All are welcome for a fun-filled community kickoff event on Sept. 8.
(Courtesy of Jewish Center of Teaneck) The Jewish Center of Teaneck is thrilled to announce Morah Bayla Hayat (Clement) as its new youth director, marking an exciting chapter not only for the shul but for the entire community. Hayat brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for engaging children in meaningful and creative ways. Her arrival brings a renewed focus on youth programming that will undoubtedly enrich the lives of the shul’s children and contribute to the vibrant Jewish life in Teaneck.
Hayat’s impressive background as an early childhood educator at Ben Porat Yosef and Tenafly Chabad Academy has earned her a stellar reputation. Known for her creativity, artistry and dedication to nurturing young minds, Hayat is poised to make a significant impact on the shul’s youth department. Her approach to education, which integrates art and learning, will provide the children with unparalleled opportunities for growth, connection and spiritual development.
But the benefits of having Hayat on board extend far beyond the walls of the Jewish Center. As a community-oriented leader, Hayat is committed to creating programs that not only serve the shul’s members but engage the broader Teaneck community. Her vision includes fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among all local Jewish families, regardless of affiliation. This inclusive approach helps strengthen the bonds within the broader community, bringing them together in new and meaningful ways.
To kick off this exciting new chapter, the shul is hosting a youth kickoff special event on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 5-6:45 p.m., open to the entire community. This event will feature an evening full of crafts, games and a delicious dairy dinner. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, meet Hayat and experience firsthand the warmth and creativity she will bring to her role. All are invited to this fun-filled event and are encouraged to register for free at www.jcot.org.
The shul is known for its warm and welcoming environment and Hayat’s leadership will only enhance the community spirit that makes The Jewish Center of Teaneck a special place. With weekly youth groups, kiddush, free events for members, free High Holiday seats, no fee room rentals for lifecycle events, and no building fee, the shul offers numerous benefits to its members and everyone is excited to see Hayat contributing to and expanding on these offerings.
Rabbi Daniel Fridman, rabbi of The Jewish Center, expressed his excitement about Hayat’s new role, saying, “Morah Bayla is a gem, whose incredible work with the children of our community is known to all. She is a teacher and an artist who brings her artistry to her teaching and in reaching each and every child. We could not be more thrilled to have her as our youth director.”
The impact of Hayat’s leadership will be felt not only in the shul’s weekly youth programs but also in the broader community events and initiatives she plans to implement. Her partnership with youth committee chair, Ilana Sperling, will form a dynamic team dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and fostering a love for Torah and mitzvot.
Hayat herself shared her enthusiasm for her new role, saying, “The Jewish Center of Teaneck has been a pillar for our family for many years now — a place of support, love and community. I am honored to have the role of youth director for the JCOT. I hope to see our youth groups continue to grow as a place for our children to connect with one another and to build their love for Torah and mitzvot. I’m excited for all our community events. Together we can do great things!”
The Jewish Center of Teaneck is a warm and welcoming community. It is the longest operating synagogue in Teaneck and is built upon chesed, Torah, tefillah, love of Israel and community engagement. Come by, the synagogue would love to meet all members of the community!
