Eight Jewish educators named winners of global Jewish teachers award

More than 200 nominations were submitted following a global campaign inviting Jewish schools and parents to nominate teachers. Candidates were assessed by a professional committee of education experts from Herzog College, with finalists then reviewed by an international judging panel chaired by Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli.

The winners, in alphabetical order, are:

The educators will be recognized at the upcoming Global Jewish Educators Conference, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem in October. Each recipient will also receive a $2,500 cash prize from the Mayberg Foundation’s Jewish Educator Impact Fund.

Jerusalem Post Group CEO Inbar Ashkenazi said, “Behind every confident Jewish child and every engaged Jewish community stands a teacher who made a lasting difference. Through the Jewish Teachers Award, we are proud to recognize the educators whose passion and leadership ensure that our shared heritage continues to flourish."

Avi Cohen-Scali, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, said, "The future of the Jewish people is built every day in classrooms around the world. Jewish educators are the ones instilling Jewish identity and a deep connection to Israel in the next generation. This bond to Israel and Jewish heritage is critical. That is why the Ministry is deeply committed to empowering educators with educational tools and building a global network across Jewish communities worldwide."

Rachel Fink, Director of Education at UnitEd, said the award provides an opportunity to recognize the work of Jewish educators. “UnitEd works today with over 850 Jewish schools, spanning more than 50 countries. Every day, I see the depth and dedication behind the work of teaching, and I have the privilege of meeting devoted teachers for whom educating the next generation is their life's mission. This competition is an opportunity for us, as a global community, to pause for a moment and thank Jewish educators,” she said.

“We recognize the invaluable role of Jewish educators in developing the Jewish identity of their students,” said Manette Mayberg, President and Trustee of the Mayberg Foundation. “Our gift is an opportunity to additionally honor these special role models whose careers in Jewish education have strengthened the Jewish future."

Rabbi Professor Avishalom Westreich, President of Herzog Academic College, said honoring Jewish educators for their accomplishments is essential. “For decades, Herzog Academic College has viewed strengthening Jewish education around the world as part of its core mission. Celebrating exceptional Jewish educators sends a powerful message: education is our strongest response to uncertainty, and our greatest investment in the future,” he said.

“Through our longstanding work with educators and Jewish schools across the globe, we are privileged to help ensure that this award reflects excellence, diversity, and a shared commitment to the future of the Jewish people."

Gael Grunwald, Deputy Chairman of the World Zionist Organization and Head of its Education Department, said Jewish education plays a central role in passing Jewish values and traditions between generations. “Jewish education is one of the most impressive enterprises of the Jewish people. As Rabbi Sacks said, 'The Egyptians built pyramids, the Romans built theaters, and the Jews built schools.' Jews did not invest in columns and walls, but in passing on values and tradition to the next generation.

“During the competition, I was exposed to more than 100 incredible stories about educators who took their role several steps further and succeeded in passing Judaism on to the next generation. We still have a lot of work to do, but we can be proud of our generation and the resources it invests in this important mission."