Rachael Kaplan VanLandingham grew up at CBI and became a Bat Mitzvah on the bima of the Goldsmith Sanctuary. She spent three formative years at Camp Charles Pearlstein, and received her BA from NAU. She is truly ‘one of our own!’ Since graduating and earning her certificate in elementary education, Rachael has taught at Basis Scottsdale, and most recently, she has been a first grade teacher at Pardes Jewish Day School. Rachael is so excited to return to her roots at CBI, and inspire the next generation of Jewish youth to find their own way towards a strong and confident Jewish identity. She brings excitement and energy for connecting with our elementary through high school aged students, and will also be spending time each week at Camp Stein this summer. I can’t wait for you all to meet Rachael at our special consecration celebration & shabbat service tomorrow, May 6th. Rachael will begin officially on June 13th. I thank you all for warmly welcoming her (back) to CBI!