(Courtesy of JEP) The Jewish Education Project, an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering educators to create transformative Jewish experiences, today announced the five recipients of the 2025 Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award. Named for the former CEO Robert M. Sherman and launched in 2012, this award has recognized over 60 exceptional Jewish educators from greater New York that advance and innovate Jewish education. Recipients work in day schools, camps, youth groups, supplementary schools, community centers, seminaries and in foundation settings.
“Jewish educators play such an integral part in their learners’ lives, especially amid the myriad challenges young Jews face today,” said David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project. “They teach, provide support and offer guidance. We celebrate these talented and committed award recipients and are grateful for all they do to positively influence our communities, families and students.”
The award recipients will each receive a professional development stipend and will be honored at The Jewish Education Project’s annual spring event, Wednesday, May 21.
The 2025 Young Pioneers Award recipients include:
Elisheva Hirsch: Elisheva Hirsch is the Theatre Specialist at Preschool of the Arts and a theatre teaching artist and actress based in New York City. A graduate of Yeshiva University, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Theatre at The City College of New York. At POTA, Elisheva integrates theatre and Jewish education in classroom lessons, caregiver-child classes, and Pre-Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations. She credits Jonathan Shmidt Chapman’s professional development workshops with The Jewish Education Project as an important influence on her work. Elisheva looks forward to furthering her involvement with The Jewish Education Project as she continues to develop her teaching practice, using theatre to spark Jewish joy, pride and connection.
Caryn Keller: Dr. Caryn Keller teaches World History and AP US Government & Politics at SAR High School. Beyond the classroom, Caryn is the director of the school’s Confidence Project, a program providing students with the tools and knowledge to speak about Judaism from a position of confidence and pride. Additionally, Caryn co-leads the school’s ongoing partnerships with local charter and public schools, fostering relationships and connections between diverse groups of students. As a recipient of SAR’s Innovation Lab grant, Caryn was also instrumental in developing the 10th grade’s history of antisemitism curriculum. Caryn’s classes are known for dynamic discussions, challenging students to consider diverse perspectives and engage in respectful, constructive dialogue. Caryn lives in Riverdale with her family.
Additional recipients are Amy Schilit Benarroch, Alyssa Berman and Erica Cohen.
The Jewish Education’s Spring Event will feature a critical discussion about the future of Jewish and Israel Education in a post-October 7 world with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, PhD, of Park Avenue Synagogue, and Lisa Eisen, co-president, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.
