2018 ECE-RJ Scholarships and Awards
Each year ECE-RJ presents awards and scholarships to deserving members. Here are the 2018 recipients.
Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Memorial Scholarship (Inaugural)
Susie Wexler, Early Childhood Director, (B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, Deerfield, Ill)
Susie is attending the Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion
Mary Passell, Early Childhood Director, (Temple Chai, Phoenix, AZ)
Mary is attending the Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion
About the Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Fund provides support to ECE-RJ members working toward an advanced degree or certification in Jewish Early Childhood education or Jewish Leadership. It was created after the tragic loss of Rabbi Aaron D. Panken, Ph.D., President of Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion.
The Person of Valor Award
Carol Paster, Preschool Director, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, West Orange, N.J.)
Carol, a founding member of ECE-RJ, has guided the organization in many ways, including providing professional development and support to members, serving on several nominating committees and documenting (through photography) our journeys and time together. Her inspiration and dedication strengthen and grow early childhood Jewish education.
About the Person of Valor Award: This award is given to a person who has demonstrated innovative methodology and/or perspective that has impacted early childhood Jewish educators. He/she is an advocate for young children and their families. Recipients’ inspiration and dedication strengthen the growth of the field of early childhood Jewish education.
The Marc Newman Shomrei Or Award
Louise Van Schaack, Director of Early Childhood Education, (Temple Emanuel, Greensboro, NC) Louise received the award for her hard work and dedication to ECE-RJ. Louise chaired the committee that updated the organization bylaws. She volunteers on many committees and helps wherever needed. Louise’s exceptional character has inspired others to value the work of early childhood educators.
About the Marc Newman Shomrie Or Award: This award is given to a member who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer efforts on behalf of early childhood Jewish education. Awardees are leaders whose passion has had a measurable impact on the field of early childhood Jewish education. Their exceptional character has inspired others to value the work of early childhood educators.
