About Gan Teva at Ner Shalom
Gan Teva Mission Statement

About Gan Teva
Gan Teva at Ner Shalom is an innovative early learning center that emphasizes holistic child development with a nature-based focus, opening 2021. With Temple grounds of several acres, there is a stress on developmentally appropriate outdoor activities. This occurs in an environment of Jewish tradition and uses principles of early childhood education to help children to their full individual potential.
Children play in order to learn. Our indoor classrooms and outdoor play spaces encourage emotional, social and intellectual growth. The school’s mission is to develop an appreciation of God’s love for us through core Jewish values as well as an understanding of how important those principles are as a foundation for building their lives. Those values are grounded in the Hebrew concept Tikkun Olam, to act to benefit the world.
The Director of the school is Sarah Maynard, who also serves as our classroom teacher, while Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein serves as the Director of Judaics to ensure the value focus, growth and safety of the children in our care. We are also still hiring for our Classroom Assistant or co-teacher, so please reach out to admin@ganteva.org if that's you!
Rabbi Lizz also leads Congregation Ner Shalom which houses Gan Teva and is the only temple or synagogue in Prince William County, Virginia. The county is one of the fastest growing in the United States and has a population of more than 500,000. Our temple houses a sanctuary, four classrooms and a kitchen. There is both a toddler bathroom and adult bathrooms.
According to the Prince William County HEADSTART and Preschool Program Director Dr. Amanda Wilder, there is a pressing need for preschool programs in our county. Additionally, Heather Steitzel, Membership Chair, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, believes that there is a demand for a Jewish preschool program. In Prince William County, no such program exists. Former Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef said he believed money spent on early childhood programs is a smart investment that helps children do better throughout their academic careers. "This is so critical for getting kids ready to read faster and just getting them ready to go to school," Lateef said.
Gan Teva is the answer for parents, both Jewish and those who appreciate the Jewish traditions, for a values-based, nature focused program in the county.
Although our focus is on Judaism, all children – especially from underserved families --will be welcome.
Wed, April 2 2025
4 Nisan 5785
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Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
AprApril 5 , 2025
Shabbat, Apr 5th 10:00a to 12:00p
10-10:30 informal singing, learning new tunes 10:30-11:30 Shacharit -
Sunday ,
AprApril 6 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 6th 9:30a to 12:00p
Judaics and Hebrew for grades K-7. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 6 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 6th 1:00p to 2:00p
This is a course for Jewish people over 18 who wish to have a B' Mitzvah service and celebration. Whether you converted to Judaism, weren't raised in a shul, were raised in a shul that didn't allow your gender to have such a service, or even if you had one at 13 and are ready for a do-over, you are welcome in this class. You will learn or relearn some staples of Jewish liturgy, Torah, hone D'var Torah writing and service-leading skills, and generally have a space to ask whatever questions about Judaism you have felt haven't been answered adequately for you up to this point (I can't promise to have a more adequate answer, but let's talk about it!). We will collectively discuss dates and services for class members to lead and celebrate their becoming a Bar/Bat/MiBeit Mitzvah. Classes will meet in person. If you are interested and cannot attend a class, please let Rabbi Lizz know. -
Monday ,
AprApril 7 , 2025
Monday, Apr 7th 7:00p to 8:00p
A weekly discussion of Parashat HaShavua. Via Zoom. Reach out if you need the zoom info. -
Friday ,
AprApril 11 , 2025
Friday, Apr 11th 7:00p to 8:00p
Join us for a fun and youthful Shabbat Service, led by the Religious School! -
Sunday ,
AprApril 13 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 13th 1:00p to 2:00p
This is a course for Jewish people over 18 who wish to have a B' Mitzvah service and celebration. Whether you converted to Judaism, weren't raised in a shul, were raised in a shul that didn't allow your gender to have such a service, or even if you had one at 13 and are ready for a do-over, you are welcome in this class. You will learn or relearn some staples of Jewish liturgy, Torah, hone D'var Torah writing and service-leading skills, and generally have a space to ask whatever questions about Judaism you have felt haven't been answered adequately for you up to this point (I can't promise to have a more adequate answer, but let's talk about it!). We will collectively discuss dates and services for class members to lead and celebrate their becoming a Bar/Bat/MiBeit Mitzvah. Classes will meet in person. If you are interested and cannot attend a class, please let Rabbi Lizz know. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 13 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 13th 5:30p to 8:00p
Please join us for a Second Night Sedar! We would like to see as many faces as possible this year and thank everyone who consistently comes to these events. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 27th 9:30a to 12:00p
Judaics and Hebrew for grades K-7. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 27th 1:00p to 2:00p
This is a course for Jewish people over 18 who wish to have a B' Mitzvah service and celebration. Whether you converted to Judaism, weren't raised in a shul, were raised in a shul that didn't allow your gender to have such a service, or even if you had one at 13 and are ready for a do-over, you are welcome in this class. You will learn or relearn some staples of Jewish liturgy, Torah, hone D'var Torah writing and service-leading skills, and generally have a space to ask whatever questions about Judaism you have felt haven't been answered adequately for you up to this point (I can't promise to have a more adequate answer, but let's talk about it!). We will collectively discuss dates and services for class members to lead and celebrate their becoming a Bar/Bat/MiBeit Mitzvah. Classes will meet in person. If you are interested and cannot attend a class, please let Rabbi Lizz know. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 9:30a to 12:00p
Judaics and Hebrew for grades K-7.
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Ner Shalom in the News
- Washington Jewish Week - September 7, 2023
Year of the Seder!
- Washington Jewish Week - May 20, 2021
CNS Opens First Jewish Preschool in PWC
-Washington Jewish Week - June 30, 2020
CNS Branded Masks Save Lives
- Prince WIlliam Living - September 20, 2019
Annual Patriot Day Shabbat
- Prince William Living - March 20, 2019
- Learning About Jewish Traditions
- Prince William Living - March 18, 2019
- Building an Inclusive & Vibrant Community
- Prince William Living - November 20, 2018
- Coming Together After a National Tragedy
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Temple Address:
14010 Spriggs Road
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Mailing Address:
Congregation Ner Shalom
P.O. Box 2085
Woodbridge, VA 22195-2085
Please do not mail correspondence to the Spriggs Road address.
Call us at: (703) 878-6904
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