(Courtesy of Teach NJ) On May 24, the New Jersey Jewish community will have an amazing opportunity to meet and thank elected officials who support state funding of nonpublic schools, while honoring seven of Teach NJ’s leaders, who advocate tirelessly on behalf of our schools. Teach NJ’s Annual Legislative Dinner is more than celebratory; it sets the stage for expanding its advocacy for greater investments in our schools for programs such as busing, security, special education, STEM and nursing.
Since 2016, Teach NJ’s advocacy has helped lead the fight for the state to invest more in our students and schools. This year, Jewish day schools and yeshivas across the state are benefitting from the increased funding of nonpublic schools valued at more than $135 million.
There is still much work to be done. More than 150,000 children in New Jersey attend nonpublic schools, but those schools receive less than one percent of the state’s education dollars.
“When it comes to state and local advocacy, elected officials listen to the communities who advocate, who turn out to vote on election day and who are genuinely involved,” said Sam Moed, chair of Teach NJ. “The Legislative Dinner honors our relationships with the legislators who support nonpublic school education. A big turnout sends a clear message that our community appreciates their support and that our advocacy is here to stay.”
Teach NJ recognizes the honorees in appreciation of their impressive dedication as volunteers and impactful generosity as donors. The dinner co-chairs and honorees have all made significant contributions to these advocacy efforts. Honorees are Jenna and Sam Goldstein, Yoni and Bellene Gontownik and Steven and Keshet Starr. Ayala Kramer is the Student of the Year.
The Goldsteins live in Teaneck and send their three oldest children to Yavneh Academy in Paramus. Sam, an attorney at Sidley Austin LLP, is a board member at Yavneh and is Yavneh’s liaison to Teach NJ.
Jenna, a financial advisor at BLS Wealth Management, explains her family’s dedication to the Teach NJ mission: “We believe in the tremendous importance of advocating for our community to voice our needs and fight for the safety of our yeshiva day schools,” she said.
Steven and Keshet Starr live in Elizabeth. Their three oldest children attend the Lower School of the Jewish Educational Center. Keshet is the CEO of the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA) and is a thought leader in the areas of get refusal and domestic abuse. Steven is an attorney at Seward & Kissel LLP and is a Teach NJ ambassador network member.
“There is no alternative to the financial support from the state of New Jersey. The funds provide immeasurable benefit for nonpublic school students,” said Steven. “We are passionate about spreading the word about Teach NJ’s impact and are proud to recruit new activists to help strengthen our mission.”
Yoni and Bellene Gontownik live in Englewood and their children attend the Moriah School in Englewood. Bellene is a dentist and practices at Riverfront Pediatric Dentistry. Yoni is an investment professional at GIC, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore and serves as a board member at the Hillel of his alma mater, Boston University. Yoni and Bellene, along with their respective families, have demonstrated a passion and commitment toward Jewish day school affordability.
Ayala Kramer, the Student of the Year honoree, is in 10th grade at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck. As a student activist, Ayala participates in Teach NJ initiatives, including the Teach NJ Virtual Mission to Trenton and the Crowdfunding Campaign.
“I love how Teach NJ helps students speak directly to state lawmakers and explain
that providing funding for Jewish schools is not only a good thing to do, it’s a great way to improve New Jersey as a whole. The graduates of our nonpublic schools have so much to contribute,” said Ayala of her advocacy with Teach NJ. “Our voices are important and when we come together, the state leaders really do listen to us.”
Dinner co-chairs are Ben and Tamar Blumenthal, Lisa and Jonathan Schechter, Shari and Nathan Lindenbaum and Rebekah and Avi Mally.
“It’s so hard to believe that nonpublic schools receive less than one percent of our state’s education dollars,” said Nathan Lindenbaum. “There’s no reason why our children aren’t entitled to more of that funding.”
Teach NJ relies on philanthropic support to help sustain its advocacy work. Proceeds from the Legislative Dinner will fund its mission to fight for nonpublic education that is secure, strong and affordable.
To register and find sponsorship opportunities, visit www.teachcoalition.org/njmission by May 15. For more information, contact Maya Joyandeh at [email protected]
