. Through this day of learning, BJE provides early childhood educators in the greater Los Angeles area tools that will enable them to do their job well and subsequently, as keynote speaker Maxine Segal Handleman stated, “When we do our jobs, our kids become part of the local Jewish community and worldwide Jewish community.“

This year’s institute was titled: Today’s Child and featured workshops on cultivating self-esteem, integrating Judaica into student documentation and understanding children’s play.  Maxine led workshops focused on teachers’ role in Relational Judaism, referencing Ron Wolfson’s work which is designed to ensure that all Jewish institutions focus first on the people they serve.

The day of learning also serves as a platform to recognize and honor exemplary early childhood educators.  Award winners are shown below with Phil Liff-Grieff, Associate Director of BJE who handed out the awards.  Three educators were awarded the Lainer Distinguished Educator Awards for Early Childhood Educators and will be nominated for the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award: Suzana Tzimerman of Adat Ari El, Donna Dawson of Temple Etz Chaim and Chana Abaie  of Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov Ohr Eliyahu. Ofra Bachar of Or Hachaim was awarded the Smotrich Family Foundation Award of Merit for Early Childhood Educators.

BJE is proud to be supporting early childhood educators as part of its mission to enhance and support Jewish education in Los Angeles.

BJE