With so many deserving educators, the selection process was both thorough and thoughtful. The committee carefully reviewed community nominations and teacher responses, conducted interviews with supervisors, and even observed classroom instruction to determine the recipient of the top honor: the Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Jewish Education.

We are honored to recognize the following teachers as this year’s award recipients and hope that you will join us to celebrate these individuals and all our community educators at our Celebrating Education event on May 12:

This year’s Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Jewish Education award goes to Ahuva Schachter of JEWELS.  Ahuva’s teaching makes a lasting difference for her students with a thoughtful, individualized approach. Her creative use of the “Whole Child Reading” method blends hands-on activities, sight word recognition, and student interests.  While all the awards include a cash prize for the winners, this particular award also provides a professional development stipend for the school. JEWELS is already a leader in empowering Jewish children with developmental disabilities to thrive, and now, with the added support of Sam Kahan’s legacy through JES, they will have even greater resources to advance their mission

JES supports all types of education starting with the youngest learners, through an annual Early Childhood Conference and an EC Director cohort with monthly support.  JES is happy to recognize Maia Bar-Am of the JCC Stoler Early Learning Center and Gladys Ricklis of Ohr Chadash Academy as this year’s recipients of the Early Childhood Teaching Excellence Award. Maia facilitates meaningful social development through play, while Gladys, known for her “Moving and Grooving” program, turns her classroom into a burst of music, movement, and joy.

Another Early Childhood Educator, Adrienne Reicher will be recognized with the Innovative Educator Award. Recognizing the need for a new kind of learning environment at Goldsmith Early Childhood Center, she didn’t just adapt—she helped create it. Through her innovative vision, she helped to develop a transitional kindergarten program tailored to the diverse needs of young learners, reimagining both curriculum and structure to better support student growth.

SHEMESH Student Support at JES serves students with diverse learning needs by integrating educational support for children within their Jewish school.  Rabbi Uri Rabinowitz of Binyan Yisroel, who is being honored with the Student Support Award, says, “[This award] is so meaningful to me because that is the essence of everything I try to do in and out of the classroom: student-centered, meeting each student where they are, with a sincere belief that Torah is within reach of each one of us.”

Similarly, Eeta Travis of Talmudical Academy, this year’s Inspiring Educator Award recipient, helps students build confidence by celebrating effort and persistence rather than perfection. Eeta brings creativity into all that she does, demonstrated by her sharing her art expertise at JES’s Educator Expo.

Another focus of JES’s work is Mental Wellness.  This includes a partnership with JCS (Jewish Community Services) a monthly cohort for School Counselors and an annual Mental Wellness Summit.  In Rachel Shar’s classroom at Ohr Chadash Academy, students are not only expected to aim high—they’re taught how to manage mistakes along the way. Her focus on emotional safety, resilience, and growth earns her this year’s Excellence in General Studies Award.

For his efforts in cultivating a meaningful connection to Israel, Rabbi Lowell Brazin of Krieger Schechter Day School is this year’s Ahavat Tzion Award recipient. After October 7, he helped his students process grief and show solidarity by organizing a school-wide Tekes/ceremony that included prayers, songs, and reflection. Lowell integrates love of Israel in all that he does from his work at KSDS to volunteering each summer in Israel.  Programs like JES’s Shevet Achim and Shinshinim partnerships share that same goal—helping students feel personally connected to Israel and the Jewish people.

In addition to JES’s work in the Day Schools and Yeshivas, JES also works closely with synagogue leadership and have chosen Erez Haluf of Beth El Congregation for the Congregational School Educator Award.  Erez brings Jewish learning to life through experiential, hands-on education. He helps students explore Jewish identity in a way that is both meaningful and personal for his students.

Finally, Assistant Principal for General Studies at Bais Yaakov Middle School, Gitti Horowitz is recognized with this year’s Educational Leadership Award.  As a reflective and visionary leader, she continually asks how she and her teachers can better serve their students, proactively pursuing professional development to bring innovative ideas and practices into the classroom. Her leadership is a reminder of how impactful strong educational leaders can be—and JES is here for her – and all educators - in supporting their continued growth.