October 14, 2025 ()
- 818-348-0670
October 14, 2025 ()
Kol Tikvah Religious School (KTRS) Mission, Vision and Philosophy:
At KTRS we are dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and comfortable in our community.
Our MISSION is to foster the continuity of Jewish Peoplehood through educating for empowerment, molding to achieve menschkeit, and supporting the ideals of social action to make the world better for all people.
Our VISION is one of inclusion, connection, strength and safety for current and future generations through actions that we take today.
Our educational PHILOSOPHY is one of active engagement, hands-on participation and innovation delivered with an appreciation of learning styles and differences.
For more information, contact Religious School Director, Melissa Shenkin Saunders at .
Melissa Shenkin Saunders, Religious School Director, brings years of experience in media, entertainment, and business, having worked with companies like Disney, Spotify, and Universal Studios. A longtime member of the Kol Tikvah community, she previously served six years on our Board of Directors and has a strong background in event planning and fundraising.
Both of her daughters became B’nai Mitzvah at Kol Tikvah, giving her a deep connection to our community and a strong partnership with our Parent Association. Melissa is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive space where every child can thrive in their Jewish education.
Mollie Leibowitz, HUC Education Intern, is currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership at the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. Originally from New York City, she received a B.A in Philosophy and Minors in Judaic Studies and Studio Art from Tufts University in 2021. After graduating, Mollie worked as the Springboard Jewish Education Fellow at the Hillel at the University of Vermont, where she oversaw the implementation and facilitation of Jewish learning, and attended the Pardes Experiential Educators Program at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Mollie most recently worked as the Resident Educator at Stephen S. Wise Temple in Bel Air.
In her free time, Mollie can be found making art, whether that be sketching, printmaking, or Hebrew calligraphy, teaching Torah (yes, in her freetime), playing bridge, or writing about Jewish Education. Above all else, she loves spending time with her cat, Chava.
