For the first time, educators from around the country can become certified in our award-winning methodology.
Gedola allows you to unlock the Tkiya toolkit, bringing more joyful Jewish connection to communities everywhere.
Tkiya Gedola is for preschool teachers, songleaders, clergy, PJ Library professionals, and educators of all types.
You can join as an individual or through a sponsoring institution. Gedola is great for . . .
1) Songleaders/musicians who are excited to incorporate more stories, props, and other engagement tools into their programming
2) Educators (not necessarily musicians) who are eager to learn how to use more music and other engagement tools to help reinvigorate their classrooms.
When you join Gedola, you will learn to apply our approach to joyful Jewish connection in countless settings including classrooms, community events, Tot Shabbat, baby & me, and more.
You will undergo similar training to a Tkiya employee through:
Monthly digital gatherings
One-on-one mentorship and virtual check-in opportunities with Tkiya’s Education Team
Ongoing performance observations and feedback via self-recorded videos
Access to our proprietary database of pre-recorded media, scripts, and other educational content
Your cohort will also come together in person at the Songleader Bootcamp conference through the Tkiya Track!
The program will run from November, 2024 through May, 2025. Upon completing this cycle, you’ll have the opportunity to join a network of Tkiya-certified educators. The network will maintain access to ongoing support, resources, and other professional development.
Who will I be learning from?
Carla Friend (she/they): Founder & Executive Director
Carla was in the music education field long before she started working in Jewish spaces. She found her Jewish identity through music and created Tkiya to help others do the same. She is the creator of Tkiya's methodology, and has spent the last decade developing it, now reaching 10,000 people a year.
Hannah Gundersheim (she/her): Education Director
Hannah has ten years of songleading experience across various Jewish communities. Integrating her skills and experience with Tkiya’s award-winning methodology, she now trains and supports Tkiya’s teaching team and is thrilled to be co-leading the Gedola cohort.
Morgan Zweibel (she/her): Education Coordinator
Morgan is the Education Coordinator at Tkiya where she teaches, manages curriculum, and trains teachers, helping to bring joyful Jewish connection to thousands of families each year. She was chosen as a Jewish Rock Radio’s Jewish All Star for 2023-24. Morgan is thrilled to combine her passion for performing and teaching with kids all over NYC. She is based in Manhattan.
You will also have the opportunity to learn from others on Tkiya's education team, as well as the peers in your cohort.
“Since working with Carla and Tkiya, my Baby & Me classes have grown from 6-7 families participating, to 20 participants weekly. She gave me guidance on the structure, song choices, and how to use props to engage young children. Plus, her songs are so much fun!” -Melo Taylor, J Los Angeles
What does Gedola cost?
Enrollment in this cohort will be offered on a sliding scale based on the budget size of the sponsoring organization, with financial accommodations available.
Here are the costs for Cohort 1*
>$5M: $3,600
$1M-$5M: $2,400
<$1M: $1,800
If you’re applying without a sponsoring organization:
Individuals: $1,800
Cohort 2 is subsidized in part by a grant from the Natan Fund as well as individual donations. Scholarships are available for those for whom cost is a barrier! These rates are already reduced, but we have scholarships and available to ensure accessibility. Please do not hesitate to contact Carla with any financial concerns so that we can ensure your ability to participate!
What are you looking for in an applicant?
We are looking for educators who are eager to learn, have some goals for growth, and take well to feedback. Participants with varying levels of skills and experience are welcome. We’re also looking for people who are excited to be part of the inaugural cohort of this initiative, sharing feedback to help cater the program to your specific needs. If you have a desire to grow as an educator, you belong here! We can’t wait to hear from you.
I'm in! What's next?
Applications for Cohort 3 will open in May or June of 2025! Email Hannah at hannah.g@tkiya.org with any questions or if you’d like to be notified when applications open.
Mazel Tov to Cohort 2 who completed their certification in June of 2025!
Caren Pilgermayer (she/her) - Washington Hebrew Congregation
Caren is the Religious School Education Coordinator at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC. Growing up in Potomac, Maryland, she feels grateful to work in her hometown. Caren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Penn State and spent six years teaching 2nd and 4th grade in Virginia public schools. Before taking on her current role, she was the music teacher for Pre-K to 2nd graders at the religious school. Caren loves witnessing those "light bulb" moments in children and finds joy in their enthusiasm for learning. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and playing with her cat, Judge.
Aron Kaufman (he/him)
I am a passionate Jewish Educator, father and husband who loves teaching, collaborating with others and growing my skills as a teacher and musician. Music has played a huge role in my life since the time I was a small child. I grew up hearing the sounds of davening in the Orthodox Shul on the Upper West Side of Manhattan before our family moved to Puerto Rico for four years. On the way to school in San Juan as a ten year old, I began hearing popular music on the radio for the 1st time: Santana, Chicago, Diana Ross, Grand Funk Railroad, Blood Sweat and Tears, and MANY more artists. Salsa was everywhere and I absorbed these sounds and rhythms, beginning a life long adventure with drums and percussion. After spending an impactful year on Young Judaea’s year in Israel program, I enrolled in the University of Michigan, where I began accompanying African Dance classes as a paid accompanist. I learned Congolese chants, Congolese rhythms, and numerous Afro Cuban rhythms. I performed with the University of Michigan Jazz band at the Montreux- Detroit Jazz Festival. Taking a creative musicianship class at Michigan was impactful as I began composing music. Over the past four decades, I have continued my study of Afro -Cuban drumming and actively work as a musician with a variety of ensembles. Simultaneously, I have taught Judaic Studies in both Day School and afterschool programs for 34 years. Music is at the center of my teaching.
Gabriel Robitaille (they/them)
Gabe Robitaille is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Jewish songleader and teacher in Lexington, Kentucky. Within the sphere of music and Jewish education, they are the owner/operator of Groovy Gabe’s Guitar Academy, the music teacher and youth choir director at Temple Adath Israel, they songlead at shabbat services and they offer music enrichment at Camp Shalom through the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass. One of the main guiding imperatives of their career is to help make music more accessible to ordinary people, moving it from a thing to be admired from afar to something unpretentious that everyone, regardless of education or background, can engage with. This has been the principal goal of Groovy Gabe’s Guitar Academy since its founding in 2018, approaching guitar, bass, ukulele and songwriting education from a framework of creative expression rather than one of rigid, strict technical development. Gabe came to Judaism later in life, converting through the Reform movement at 28, and it was music that first drew them into the faith. One particularly moving Yom Kippur service at Kol Tzedek in West Philadelphia led to the revelation that Jewish music and prayer represents one of the greatest sources of radically participatory, ecstatic communal music out there. Since then, they have been pointing their life ever more towards it. They see Tkiya Gedola as a perfect way to deepen their understanding of Jewish song and their ability to serve their community more effectively as a Jewish musician.
Rachel Dawn Kaplan (she/her) - The Marcus JCC of Atlanta
Rachel is passionate about building inclusive community and creating Jewish program offerings in nature. She believes community thrives best when each person feels empowered to live as their authentic self, and has the framework and tools available to do so. Rachel joins the MJCCA team with 20 years of educational programming experience, and a love for making heart-opening Jewish experiences more accessible. She has lifted up several Slingshot organizations with her work. She loves to sing, write music with her family and friends, perform spoken-word poetry, and develop Jewishly-inspired puppet shows for all ages. Her favorite prayer spot is any cold springs. She was raised in South Florida and earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Relations at the University of Florida. Rachel lives in Atlanta with her husband, two amazing kids who teach her heart lessons everyday, and their dog, Ziggy Stardust.
Zoey Fleisher (they/them)
Zoey Fleisher engages in work that spans across disciplines emphasizing education, non-profit development, and social justice facilitation. In addition to directing the Day School Chavurah at SLBC since 2018, they are a program designer and strategist with Tiny Windows Consulting where they are able to work with clients such as JGirls+, NCJW, USCJ, & JFNA . Other notable professional roles include music educator at Temple Emmanuel, ECC/Family Center Songleader at the St. Louis JCC, and B Mitzvah tutor at Congregation Beth Shalom. They are the current Co-President of the board of CHARIS, St. Louis’ LGBTQ+ treble chorus. Zoey is a graduate of Webster University where they completed a bachelor’s degree in Choral/General Music Education with a minor in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Here are all of our previous cohort members!
Anna Iroff-Bailey (she/her) - Knoxville Jewish Alliance
Anna is the Director of Jewish Life at the Knoxville Jewish Alliance in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born and raised in Knoxville so it is an extra honor to work professionally in her home community. Anna attended the Joint Program between Columbia University and List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary before graduate school at the University of Tennessee. She was a speech-language pathologist in the public schools for 8 years before turning Jewish communal volunteer work into a full-time career. As the Director of Jewish Life, Anna works with PJ Library, Judaica programming for Preschool at AJCC, and community programming and events. She and her husband Jared were blessed to enjoy virtual Tkiya classes with their young daughter during COVID, and Anna is very excited to bring this energy, joy, and high-quality Jewish programming to Knoxville.
Benjamin Brodkey (he/him) - Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
Benjamin Brodkey is a musician and Jewish educator based in Des Moines, Iowa, where he serves the Jewish community through his role as the Assistant Director of Education and Programming at the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines. After learning to song lead and teach in Omaha and at various summer camps, Benjamin brings more than a decade worth of experience to his community and other communities he serves. He graduated with a degree in music from Drake University, with concentrations in vocal music education and musicology and a religion minor. Prior to working full-time for the Federation, he served as a Judaics and Music Specialist at Camp Sabra, a counselor at J Camp Omaha, the Jewish Education Director at Camp Young Judea Midwest, and taught a variety of classes in the Temple Israel Congregational School, Beit Sefer Shalom—the Jewish Federation Community School, and Gan Shalom Preschool. Benjamin is part of the inaugural cohort of the LightLab’s T’fillah Teacher Fellows and is a Leadership for Emerging Education Professionals (LEEP) Fellow with NewCAJE. He also serves as on the faculty for Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Cornerstone Fellowship. While he wears many "kippot" in his role, his top priorities include actively teaching a variety of classes in youth programs, teen engagement, running the 11-week summer day camp, Engman Camp Shalom, creating community programs, and providing educational and musical opportunities for people of all ages.
Elizabeth Botnick (she/her) - Sager Solomon Schechter of Metropolitan Chicago
Elizabeth is originally from Flint, MI. She has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the Mississippi University for Women. While living on a military base in Okinawa, Japan, Elizabeth taught elementary music for 4 years to children of American service members. Upon moving to Las Vegas, NV, she taught music in the public schools for 2 years and at a local Jewish Day School for an additional year. Elizabeth currently teaches music to 2 year olds through 6th graders at a Jewish Day School in the Chicago suburbs. Additionally, she has also taught Sunday School as a grade level teacher or a music specialist for 4 years. Elizabeth has always been drawn to Jewish education and is loving pairing it with her love of music. The wonder and delight she gets to witness on her preschoolers' faces each week is a wonderful highlight to her teaching career and a lovely new direction she has found herself in. Elizabeth looks forward to making new musical experiences that she can share with her students to increase their joy, love of music, and connection to Judaism.
Cantor Ilana Goldman (she/her) - Temple Emanu-El of Westfield
Cantor Goldman has been the Cantor of Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ since she received her Masters of Sacred Music and was ordained from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 2021. She spent her senior year of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in MI and continued her education at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI where she majored in music and religious studies with a minor in psychology. During her time in cantorial school she had the privilege of holding several student pulpits at diverse congregations including Temple Micah in Washington D.C, Vassar Temple in Poughkeepsie, Scarsdale Synagogue and East End Temple in NY. She especially values her training as a chaplain intern at Bellevue Hospital where she completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education bringing music, prayer and comfort to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Macy Box (she/her) - Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg
Macy works at the Harrisburg (PA) JCC as the Children and Youth Director. Through her work work she love working with children of all ages, especially through her roots as a former pre-k teacher, PJ library, summer camp, and youth theater! Macy’s favorite thing to sing is silly songs about her two miniature schnauzers, Chester and Banjo.
Melo Taylor (she/her)
Melo is a multi-instrumentalist with a variety of Jewish professional experiences in summer camps, youth groups, synagogues, Jewish day schools, and JCCs across the country. Her passion is teaching young people through art, theater, and music. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, gardening, and shopping for shoes she doesn’t need.
Greta Rosenstock (she/her) - Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
Greta Rosenstock is currently the Music and Drama Educator at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School in St. Louis, MO. A St. Louis native, she received her B.M. in Music Education from the University of Kentucky (UK). During her time in Lexington, she served as the Co-President for the UK Treble Choir, the Student Coach for the SSAA a cappella group Paws and Listen, and co-presented at the 2017 KMEA Conference as an intern for the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir. Greta previously lived in New York City, where she served the communities at Lab/Shul (Program Coordinator), the Society for the Advancement of Judaism (Educator & Song Leader), Camp Havaya (Head of Music), the Abraham Joshua Heschel School (Music Director), and more. She also sang with several prestigious vocal ensembles in NYC, including Marquee Five, the Zamir Chorale, the National Chorale, and Manhattan Holiday Carolers. Later, Greta lived in Madrid, Spain where she worked as a Language and Culture Assistant for students grades 4-12. Before beginning her current position, she served as the Choir Teacher in a public middle school in Wildwood, MO. In addition to her current position at Mirowitz, Greta is a member of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and the Music Specialist at United Hebrew Congregation.
Rabbi Janine Schloss (she/her) - Temple Emanuel St. Louis, MO
Rabbi Janine C. Schloss received her bachelor’s degree in religion from Princeton University and her master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). She Rabbi also holds dual ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assembly. Rabbi Janine served for 12 years at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis as an Assistant/Associate Rabbi and then as their Director of Education and then served as the Director of Education at Temple Beth Am for 14 years. Rabbi Janine is a member of the Clergy Advisory Board for Access MO and just concluded her term as the Rabbinic Representative on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. She is the Immediate Past President of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association. Rabbi Janine has also served on the Board of Directors of organizations such as the St. Louis JCC, the JCRC of St. Louis, the St. Louis Jewish Light, the Rabbi Robert P. Jacobs Jewish Fund for Human Needs, and the Missouri Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Karen Kern (she/her) - Kol Rinah
Karen is from St Louis and has her degree in music education. She has many roles at her synagogue, Kol Rinah. She is the music specialist for both the synagogue’s early childhood center and religious school. She leads and co-leads musical services for Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning, Tot Shabbat and High Holidays. She also helps with programming and events for Kol Rinah, coordinates programs for Kol Rinah’s Young Family group, and is the assistant religious school director. Karen works to build connections and relationships through music, education and community engagement for all ages. She has learned so much from the students, families, synagogue members and many mentors that she has worked with over the last ten years.
Robin Chang (she/her) - Temple Emanuel
Robin is an elementary school educator lover of music and camper at heart. Music is at the center of spiritual life for me. Thanks to my mother, I grew up in a household filled with joy and song, and my sister was a beloved Jewish song leader in the community. I enjoy teaching, learning, gathering and harmonizing, bringing joy and raising spirits through music.