values.
Alyssa Freedman-Finch is our Youth & Education Director at Temple Beth Ohr. Before becoming the Director, she began working in Hebrew Lab in 2015 and then moved to become a Religious School teacher in 2018. In 2022, Alyssa also began working as the BOLTY Youth Group Advisor. Alyssa holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Loma Linda University. She also holds two bachelor’s degrees in Cognitive Studies and Health Care Administration. She currently works full-time as a Speech Language Pathologist with TK-6th graders at Lowell Joint School District in La Habra/Whittier. Alyssa loves working with children, teaching them about Hebrew and Judaism, and fostering an engaging and inclusive environment for all children.
Ethan Prager is the 7th and 8th grade religious school teacher at Temple Beth Ohr. A proud two-time CSULB graduate, Ethan holds a Master’s in Religious Studies and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy with a Minor in Jewish Studies, and he is currently working toward his MBA. He works professionally in Development at CSULB and has contributed to Jewish life at Camp Newman, IKAR, and the Oshman Family JCC. Ethan has also served as a substitute teacher for grades TK–12 in the Long Beach Unified School District. Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in Jewish spaces, Ethan is thrilled to bring his energy and experience to the families and students of Temple Beth Ohr.
Shoashanah Tobias is the religious school teacher for the 5th through 7th grade class. Teaching has been a lifelong passion of hers, and she has been grateful to teach in many different capacities. She began working at preschools, became a Holocaust educator, and is now teaching Torah and Midrash at Temple Beth Ohr. With a bachelor’s degree in Modern Jewish Studies from California State University, Long Beach, Shoashanah has a strong background of Jewish knowledge. Jewish topics are her favorite to facilitate as she loves the depth and richness of Jewish history and culture and the numerous perspectives that can be found.
Laura Milhander teaches the middle elementary grades (4th-6th grade) in both Hebrew Lab and Religious School. Her curriculum focuses on biblical and modern ties with Israel, important characters in the Torah, and Jewish values. Laura, her husband, and children joined the TBO family in 2014 and she joined the teaching staff a year later. She has been teaching in Jewish and general education environments for over 35 years. She loves sharing her joy of celebrating Jewish customs and learning with children. Laura looks forward to teaching for many years to come.
Linda Selander has taught kindergarten and 1st grade students for over 20 years in the Norwalk/La Mirada Unified School District. Throughout these years, her goal as an educator was for her students to feel excited about coming to school, become self-confident and develop habits that enable them to become lifetime learners. Currently, Linda is teaching TK, kindergarten, and 1st grade at TBO. Her students learn in a positive and welcoming environment about their wonderful Jewish heritage. The curriculum includes interactive learning about the Torah, Jewish Holidays, Acts of kindness, caring, and respecting others, and Tzedakah. Students actively participate in their learning with stories, crafts, and music.