While 10 outstanding educators and one exceptional student received formal awards, the evening was designed to celebrate all educators in Baltimore’s Jewish day schools, preschools, and congregational schools. Over 150 attendees gathered to show their support for the incredible work being done across our educational institutions.

“Tonight, we shine a light on a group of professionals whose work is both timeless and transformative,” said Avi Greenlinger, JES Board President. “Teaching is not just a profession, but a calling that demands heart, creativity, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.”

A Celebration with Style and Substance

The celebration began in grand fashion, as guests made their way down a red carpet lined with cheering colleagues and supporters — setting the tone for a festive and memorable evening. A photo booth offered fun moments throughout the night, and guests enjoyed a beautifully presented dessert buffet by Jon Kaplan: The Wandering Chef. Each educator received a thoughtful (and timely!) gift — a JES-branded umbrella, perfect for the week’s rainy weather.

The program began with opening remarks from Rabbi Aaron Levitt, Executive Director of JES, who spoke passionately about the essential role of Jewish education in sustaining our community. Ruth Miller, Chief Planning Officer for Community Planning & Allocations at The Associated, welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to educators on behalf of the broader community. Ruth also took a moment to recognize Avi Greenlinger, who is stepping down as JES’s inaugural board president after three years of dedicated service.

Honoring Educators and Building Tradition

Before the awards were presented, JES took a moment to honor its six Shinshinim — young Israeli emissaries who have spent the past year volunteering in Baltimore — as well as Maian Rahvalschi, Senior Community Shlicha from the Jewish Agency for Israel, who is concluding her three-year service. The Shinshinim shared a heartfelt original poem reflecting on their experience and the bonds they’ve formed in Baltimore.

With more than 60 community nominations, JES staff had the difficult task of selecting this year’s honorees. Each award was presented by JES staff members, highlighting how the organization’s mission connects to the recipient’s work.

This year’s Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator for Excellence in Jewish Education Award was presented to Ahuva Schachter, an elementary school teacher at JEWELS. The award, established by the Kahan family, honors Sam Kahan’s legacy and commitment to Jewish education.

Honorees:

• Early Childhood Teaching Excellence Award:
  Maia Bar-Am (JCC Stoler Early Learning Center) and Gladys Ricklis (Ohr Chadash Academy)
• Excellence in General Studies Award:
  Rachel Shar (Ohr Chadash Academy) — presented by her mother, Gladys Ricklis, who also received an award, in a powerful moment of Mesorah in the tradition of Jewish education.
• Innovative Educator Award:
  Adrienne Reicher (Goldsmith Early Childhood Education Center at Chizuk Amuno)
• Student Support Award:
  Rabbi Uri Rabinowitz (Binyan Yisroel)
• Inspiring Educator Award:
  Eeta Travis (Talmudical Academy)
• Ahavat Tzion Award:
  Rabbi Lowell Brazin (Krieger Schechter Day School)
• Congregational School Educator Award:
  Erez Haluf (Beth El Congregation)
• Educational Leadership Award:
  Gitti Horowitz (Bais Yaakov Middle School)

In addition to the educators, one student was honored with the Robin F. Jacobs Student Achievement Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates a high level of motivation and increased self-advocacy and awareness. This year’s recipient, Chaim Leeder, a fifth grader at Talmudical Academy, accepted the award by video and encouraged his peers with a heartfelt message: “If I can do it, you can do it!”

His mom reflected at the event, “JES is an amazing organization that makes a huge difference.  We’re so grateful for their support.  Chaim was so proud to be an award winner this year – such a special moment.”

A Grateful Community

The program concluded with a tribute to Avi Greenlinger, honoring his three years of visionary leadership as JES Board President and his instrumental role in guiding the organization in its formative years. His dedication has helped shape JES into a cornerstone of Jewish education in Baltimore. As he handed off the leadership to Ari Krupp, the sense of continuity and shared purpose in the room was evident.

“Everything was so well planned and decorated…and it was so special to see these educators get recognized for the amazing job they do,” shared Fallon Saposnik, a teacher at Krieger Schechter Day School.

As the guests left — smiling, snapping final photos, and toting umbrellas — the energy of the evening lingered: one of joy, appreciation, and community. The JES Educator Awards Celebration wasn’t just about recognizing excellence; it was a reminder of the vital role educators play in shaping the next generation and the strong community that stands behind them.