Recognition and Awards
As part of the ARJE’s commitment to advocating for the field of Jewish education, the Association presents a number of awards to practitioners whose work exemplifies best practices.
Past Awards and Recognition:
Yad B’Yad Award
The Yad B’Yad Award, established in 2010, recognizes innovative programming and curricula. The purpose of this award is to share the achievements of our members and draw attention to their exemplary contributions to Jewish education. Each award winner receives a yad in recognition.
2023-24 Collaborative Initiatives (with ECE-RJ)
Carol Pastor, ECC Director, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Iris Family Center for ECC, South Orange
2021-22 Reflect, Refresh Refocus
Jackie Klein, Religious School and Youth Programing Director, Temple Israel, West Palm Beach, FL
2020-21 Excellence in Jewish Education
Alison Weikel, Director of Education, Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland, MA.
2019-20 Change Processes
Jay Rapoport: Director of Lifelong Learning, Temple Sholom, Chicago, IL
2017-18 Radical Thinking
Jess Levine, Educator, Congregation B’nai Jeshrun- Short Hills, NJ
Lisa Davis, Associate Director, URJ Camp Harlam- Kunkletown, PA
2016-17 Intentional Leadership
Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Director of Education, Temple Isaiah, Lafayette, CA
2015-16 Innovative Approaches to Youth and/or Teen Mental Health
Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, Education Director Temple Israel, Boston, MA
2014-15 An Innovative Program and/or Approach to Jewish Education
Lori Green, Education Director Temple Sholom in Broomall, Broomall, PA
2013-14 An Innovative Approach to Integrating Israel into the Curriculum
Dana Prottas RJE, Lower School and Hebrew School Director, Mt. Zion Temple, St. Paul, MN
2012-13 An Innovative Approach to Student Learning
Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Director of Education, Temple Isaiah, Lafayette, CA
Kate Milgrom, Education Director at Temple Emanu El, Orange Village, OH
2011-12 Exceptional Professional Learning for Educational Staff
Marla Wolf, Education Director at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, Beachwood OH
2010-11: Outstanding Teen Engagement Programming
Barrett Harr, as Director of High School and Youth Programs on behalf of the education team at Temple Shalom, Dallas, TX
Distinguished Educators Award
The Distinguished Educator Award honors educators who exemplify the values of ARJE and make significant contributions to Reform Jewish education, in all its forms.
2023-2024 Memphis, TN
Joy Wasserman, RJE
Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer, RJE
2022-2023 Houston, TX
Arliene Botnick, RJE
Dr. Kathy Schwartz, RJE
Rabbi Julia Weisz
2021-2022 Baltimore, MD
Lisa Langer, RJE
Rachel Margolis, RJE
Sarah Gluck
2019-20 – Boulder, CO
Dr. Lesley Litman, RJE
Jo-Ellen Unger, RJE
2018-19 – Washington, D.C.
Saul Kaiserman, RJE
Rabbi Stacy Rigler, RJE
2017-18 – Seattle
Nachama Skolnik Moskowitz, RJ
2016-17 – St. Louis, MO
Rabbi Steven Rau, RJE
Joan Carr, RJE
2015-16 – Yom Iyun Day of Learning
Beth Ellen Young, RJE
2014-15 – Philadelphia, PA
Rabbi Joseph Eiduson, RJE
Deborah Niederman, RJE
Ira Wise, RJE
2013-14 – Chicago, IL
Dr. Michael Zeldin, RJE
2011-12 – San Antonio, TX
Melanie Cole Goldberg, RJE
Dr. Alan Levin
2010-11 – Seattle, WA
Lori Daitch
Dr. Jeff Kondritzer
Dr. Anne Lidsky, RJE
2009-10 – Alexandria, VA
Sandy Robbins, RJE
2008-09 – Nashville, TN
Anne Berman-Waldorf
Robin Eisenberg, RJE
Rabbi Stan Schickler, RJE
Anne Stein
2007-08 – Boulder, CO
Vanessa Ehrlich, RJE
Ron Leff, RJE
Sorel Goldberg Loeb
Fred Marcus, z”l
Sharon Morton, RJE
Robbie Russock
2006-07 – Kansas City, MO
Dr. Roberta Goodman, RJE
Rabbi Jan Katzew, RJE
Dr. Toby Kurzband, z”l
Lori Sagarin, RJE
2005-06 – Newport Beach, CA
Lisa Lieberman Barzilai, RJE
Mindy Davids, RJE
Rabbi Barry Diamond, RJE
Max Frankel, FRE, RJE, z”l
Lynda Gutcheon, RJE
Sandra Segel
Dr. Zena Sulkes, RJE, z”l
Julie Vanek, RJE
2004-05 – New York, NY
Lisa Goldstein, RJE
Constance Reiter, RJE
Lesley Silverstone, RJE
Jewish Educational Leadership Award
The ARJE has created this award to recognize outstanding Leaders in Jewish Education whose lifetime work has contributed greatly to the ARJE and furthered the field of Jewish education overall.
2022 - Rabbi Stan Schickler, RJE
2021 - Rabbi Bruce Raff, RJE
2015 - Rabbi Samuel K. Joseph, PhD, RJE
Rebecca Gratz Award
Rebecca Gratz founded the first Sunday school in Philadelphia in the 1830s, which led to the congregational school so closely associated with the growth of Reform movement. The Rebecca Gratz Award is presented to a member of the ARJE whose commitment, expertise and contribution to congregational education serve as a model of excellence for all in the ARJE, the Reform movement, and throughout North America.
2015 - Robin Eisenberg, RJE