The excitement was palpable as over 100 parents turned out for a formal meet and greet session last Thursday with the Jewish Educational Center’s incoming principal of its Yeshiva of Elizabeth division Rabbi Uzi Beer, and its new incoming Early Childhood Director Morah Rivkah Isaacs.

Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, dean of the JEC, opened the program with some words of Torah and blessings, peppered with his signature good humor, and first introduced Morah Rivkah. She proceeded to deliver a presentation that was at once passionate and demonstrative of her keen expertise in the field of early childhood education as well as her clear grasp of contemporary pedagogic expectations, norms and cutting-edge opportunities.

The Rav then introduced Rabbi Uzi Beer, who will assume the helm of the Yeshiva of Elizabeth division on July 1. Rabbi Beer’s presentation outlined his vision for the future of the division and included his plan for increased communication and collaboration with parents, faculty, his administration and inter-departmentally. His remarks were reflective of the JEC’s mission to “Inspire, Empower and Achieve,” which demonstrated to parents and faculty that he not only has embraced his new role but has also integrated the school’s mission with his own educational philosophy. “His transition”, shared one parent, “will undoubtedly feel very natural.”

An interactive question and answer session followed where both Rabbi Beer and Morah Isaacs fielded questions from parents who were sitting in the audience as well as questions that were emailed prior to the event.

A dessert reception followed that provided continued opportunity to mingle and speak with the two newest members of the JEC’s lead educational team.