Four L.A. Jewish Educators Named Recipients of Annual Teaching Prize

Four Jewish day school teachers were recognized with the annual Jewish Educator Award (JEA), which awards excellence among Jewish educators. 

A ceremony on Sept. 24 at Valley Beth Shalom surprised Einav Telem, a fourth-grade Judaic studies teacher at VBS, with the JEA. It is “so much more than just a job,” Telem said upon receiving her award, which includes an unrestricted cash prize of $15,000. 

There were tears from VBS Director of Jewish Life and Learning Tamar Raff — a 2003 JEA recipient — as Telem walked to the front of the synagogue sanctuary to accept her award. Telem was one of four recipients of the 2024 JEA. The others were Rabbi Ari Schwarzberg, Rabbi Yossi Elefant and Rebecca Moray. Schwarzberg and Moray were recognized during surprise assemblies at their schools on Sept. 23, while Elefant was surprised with his award on Sept. 24. 

The Milken Family Foundation presents the awards annually in partnership with Builders of Jewish Education (BJE), an umbrella organization for the 34 Jewish day schools in Los Angeles.

Gil Graff, the longtime executive director of BJE, and Richard Sandler, executive vice president at the Milken Family Foundation (MFF), attended each of the ceremonies to announce the recipients of this year’s prize. 

At a time of increased antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of Oct. 7, Sandler spoke of the importance of recognizing Jewish day school teachers. “Jewish day schools and camping are the most important programs we have in terms of ensuring the Jewish future,” Sandler said.

“Jewish day schools and camping are the most important programs we have in terms of ensuring the Jewish future.” 
– Richard Sandler

Each of the recipients expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasized they couldn’t do it alone. Receiving her award, Telem asked all her students to stand and pat themselves on the shoulder while saying, “kol hakavod” — Hebrew for “well done.”

For Shalhevet’s students, colleagues and parents, the recognition of Schwarzberg was a long time coming. He’s known for promoting excellence and accountability, and he inspires the senior class to serve as role models. “The Jewish Educator Award is undoubtedly a highlight of my career,” Schwarzberg said. “I want to show students that they can write better, think better, be more spiritual and be better friends.”

For Elefant, infusing his students with a love of Torah is what drives him. “Every day when I come to school, I hope that I’ll be able to get my students to love Torah,” he said. “They should have a yearning and a wanting to know more. I hope every day that I’m capable of giving that spark over so they could want to grow and do more.”

 He’s become one of Yeshiva Ketana’s most popular teachers, thanks to a project that allows students to explore the science of chocolate-making. Students get real cocoa pods and are taken step by step through the process. Afterward, they get to taste their own product.

As for Moray, of Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Brawerman Elementary School, the real reward of teaching is knowing she’s reached a student. She prioritizes social emotional learning, while weaving in Jewish values and innovative teaching methods. 

“I feel like the best recognition as a teacher is when a kid comes in and says, ‘I love learning,’” Moray said. “My passions for education are wide and deep. I’ve always felt like I have a part in the Jewish community.” 

To be eligible for JEA consideration, educators, administrators and other education professionals must teach a minimum of 15 hours per week at the K–12 level and they must have been teaching for a minimum of five years in a BJE-accredited school. 

On Dec. 10, an awards luncheon will gather the winners together. The inclusive event “brings together leaders across L.A.’s Jewish community, from the most secular to the most Orthodox.”