2025 Smotrich Family Foundation Award of Merit for Excellence in Teaching

The Smotrich Family Foundation Award of Merit for Religious School Educators is given annually for up to two "up and coming" teachers - those who have completed two to four years of teaching. The winning teachers receive a $1,000 prize, and the Religious School receives a $500 prize. 

 

This year's winners are:  Suzy Nastaskin of Temple Menorah and Elisa Robichaud of Temple Etz Chaim

Suzy Nastaskin has taught religious school at Temple Menorah for grades K-1 for 3 years, and added a pre-k class this year. 

Suzy Nastaskin

 She is the only Jewish educator in the South Bay trained in the unique storytelling methodology of Torah Godly Play.  Drawing upon the sacred stories of the Torah, students are invited into the entrancement of the narrative while embracing wonder as they build their own concept of a Divine Presence in their lives. Suzy’s ultimate goal is to foster a sense of pride and joy in being Jewish among her students by teaching them about our holidays, values and traditions in a way that is fun and engaging.  A graduate of USC, she previously worked in public relations and was a part-time educator for the Manhattan Beach and Torrance Unified School Districts. 
 
Suzy’s involvement with Temple Menorah began when she attended religious school there. All three of her now grown children attended religious school at Temple Menorah, and she is eagerly awaiting the birth of her first grandchild so she can pass on her love of Judaism to the next generation.  She lives in Redondo Beach with her husband of 36 years, Igor.
 

Elisa Robichaud

Elisa Robichaud was born and raised in the Conejo Valley and has been a member of the TEC community since childhood.  After earning her BA from USC in Communication and MA from Pepperdine in Education, Elisa taught with LAUSD for 5 years.  She then spent 15 years as studio teacher, facilitating schooling on-set with child actors and models in grades K-12.  Elisa has been teaching Kindergarten at TEC Religious School for 3 years and loves spending her Sunday mornings with her students, aides, and fellow staff members.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Evan, and sons Mason (10) and Miller (8).