Today’s children are the future; imbuing young people with a strong sense of Jewish identity is the key to Jewish continuity. Outstanding teachers encourage youth to explore the rich traditions of the Jewish heritage, to incorporate Jewish values into their own lives, to help build Jewish community, and to take responsibility for the common destiny of the Jewish people.

This year’s five awards were presented in June 2007 at the Jewish Community Federation’s annual meeting, recognizing an exceptional educator in each of the following categories: early childhood, day school, congregational or community school, and informal education. Each award carries with it a prize of $10,000 for the educator and $2,500 for the educator’s institution.

2007 Helen Diller Family Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education

• Congregational/Community School: Sacha Kopin, Contra Costa Midrasha and Temple Sinai Religious School
• Day School: Shirley Goldstein, Yavneh Day School
• Day School: Marni Shapiro, Brandeis Hillel Day School — Marin
• Early Childhood Education: Patricia Perez, JCCSF Helen Diller Family Preschool
• Informal Education: Emily Scheinberg, the Contemporary Jewish Museum

Guidelines and Criteria

The next deadline for receipt of applications is March 15, 2008.

• For application forms and guidelines, please click here.

Please address questions to Judy Bloom, Development Officer⁄Director of Imprint Giving, The Jewish Community Endowment Fund, judyb@sfjcf.org.