We offer a quality developmental program in a small, nurturing environment. In our school, our children are encouraged to explore, discover and create together.

Sinai Nursery School would not be possible without a dedicated professional staff. Our teachers are united by a genuine interest in children and an enthusiasm for learning. They are trained to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum that challenges and enriches each child. Our programs are designed to help children grow toward increasing physical, social, and emotional competence so that they feel safe and confident in our school.

We model and teach Jewish values. The children prepare and observe all Jewish holidays and celebrate Shabbat each Friday with Rabbi Josh Berkenwald. While it is our goal to foster pride and love of being Jewish, children of all background are welcomed and differences are respected.

We are confident you will find Sinai Nursery School a wonderful learning environment for your preschool child.

Our Mission

Sinai Nursery School is a Jewish preschool that functions under the auspices of Congregation Sinai of San Jose. We offer a quality developmental preschool program in a small, nurturing environment. We encourage our children to explore, discover, and create. We model and teach Jewish values and practices. We foster Jewish identity in an environment of respect and acceptance for all, regardless of background or belief.

Our Philosophy

We believe learning is an active process. Children learn best by doing and experimenting, and it is the teacher's role to provide an environment that is exciting to explore. Our teachers guide children's development by providing hands-on activities that allow children to discover and make conclusions on their own.We believe a program for young children should respect the individuality of each child and recognize his/her unique needs. Our teachers strive to provide individual learning opportunities and choices to encourage independent thinking and foster self-esteem.

Contact director Ifat Kantorovich by email: SinaiNurserySchool@Sinai-SJ.org or phone: 408-264-8486

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on the development of the whole child. Emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development are interrelated and all activities are designed to stimulate growth in more than one area. The classroom environment is organized into a variety of interest areas and broad themes are developed to stimulate learning in each area. Click here to see a sample daily schedule.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Storytelling, singing, and dramatic play are just some of the activities that encourage language development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Intellectual growth is stimulated through the use of puzzles, matching games, and manipulative tasks that encourage problem solving skills.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Our program fosters the child's imagination through open-ended art activities, free play, music and dance.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Areas provided for running, jumping, and climbing contribute to the development of large motor skills. Small motor skills are developed through the use of manipulative and art activities.

SOCIALIZATION

Children learn to socialize by playing together, sharing, listening and resolving conflict.

JEWISH CULTURE

Our curriculum reflects the egalitarian and pluralistic approach adopted by Congregation Sinai. We celebrate the Jewish holidays, expose our children to Jewish history and modern-day practices, and thus create a strong appreciation of the Jewish culture.

IFAT KANTOROVICH, DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Ifat Kantorovich is the Director of Early Childhood Education at Sinai Nursery School. Ifat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Ben Gurion University and Child Development Program Director Permit. Ifat has many years of experience teaching both children and adults.  She has been working at Sinai Nursery School since 2007. She is proud to be part of a quality team of professional teachers who recognize and value the importance of early Jewish childhood education.

Ifat is happily married with two daughters and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, baking, reading, and watching movies.

ANYA GARCIA, TEACHER

Anya Garcia earned her B.A. in Child Development from San Jose State University in 2002 and brings over a decade of dedicated experience working with preschool-aged children. Grounded in a solid understanding of early childhood theory and practice, Anya skillfully nurtures curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth in her classroom. Her deep commitment to fostering a warm, responsive environment helps each child flourish and develop with confidence.

At home, Anya is the joyful heart of her family - she’s the loving mother to a son and twin daughter and proud pet parent to Milo, a lively Goldendoodle and Nala, a lovely Staffordshire. As a family, they enjoy travelling, bike riding, and baking.

LIMOR MAZOR, TEACHER

Limor was born in Israel and relocated to the U.S. more than two decades ago. She earned her B.A. in Social Sciences from Tel Aviv University. Furthering her passion, Limor completed an Early Childhood Education credential at West Valley College in Saratoga, where she gained the theoretical knowledge and hands-on practicum necessary for nurturing children’s development. Her academic background empowers her to bring thoughtful, holistic guidance to young learners.

Now based in San Jose with her husband, three children, and their beloved dog, Limor reflects the essence of family-centered values. Together, they enjoy attending soccer matches, gliding through pool swims, and collaborating on culinary creations in their kitchen. Blending her rich cultural heritage, educational expertise, and dedication to family life, Limor creates a vibrant, nurturing environment wherever she goes.

SHARON KONIGSTEIN, TEACHER

Sharon Konigstein earned her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy in Israel and spent twelve compassionate years working with children on the autism spectrum and others with developmental delays. As an occupational therapist, she crafts individualized, playful interventions—from sensory integration to fine motor skill development—to empower each child’s growth. Her expertise shines at Sinai, where she creates engaging projects that challenge and delight young learners. OT is more than therapy—it's a powerful bridge helping children improve daily living, self-confidence, and independence through creative, hands-on activities .

After relocating to the U.S. several years ago, Sharon and her husband have joyfully settled in Willow Glen with their four children, ages 9 to 16. When she’s not guiding young minds, she finds solace in nature—whether wandering local trails or visiting Israel during the summer. A book in hand or a quiet hike brings her balance and inspiration. Blending professional dedication with familial warmth, Sharon’s life is a testament to how nurturing environments—whether classroom or woodland—can foster flourishing growth for children and adults alike.

LYDIA ROBINSON, TEACHER

Lydia came to the U.S. from Mexico with her parents at age two and was raised in Soledad, CA. On weekends and school breaks, she worked alongside them in the fields of Salinas Valley. Her parents instilled a belief that education was the path to a better life beyond farm work. Lydia pursued that dream, earning a BA in Liberal Studies from San Jose State University, becoming bilingual in English and Spanish, and obtaining her California Child Development Site Supervisor permit. For nearly 40 years, she’s dedicated herself to early childhood education—both in classrooms and administrative roles across nonprofit and for-profit programs in Santa Clara County—believing wholeheartedly that learning should be engaging, sensory-rich, and fun for children and families alike.

At home, Lydia is a proud mother of three adult sons—Markus, Diego, and Matthew—and has been happily married for 36 years. Beyond her professional passion, she loves to garden, read, listen to music, and enjoy cherished time with family and friends. Balancing a rich personal life with a deeply meaningful career, Lydia’s journey embodies the values of hard work, joy in learning, and devotion to loved ones.

SHUBHANGI DHODAPKAR, TEACHER

Originally from India, Shubhangi holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and is passionately committed to nurturing young learners through free play and open‑ended materials, embedding creative activities to support their holistic growth. She currently holds a California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit and a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Studies from Ohlone College—credentials that qualify her to supervise programs and lead curriculum development. Shubhangi brings an abundant amount of years of experience working with preschool aged children in various settings. 

Shubhangi enjoys traveling with family and loves nature in all its forms and photographing it. Her hobbies include oil painting, scrapbooking and mixed- media art.

MICHAL SAFRAI, TEACHER

Michal, originally from Israel, holds a Bachelor's in Education from Ben-Gurion University and an MBA. In Israel, she was teaching and fostered kids from low social-economic backgrounds, and closely accompanying them. She also assisted with kids’ social and educational difficulties during boarding school after-hours. Since moving to the U.S. ten years ago, she has devoted herself to providing a nurturing, play-based environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow personally and emotionally. For the past decade, she has been a cherished member of the Sinai Nursery School family, bringing compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of diverse needs.

When she’s not in the classroom, she treasures time with her husband and their three daughters, indulging her creative side through crocheting, baking, and family travels. Her journey reflects a beautiful harmony of professional dedication and familial warmth, all grounded in hope, empathy, and community.

TAYLOR SLAUGHTERBECK, TEACHER 

Taylor earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She later completed additional Early Childhood Education coursework at Foothill College. Taylor has experience teaching kindergarten and a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which has shaped her thoughtful and nurturing approach in the classroom. She is inspired to foster children’s love for reading and imaginative play, and enjoys creating playful, engaging learning experiences for young children. 

Outside the classroom, Taylor enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time in nature with family and friends. She lives in Morgan Hill with her fiancé and their dog, Mudd, and is excited to be part of the Sinai community.

DANIT REITMAN, TACHER

Hailing from California and relocating to Israel as a toddler, growing up in Israel, gave Danit a good perspective on the world we live in, and how precious love and peace are to the mindset of children. Danit brings a vast amount of experience to the Sinai Community and has been working with children for over three decades, 25 of which have been in early childhood education. She has a passion for working with young children as she believes that a good nurturing experience in preschool leads to the love of learning, and sets the foundation for children to become lifelong learners. Danit possesses an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and Early Childhood Education and has recently earned her B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Danit is the proud mother of a 24 year-old biological son who graduated last year from college and shares her home with her husband and 16-year-old foster son in beautiful Aptos. In her spare time, she enjoys walks on the beach, eating Japanese and Thai food, hiking in the forest, and practicing yoga and meditation.

TIFFANY CENDANA, TEACHER

Tiffany Cendana, a native of San Jose, has always been passionate about children. Growing up in a bustling family with five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews, she’s been surrounded by the joy and energy of children her whole life. With a background in infant care, preschool education, and behavioral therapy for children on the autism spectrum, Tiffany’s work is fueled by her love for helping children discover their unique gifts, especially their passion for art.

Outside the classroom, Tiffany enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, and cherishing time with family and friends. She loves sharing stories of her adventures at Sinai and is excited to bring her nurturing and creative energy to the community.

JACQUELINE MARIA PARAS, TEACHER

Jacqueline Maria Paras is an accomplished early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience, specializing in the care and education of infants and toddlers for the past seven years. Holding two Master’s degrees in Education—one in Early Childhood Education—and a Montessori Credential, Jacqueline has worked in a variety of educational settings, including play-based, Reggio-Emilia, bilingual, and Montessori schools. She also brings valuable administrative expertise as a former Site Supervisor and Director, and currently holds a Child Development Program Director’s Permit from the State of California.With a deep passion for nurturing children and building strong partnerships with families, Jacqueline fosters a learning environment grounded in love, respect, kindness, and acceptance. 

Outside of her professional life, she is an active volunteer in her church’s music ministry, singing in three choirs, and offers support to pregnant mothers in need.

CRYSTAL MORENO, TEACHER

Crystal was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the United States with her family at the age of ten. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she also has a basic understanding of sign language. Crystal began her career as a freelance and preschool photographer for Lifetouch, which sparked her passion for working with young children. She transitioned to a teacher assistant role, where she worked for four years while earning her child development units. Recently, Crystal joined the Sinai Nursery School team, excited to continue her journey in early childhood education.

In her free time, Crystal enjoys designing unique stickers for her Etsy store, where she shares her creative creations with others. She also loves spending quality time with her playful, wonderful orange cat, Tangerine. When she’s looking to unwind, she’s a fan of reality TV, embracing the drama and entertainment it brings.

Calendar for the 2025-2026 School Year

We are closed on major national and Jewish holidays ( * located next to Holiday), and may dismiss early the day before some Jewish holidays, as they start at sundown (Noon dismissal).

* = School Closed

2025

AUGUST

Friday, August 1 - Last day of Summer Camp (Noon dismissal)

Friday, August 15 - Parent Orientation

Monday, August 18 - First Day of School

SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day*

Thursday, September 11 - Back to School Night (Parents only)

Tuesday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 24 - Rosh Hashanah*

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 2 - Yom Kippur*

Tuesday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 8 - Sukkot*

Tuesday, October 14 - Shemini Atzeret*

Wednesday, October 15 - Simchat Torah*

NOVEMBER

Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day*

Thursday, November 27 to Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Break*

DECEMBER

Sunday, December 14 to Sunday, December 21 - Hanukkah

Monday, December 22 to Friday, January 2 - Winter Break*

2026

JANUARY

Thursday, January 1 to Friday, January 2 - Winter Break*

Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr Day*

FEBRUARY

Monday, February 2- Tu B’Shevat

Friday, February 6 - Parent Conferences*

Monday, February 16 - President’s Day*

MARCH

Tuesday, March 3 - Purim

APRIL

Wednesday, April 1 - Erev Pesach (Noon dismissal)

Thursday, April 2 to Friday, April 9 - Passover Break*

Friday, April 10 - Staff Development Day*

Wednesday, April 22 -  Yom Ha’Atzmaut

MAY

Tuesday, May 5 - Lag B’Omer

Friday, May 22 -  Shavuot*

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day*

JUNE

Thursday, June 4- Last Day of School (Noon dismissal)

Monday, June 8 - First day of Summer Camp

Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth*

Click here for a printable copy of our calendar.

For inquires about Sinai Nursery School and enrollment, please contact the school director, Ifat Kantorovich, via email at sinainurseryschool@sinai-sj.org or via phone at 408-264-8486.

Registration Forms

Click here to access the registration forms.