RS Teacher of the Year

Mazel Tov to Amir Kalay, Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025/5785 School Year!

I am deeply honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year in the Rafi Schwartz Religious School and Congregation Kol Ami. This is a place that has been like a second home to me since 1987. I initially taught in the religious school for six meaningful years and, after some time away, returned in 2023 with renewed passion. Teaching gives me the joy of passing my knowledge to the next generation, helping students connect with their Jewish heritage, and discover the beauty of being Jewish. Outside the classroom, I love skiing, playing golf, and working as a realtor and mortgage broker—helping people achieve their dream of homeownership. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values tradition, learning, and heart.  

Mazel Tov to Galya Levenstein, TA of the Year for the 2024-2025/5785 School Year!

Hi I’m Galya Levenstein. I am a sophomore at East High School. I love to play tennis, cook, and go hiking. I am also in the 10th grade Confirmation class in the religious school. Currently, I’m focusing on reintroducing BBYO, the B'nai Brith Youth Organization, a Jewish teen sorority/fraternity, to Utah. Being a TA in the Rafi Schwartz Religious School has made me love to be the one to help kids with their Hebrew studies and watch them grow. I’m honored to have received the TA of the year award! Thank you so much for this recognition and for the amazing team at the religious school that keeps our spirits high!