Blog

On October 21, more than 75 community members from across Greater Los Angeles joined BJE and Mountains Restoration Trust for a family-friendly day of community service learning at Malibu Creek State Park. The morning's activities followed BJE Impact's service learning model of: learning, action and reflection. Led, by BJE Impact's Rachel Dubowe, everyone discussed the Jewish values that framed our work with the natural environment, both before and after the gardening,

BJE is delighted to welcome Rachel Dubowe to its staff as Experiential Educator. In this role, she coordinates BJE Impact - providing consultation to congregations and organizations on teen service learning programs - runs BJE's Teen Service Corps Day Camp, coordinates BJE's Lainer Fellowship which works with campus Hillels to encourage student leaders to explore careers in the Jewish community, and assists with the Professional Learning Community for experiential educators who work with teens in partnership with the Los Angeles Jewish Teen Initiative (LAJTI).

On Tuesday, October 16, 2018 lay and professional leaders at BJE affiliated schools expanded their skills through a series of workshops featuring Nanette Fridman of Fridman Strategies. Nanette is an internationally respected leadership coach, consultant, trainer and author, with over 20 years of experience working with nonprofits.
 
Each of Nanette’s workshops focused on “ambassadorship” as a catalyst for growth and engagement in our schools.

In many Jewish communities - as the Jewish holidays of the month of Tishrei near their close -- it is customary to read the book of Ecclesiastes (Koheleth) during the shabbat of sukkot. A holiday known as "z'man simhateinu" - the time of our joy - is, paradoxically, celebrated in part by reading reflections, traditionally ascribed to King Solomon, that suggest that the human condition is utterly inexplicable. In the face of an uncertain and often frustrating world, the book ends by counseling the reader to maintain awe of God and to observe God's commandments.

Wishing you health,

happiness, prosperity and 

a year enriched by Jewish learning.

The Board and Staff of BJE

BJE is proud to welcome to its staff, Michelle Porjes, Ed.S. as Director of Project EnAble.  

"I feel blessed to be a part of BJE," Michelle stated. "I look forward to partnering with Jewish day schools to bring affordable onsite services to students who need extra support  to maximize success."

by Dr. Gil Graff

For the third consecutive summer, BJE is fortunate to have three teens- Katherine Eble, Riley Sobel, and Lily Spar- interning at the BJE offices as part of the Jewish Federation's LA Jewish Teen Initiative. The 4-week program enables high school students to explore the work of Jewish community agencies.

Riley Sobel and Lily Spar, going into 11th grade and 12th grade at the Episcopal School of Los Angeles and Milken Community High School, respectively, are spending their internship on projects of BJE's Donor & Community Relations department.