Rabbi Aaron Starr serves as spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarey Zedek and has been part of the CSZ family since 2008. He is also the president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, a senior rabbinic fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Leadership Initiative, and serves on the Tamarack Camps Board of Trustees.
In addition to his op-eds that appear frequently in the Detroit Jewish News and the Times of Israel, Rabbi Starr is the author most recently of Don’t Forget to Call Home: Lessons from God and Grandpa on a Life of Meaning, as well as Taste of Hebrew and Because I am Jewish, I get to…: A Child’s Celebration of Jewish Life (all available on Amazon.com).
Rabbi Starr is a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly-Michigan Region and of the Metropolitan Detroit Board of Jewish Educators, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metro Detroit, and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Additionally, in his capacity as president of the Rabbinical Assembly-Michigan Region, Rabbi Starr served on the Rabbinical Assembly International Board.
A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Rabbi Starr is a sought-after speaker and educator, and he has received awards for youth work and for adult education. He seeks to utilize learning and laughter, story and song to bring meaning to people’s lives, to strengthen families and community, to stand with Israel, and to care for those who are in need.
Rabbi Starr and his wife, Rebecca, are the proud parents of two sons, Caleb and Ayal.
Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.