Rabbi Selilah Kalev

Rabbi, educator, and preschool director, passionate about inclusive, values-driven early childhood education.

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In January 2023, I began a Master’s Degree program in High Incidence Disabilities at the University of Kansas to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my ability to be a trusted resource, educator, and guide for the teachers, children, and families of Shalem Preschool.

As the Founding Director of Shalem, I am committed to cultivating a learning community where every individual—child, educator, and parent—is supported, encouraged, and empowered to thrive. With over 25 years of experience in education, I have taught learners of all ages and led a wide range of educational settings, including preschools, religious schools, high school programs, adult education, and even a musical theater camp I founded.

Creating a joyful, nurturing, and engaging school environment is at the heart of my work. Education and care are core values within Jewish tradition and essential to fostering a meaningful, connected community.

Raised in Alaska as the granddaughter of a Protestant minister, I was drawn to Judaism's deep ethical commitment to compassion, justice, and the consistent care of others and the world around us. I converted to Judaism in college.

After receiving my bachelor’s degree in music from the California Institute of the Arts, I earned two master’s degrees in Jewish education and rabbinic studies and a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew Letters. I was ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University in Los Angeles in 2003. After 20 years of rabbinic service, I was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Ziegler School.

I am married to Rabbi Joshua Kalev, who serves as the Rabbi of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah (CTJ). We are the proud parents of two wonderful children: our daughter Noa, age 18, and our son Jacob, age 16.

With this next phase of study, I hope to integrate research-based special education practices into our preschool setting and contribute to the evolving landscape of inclusive early childhood education.