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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.

Left: student at the Milken Community Schools Graduation
Top Right: Valley Torah High School Boys Class of 2018
Bottom Right: Students at the de Toledo High School Graduation

At this season of graduations, BJE congratulates the students and families marking graduation milestones in their Jewish education. We hope each child and family will continue on their Jewish educational journey through life.

by Dr. Gil Graff

Jewish tradition associates Shavuot with the experience of receiving Torah at Sinai, 50 days after liberation from slavery in Egypt.  Passover marks freedom from bondage; Shavuot celebrates freedom to lead purposeful lives.  As the Israelites are about to encounter Torah, the Torah describes Israel’s mission with the phrase: “kingdom of priests; holy nation.” 

The 37th Annual BJE Bebe Feuerstein Simon Early Childhood Institute convened at Adat Ari El on Monday, March 12th, 2018. Upwards of 300 early childhood educators from across Los Angeles gathered for a day of professional development, and the presentation of the Lainer Distinguished Educator and Smotrich Family Foundation Awards.

The day's events began with the presentation of the Smotrich Family Foundation and the Lainer Distinguished Educator Awards by BJE's own Betty Winn, Director, Center for Excellence in Early Childhood & Day School Education.

Millennia ago, Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) opined that “there is nothing new under the sun.”  Though, occasionally, it might seem as if something is new, Kohelet maintained that the matter was recognized in times past but simply forgotten.  To be sure, humankind acquires new knowledge.  For example, while we know more about child development today than in former times, Koheleth might suggest that seeking and applying such knowledge is a contemporary expression of the ancient wisdom of the Book of Proverbs, "educate each child in their way."