A phrase that guides me through my career in Jewish education as well as through life in general is a quote by Albert Einstein: “It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.” In my chosen profession as well as all other aspects of life, I believe every child and every person is able to reach brilliance in a certain way, and so I try my best to encourage my students, my peers, my friends and family members, as well as my self, not to give up on the things that may seem difficult at first, in order to reach the goals we have set out for ourselves.
Organization: The New Shul, Director of Teen Programing
Website: www.TheNewShul.org, www.TheNewShul.blogspot.com
Favorite Place in Israel: (these days…) Matzizim Beach, Tel Aviv.
How has Israel played a part in your personal Jewish identity?
As a born and raised Israeli, Israel has played a crucial role in my Jewish identity. As a child, and in many ways to this day, my connection to Judaism was first and foremost felt through my connection to Israel.
Traveling back and forth throughout the years between Israel and NY - trying to strengthen the connection between the two places I call home through Jewish education - I have found that wherever I am in the world, no matter how long I have been there, and how strong I feel about it - I will always identify myself as Israeli first.
Who was the educator who most influenced your path to Jewish education? Describe the effect that they had on you.
I can whole heartedly say that my mentor and best friend, Amy Eichenwald Golding, is the Jewish educator who has influenced me most in choosing and in growing in my career in Jewish Education. Though Amy was never formally my teacher, I have learned more from her then can I ever describe. From teaching methods and pedagogical techniques, through making Judaism a fun filled creative paradise for children and adults alike, to creating a community that is a true home – I am now able to do these things thanks to her. Amy has paved the way for me to realize not only my own passion towards Jewish Education, but how to pass that passion on to my students.
If you had the ability to build the landscape of Jewish education, what would it look like? - in 140 characters or less.
Emphasis on the importance of the state of Israel and its connection to Jews all around the world so that the Holocaust will never reoccur.
What are you looking forward to most in the InCiTE Fellowship? I am looking forward to meeting other Jewish leaders and educators who are passionate about their field, and whom I will hopefully be able to work closely with in order to create a new exciting vision for Jewish education for my community, as well as for the Jewish community at large.
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