October 07, 2019
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – During surprise all-school assemblies, four exemplary Los Angeles Jewish day school educators were each honored by the Milken Family Foundation (MFF) with the prestigious Jewish Educator Award (JEA)—and a $15,000 unrestricted financial prize. Cheered on by students and colleagues, the 2019 JEA recipients are:
Recipients responded with emotion as Milken Family Foundation Executive Vice President Richard Sandler and BJE: Builders of Jewish Education Executive Director Dr. Gil Graff celebrated their dedication and accomplishments during four unique whole-school assemblies.
"By surprising educators with their Awards before their entire school communities, we say in a very public way that excellence in education should be rewarded," said Sandler, who has been involved with JEA since the Milken Family Foundation presented the first Awards in 1990. "And by capturing the imagination of students, we hope to encourage our next generation to consider careers in teaching—in particular, to strengthen the vital role of Jewish day schools to develop academic potential and cultivate lifelong respect for the values imparted by their Jewish heritage."
All four 2019 Jewish Educator Award recipients will be celebrated, together with their families and community leaders, during an awards luncheon at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel on December 17, 2019. The inclusive event brings together leaders across LA’s Jewish community, from the most secular to the most Orthodox.
The Jewish Educator Awards initiative was established by the Milken Family Foundation, in cooperation with BJE: Builders of Jewish Education, to provide public recognition and unrestricted $15,000 cash awards to teachers, administrators and other education professionals in the Greater Los Angeles area who have made significant contributions to excellence in BJE-affiliated day schools.
Award recipients are selected by a committee of educators, professional and lay leaders from the Jewish community, according to the following criteria: