(Courtesy of The Jewish Education Project) The Jewish Education Project has announced the next cohort of New York-based educators to be honored with the organization’s Young Pioneers Award. This year’s five award recipients have created innovative Jewish learning experiences in their classrooms and institutions to inspire children, teens and families in creative new ways. Other innovations include creating service learning programs teaching Jewish values and creating inclusive Jewish educational experiences for learners of all abilities.
Rena Allen, Central Synagogue and Temple Israel of the City of New York
Ora Bayewitz-Meier, SAR High School
Rachel Figurasmith, Repair The World
Rabbi Maura Linzer, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester
Rebecca Schoffer, 92nd Street Y
The recipients of the eighth annual Young Pioneers Award will be recognized at The Jewish Education Project’s annual benefit, on Thursday, April 11, at the Altman Building in New York City at 6:45 p.m. This year’s event will also honor Robert Sherman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, for his visionary and compassionate leadership. John Ruskay and Alisa Rubin Kurshan, retired UJA-Federation of New York executives, will receive special recognition for guiding The Jewish Education Project on its journey in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York.
“The Young Pioneers Award recipients represent the best of Jewish education. They are creative, innovative and bold,” said Sherman. “These five educators are dedicated to creating new ways to infuse Jewish education and Jewish life with meaning and vitality for learners of all ages and Jewish backgrounds.”
The award recipients will receive a $360 professional development stipend and will be publicly recognized at the benefit. “Being named a Young Pioneers Award recipient encourages me to continue to inspire and innovate in the field of Jewish education,” said Rabbi Linzer.
