Youth Programming Staff
Dr. Stacy Goldstein
Director of Community Building
Sari Zelenietz
Youth Programming Coordinator
Bernadette Gala
Group: Torah Tots (ages 0-4)
Current Day Job: Works with the Katz family as a live-in caregiver.
Favourtie Machzikei Hadas Moment: I love the annual Machzikei Hanukkah Party and look forward to it every year!
Why I like being a group leader: It's my pleasure going to synagogue every Saturday and on the High Holidays. Being with the kids brings me great joy and accomplishment. Hearing them and seeing their cute, funny smiles makes me very happy. I love them and I know they love me.
Ariel Aarenau
Group: Mini Menches (ages 4-7)
Age: 21
Current Day Job: Studies Media Production & Design at Carleton University
Favourite Machzikei Hadas Moment: I look forward to the Simchat Torah Comedy Act every year!
Why Shabbat Morning Kids Club is Awesome: The Shabbat Morning Kids Club is awesome because you have great, committed leaders that are excited to be there! As well, you get to eat, play games and sing songs, all while making new friends!
Why I like being a group leader: Being a youth group leader at Machzikei is amazing! I love creating fun and entertaining programs for kids and then watching them come to fruition. We all know kids have a lot of energy, so the trick is to channel their energy to learn, play and have fun. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?!
Sarina Aarenau
Group: Little Schmoozers (ages 8-12)
Age: 24
Current Day Job: Studies Neuroscience at Carleton University, volunteers at the Royal, and assists in research at The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO.
Favourite Machzikei Hadas Moment: The comedy routine on Simchas Torah
Why Shabbat Morning Kids Club is Awesome: Shabbat Morning Kids Club is awesome because it's a fun and welcoming environment where kids can play with their friends, meet new people, and become more involved in Jewish life. Each week, we daven (pray), enjoy a healthy and delicious snack, and play lots of cool games. When it comes to Shabbat Morning Kids Club, a great time is sure to be had by all :)
Why I Like Being a Group Leader: I love working with children. I love talking with the kids, teaching them, learning from them, and just having a good time with them. Their creativity, excitement, and intellect never fail to impress me, and I enjoy watching each of them contribute to the group in their own unique way. I've also really enjoyed watching the kids grow up and having their younger siblings join my group after they've graduated from the younger groups. Machzikei Hadas has a wonderful group of young congregants!